BAIC to the future

Veteran actor Ian Veneracion had never owned a car from a Chinese brand.

Like many Filipinos, he simply couldn’t bring himself to say yes to a vehicle from the People’s Republic.

“I was, at first, apprehensive, kasi [because] there were other brands that were offered before to me and I declined kasi hindi hindi ko kilala ‘yong [because I don’t know] Chinese brands and sanay tayo sa [we’re used to] Japanese, European, American cars,” he said.

But when he laid eyes on the 2024 BAIC B60 Beaumont seven-seater sport-utility-vehicle (SUV), everything changed.

“This one, I had to see for myself kasi [because] they’re partners with many other brands,” Veneracion said. “It’s a big company, so na-curious ako [I got curious] with their background, their history of manufacturing. Nagulat ako sa features niya [I was surprised by its features].”

“It’s my first Chinese-made car and I’m really, really happy with it,” he added.

Stylish ruggedness

The BAIC B60 Beaumont features a striking exterior that follows in the tradition of off-road SUVs.

Design features like the pointed LED headlights that complement the front grill, the 18-inch alloy wheels, the LED taillights and the silver trim on the underchassis and doors combined ruggedness with premium sophistication.

“I just love it – it’s big, it’s rugged and the aesthetics, I like it,” Veneracion said. “May angas [It’s tough].”

The B60 Beaumont is also a highly capable off-roader, thanks to its part-time all-wheel drive system with driving modes that include Snow, Mud, Sand, Rock and Wading. BAIC Philippines said the SUV has a 30-degree approach angle, 24-degree departure angle, 25-degree ramp angle and a rear differential lock.

It is also the country’s first diesel-hybrid – its electrified 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine pumps out 161 horsepower and 400 Newton-meters of torque, mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic.

“May features siya for camping, specifically,” Veneracion said. “Meron siyang socket na hindi ko pa nakikita. ‘Di ko pa siya dinadala sa todo tight trails kasi nanghihinayang ako sa pintura, pero basic off-roading, na-try ko na siya and it’s confidence-inspiring.”

[Translation: It has features for camping, specifically. It has an electrical socket that I haven’t seen before. I haven’t brought it to super tight trails because I’m worried about the paintwork. But in basic off-roading, I’ve tried it and it’s confidence-inspiring.]

Spacious, refined cabin

Veneracion also praised the B60 Beaumont’s spacious and cosseting cabin, especially the two-tone leather upholstery with stitching that he has only seen in high-end cars.

“I’m really happy that it’s now here in the Philippines kasi [because] it’s a hybrid-diesel engine and I was so surprised with the amenities,” he said.

“In-expect ko [I expected], sure, rugged and reliable,” Veneracion added. “But ang dami niyang [it has so many] luxury features na medyo nagulat ako [that I was quite surprised with] like the speaker system is by Infinity, so ang ganda ng sound [the sound was excellent].”

The dashboard is dominated by the 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and the 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a 13-speaker Infinity surround-sound system. The luxury SUV also comes standard with a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging pads and ambient lighting.

In addition, the B60 Beaumont features Level 2 Advanced Intelligent Driving Assistance that includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, lane-change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, automatic emergency brake, forward-collision warning and lane center-keeping assist.

‘Yong [It’s] price versus the features, it’s bang for the buck!” Veneracion said.

Total versatility

Veneracion added that the B60 Beaumont can be likened to a certain A-list celebrity with a penchant for the outdoors.

“Pwede siya pang-tuxedo, pupunta kang awards night,” he said. “Makintab, maangas ‘yong porma. But at the same time, naka-cargo pants ka lang, pupunta ka sa putikan or camp or for my adventures, pupunuin mo ng gear ‘yong likod.”[Translation: It could wear a tuxedo to go to an awards night. It’s dapper and looks tough. But at the same time, it could wear cargo pants to go to muddy areas or camp or for my adventures, load the back with gear.]

“Kung tao siya, siya si Ian Veneracion [if it were a person, it would be Ian Veneracion],” he said with a hearty laugh.

An all-star tie-up

BAIC Philippines officially returned to the local market last April 2024, previewing its comprehensive vehicle lineup at this year’s Manila International Auto Show.

The company, which is the local importer and distributor of the Beijing Automotive Group Co., Ltd., is managed by the United Asia Automotive Group Inc. (UAAGI) that also handles Chery, Foton, and Lynk & Co in the Philippines.

UAAGI chief marketing executive and senior vice president Lyn Buena said Veneracion’s reputation as an adventurer is what makes him a perfect fit for BAIC.

“His rugged charm and versatility of character seamlessly communicate BAIC’s confident, bold, and adventurous spirit,” she said. “And behind the wheel of his very own B60 Beaumont full-size SUV, he truly embodies the brand tagline ‘Dare to Drive Big’ to a tee.”

Besides the B60 Beaumont seven-seater SUV, BAIC Philippines also offers the X55 Verve five-seater subcompact crossover, the X7 Grandeza five-seater compact crossover, the B40 Ragnar five-seat SUV and the B80 Wagon luxury SUV.