Is BAIC PH launching B30 crossover soon?

BAIC B30 spotted on PH roads

This year marked the return of the BAIC brand to the Philippine market. Now being distributed by United Asia Automotive Group Inc. (UAAGI), the automaker previewed a lineup that consists of the X55 Verve and X7 Grandeza crossovers, as well as ladder-frame 4x4 SUVs like the B40 Ragnar, the B60 Beaumont, and the B80 Wagon.

As they work on making a bigger presence to the Philippine market, it looks like BAIC could be gearing up to introduce a new addition to their lineup. One of our readers were able to spot a boxy midsize crossover with its badges still covered in tape. But upon looking at the side profile, the vehicle identifies as the new BAIC B30.

Known as the BJ30 at its home market, we were able to see this crossover when it was launched at Auto China 2024. The vehicle could very well serve as BAIC’s first full hybrid model in the country.

Unlike the B40, B60, and B80, the B30 uses a unibody construction and is available with a 2WD version. In its home market, the B30 is offered with an ICE variant that has a 1.5-liter turbo paired to a 7-speed DCT that puts out 188 PS and 305 Nm of torque, but there’s also two HEV variants – one that comes in 2WD, and the other as all wheel drive.

In the 2WD setup, the 1.5-liter turbo and an electric motor makes up the hybrid system, and produces 334 PS and 550 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the dual-motor all-wheel-drive version takes performance to a higher level. The addition of an electric motor allows the AWD version of the B30 to produce an impressive 409 PS and 685 Nm of torque. Both hybrid variants utilize a 2-speed dedicated hybrid transmission or a DHT.

Aside from that, the B30 also impresses once you step inside the rugged crossover. A large dual-screen setup that consists of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen welcomes occupants to its spacious cabin. It also features the All-Terrain Control System that enables multiple driving modes to enhance capability across various terrains.

With its rugged-looking exterior combined with AWD capability, the BAIC B30 could be the brand’s answer to the likes of the Jetour T2, or even PPVs such as the Fortuner and Montero Sport.