Words: Autocar
Published 27 February 2026
Armstrong’s has confirmed full pricing and specification details for BAIC’s New Zealand launch, with the X55 and B30 both available to order from today.
Two SUVs lead the launch: the X55 compact SUV and the larger B30 medium SUV.
Pricing runs from $37,990 for the sole X55 variant, while the B30 range spans from $42,990 to $52,990 across three variants.
A special launch offer reduces each model by $3,000 and is available until the end of May, bringing the X55 to $34,990 and the B30 entry point to $39,990.
BAIC X55
The X55 compact SUV is offered in a single Premium specification and slots into one of New Zealand’s most competitive segments.
Power comes from a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 138kW and 305Nm, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the front wheels.
The X55 measures 4620mm long on a 2735mm wheelbase, with 160mm of ground clearance.
Standard equipment is generous for the price point. Inside there’s a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch central touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charging, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker audio system.
Seating is leatherette with six-way electric adjustment for both front occupants, along with seat heating, memory and ventilation.
A refrigerated centre console armrest is a notable inclusion at this price.
The panoramic sunroof, power tailgate with Smart Anti-Pinch, hidden door handles and 19-inch alloy wheels give the X55 strong visual presence. A 360-degree surround-view camera, blind spot detection, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning are all standard.
The X55 is available in seven exterior colours including dual-tone options pairing body colours with a black roof.
BAIC B30
Sold in China as the BJ30, a reference to BAIC’s long association with Jeep, it wears an upright, squared-off body with wide black cladding and a tall stance.
Underneath, it is a monocoque medium SUV, but at 4730mm long and 1910mm wide it is larger than a Toyota RAV4.
Three variants are offered: Elite Adventure, Premium Adventure HEV and Premium Adventure HEV AWD.
The entry Elite Adventure ($42,990) uses the same 1.5-litre turbopetrol as the X55, producing 138kW and 305Nm, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch and front-wheel drive. Ride height is a useful 215mm.
The Premium Adventure HEV ($47,990) introduces a dedicated hybrid transmission pairing the 1.5-litre engine with an electric motor for a combined system output of 246kW and 550Nm.
The Premium Adventure HEV AWD ($52,990) adds a rear electric motor, lifting outputs to 301kW and 685Nm via a real-time four-wheel drive system. The AWD variant also unlocks Mud, Sand and Wading drive modes alongside Electronic Limited Slip Assist, All-Terrain System management and Launch Mode.
All B30 variants ride on 19-inch alloy wheels, the Elite on 235/65s and the hybrids on 235/60s, and share a 14.6-inch infotainment display powered by a Snapdragon 8155 chip. Boot space is a substantial 1,500 litres with seats folded.
Safety equipment across the range includes autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind spot detection, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking radars, reversing camera, hill descent and hill hold control. The HEV AWD adds the full suite of terrain management systems.
The B30 is available in nine colours including Pearlescent White, Moss Green, Spy Blue, Platinum Grey and Jet Black.
Accessories
Armstrong’s has confirmed a launch accessories range for both models.
For the X55, options include a carpet mats set ($205), lipped rubber mats set ($255) and a lipped rubber boot liner ($210). B30 buyers can choose from a car mats set ($255), deep dish TPO mats set ($380), carpet boot mat ($210) and a deep dish TPO boot liner ($250).
Warranty and service
Both models are backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty, with the B30’s hybrid battery covered for eight years or 150,000km. Roadside assistance is included for the first year, with service intervals set at 12 months or 10,000km.
What’s next
Armstrong’s has indicated a further five models will join the range over the next two years, including a ute.
The next confirmed arrival is the B40, a ladder-frame 4×4 with locking front, centre and rear differentials aimed squarely at the serious off-road market and expected to compete with the likes of the Toyota Prado. Engine options and pricing for New Zealand are yet to be confirmed, though overseas variants offer a 165kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol and a 120kW/350Nm turbodiesel. A range-extended hybrid variant with approximately 152km of electric-only range and a claimed total range of around 1,200km is also in development, though right-hand-drive availability is yet to be confirmed.
At launch, BAIC will be represented by seven dealers across the country: Auckland Auto Group on the North Shore, Armstrong’s BAIC Newmarket in Auckland Central, Takanini Auto Group in South Auckland, Waikato Auto Group Limited in Hamilton, Tauranga Motor Group Limited in Tauranga, Armstrong’s BAIC Wellington and Armstrong’s BAIC Christchurch.
