BAIC makes PH comeback with UAAGI, previews 5 models

The BAIC B80, B60, B40, X55, and X7 will all make their big debut at MIAS 2024

After countless insider info, leaks, and sightings on PH roads, United Asia Automotive Group Inc. (UAAGI) has made it officially official. Aside from bringing in Lynk & Co, UAAGI is also the new official distributor & importer of BAIC cars in the country.

To highlight BAIC’s return to the Philippine market, the automaker recently held a preview of its new models that they will be unveiling at this year’s Manila International Auto Show. There will be a total of 5 cars initially and we’ll start with what could be the most striking of the bunch.

“The time is ripe for us to bring in what would be our fourth automotive brand and we are convinced that BAIC vehicles offer the right mix of design, features, technology, and pricing in its product line to make a strong impact on the Philippine market,” said Rommel Sytin, UAAGI Chairman.

First is the BAIC B80 Wagon which appears to have been inspired by a certain G Wagen from Germany. Also called BJ80, the B80 Wagon features a boxy and rugged exterior. It has a body-on-frame construction and a 4WD system to help drivers get to where they’re going no matter the terrain or weather conditions.

Powering the B80 Wagon is a 3.0-liter turbo V6 that churns out 280 PS and 420 Nm of torque. Power is then shifted to an 8-speed automatic gearbox It also has a part-time 4WD system complete with a mechanical rear differential lock for extra traction.

Size-wise, the B80 Wagon measures 4765mm long, 1955mm wide, 1985mm tall, and has a 2800mm wheelbase. Official specs and features have yet to be unveiled although based on what they previewed, the vehicle gets a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 7-speaker sound system, a pair of entertainment screens for the rear passengers, automatic climate control with rear vents, LED headlights/taillights, memory function for the driver’s seat, and a suite of safety systems.

Next up is the B60 Beaumont which is also a frame-based vehicle but is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine that benefits from a 48V mild-hybrid system. This allows the engine to crank out an impressive 161 PS and 350 Nm of torque. And just like the B80, this one also gets an 8-speed automatic and benefits from a 4WD system to cover any terrain. For extra peace of mind when taking on the road less traveled, it gets three differential locks, a crawl control system, and adjustable 4WD modes.

It can seat a total of 7 people which means it could take on the likes of other full-size SUVs in the segment for less. Speaking of size, the B60 Beaumont measures 5040mm long, 1955mm wide, 1925mm tall, and has a 2820mm wheelbase. It has a water-wading depth of 750mm and a ground clearance of 215mm.

It has full leather upholstery across each row and gets a pair of screens on the dashboard. One serves as the instrument panel while the other is the infotainment system. Other features worth mentioning in the B60 are the panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats with driver memory function, a wireless charging pad, three-zone climate control, a 12-speaker Infinity sound system and a host of intelligent driver aids/safety systems.

The last body-on-frame vehicle BAIC PH previewed is the B40 Ragnar. On looks alone, this particular vehicle is raring to go up against the likes of the GWM Tank 300. With its brawny exterior, generous ride height, and go-anywhere capability, it’s both a looker and a show-stopper. Under the hood, the B40 gets a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-four that puts out 161 PS and a generous 350 Nm of torque.

The B40 measures 4645mm long, 1925mm wide, 1871mm tall, and has a 2745mm wheelbase. It has an approach angle of 37 degrees, a departure angle of 31 degrees, and a ramp angle of 23 degrees. It has a ground clearance of 220mm and a water-wading depth of over 600mm. And like the B80 and B60, the B40 gets a 4WD system along with a rear differential lock.

Despite its rugged pedigree, the B40 still comes with creature comforts. These include; a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10-inch infotainment system, a 6-speaker sound system, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable leather seats, a 220V power outlet, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a host of safety features.

Moving from the frame-based vehicles, BAIC also showed two crossover SUVs. One of which is the X55 Verve. This is perhaps the most stylish of the unibody-based crossovers thanks to its sleek and futuristic design. The front fascia is dominated by a pair of eye-catching LED daytime running lights & headlights along with a stylish grille & bumper design. It also gets stylish LED wraparound taillights, a flashy set of alloy wheels, and pop-out door handles for that extra flair.

In terms of size, the X55 Verve comes in at 4620mm long, 1886mm wide, 1680mm tall, and has a 2735mm wheelbase. Given its dimensions, the X55 will likely go up against the likes of the Ford Territory, GAC Emkoo, Changan CS55, GWM Haval H6, and the Jetour Dashing.

At the heart of the X55 Verve is a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four that is married to a 7-speed wet-type dual-clutch gearbox. It produces 187 PS along with a substantial 275 Nm of torque.

When it comes to amenities, the X55 comes with plenty of it. These include; a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display, a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, a wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control, a host of USB charging ports, and a wide range of intelligent driver assist features.

Last but not least is the X7 Grandeza. It sits above the X55 and serves as the brand’s 5-seater midsize crossover. Like its compact sibling, the X7 comes with a distinct and stylish exterior design that makes it stand out from the rest. From its eye-catching front fascia to the distinct up-kink beltline, and the luminous LED taillights, the BAIC X7 Grandeza is one good-looking crossover.

Powering the X7 Grandeza is a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four. Despite its small size, the engine makes a modest 187 PS just like the X55. However, this one makes more torque as it's rated to crank out 305 Nm of pull. Power is then sent to a 7-speed wet-type dual-clutch gearbox. Size-wise, the X7 Grandeza is 4745mm long, 1892mm wide, 1715mm tall, and has a 2800mm wheelbase. It also has a generous 200mm of ground clearance.

Besides having good looks and a powerful 1.5-liter engine, the X7 is also packed to the brim with amenities like dual-zone climate control, Nappa leather seats, full leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats, a 7-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, and a host of smart driver aids & safety features.

“We are very excited to offer BAIC’s state-of-the-art portfolio of world-class SUVs and crossovers. We can’t wait for Filipinos to experience the traits, characteristics, and capabilities of these exceptional SUVs firsthand,” said Froilan Dytianquin, UAAGI Group Managing Director.

Each BAIC model is covered by a comprehensive 5-year/150,000km warranty to deliver peace of mind to its customers. In addition, BAIC is set to bring more models later this year.

The BAIC B80, B60, B40, X55, and X7 will all make their public debut at this year’s MIAS.

Indicative pricing is as follows:

X55 Verve - PHP 1.4 million

X7 Grandeza - PHP 1.7 million

B40 Ragnar - PHP 2.4 million

B60 Beaumont - PHP 3.2 million

B80 Wagon - PHP 4.6 million