BAIC set for NZ launch, announces first two models
Words: Andrew Sluys
BAIC (Beijing Automotive Group Co., Ltd.) has announced its plans to launch in New Zealand before the end of February this year.
The initial line-up will consist of just two vehicles; the X55 Mid-Size SUV and B30 Medium SUV, available to order from February 27.
NZ Autocar has already sampled both of these SUV offerings, and you can read that story here.
Set to be sold exclusively in one trim level, the X55 is a mid-size SUV powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine which makes 138kW/305Nm.
Standard equipment on the inside includes a 10.25-inch digital cluster, a 10.1-inch infotainment display and wireless phone charging.
The B30 will be offered in Elite Adventure, Premium Adventure HEV and Premium Adventure HEV All-Wheel Drive.
This SUV gets the same 1.5-litre turbo engine, but adds the option of hybrid assistance. Peak outputs for the hybrid system are 301kW and 685Nm.
As the off-road aesthetic suggests, this SUV can be had in a two or all-wheel-drive layout.
It also gets 215mm of ground clearance, plus hill descent and hill hold assist to help drivers get off the beaten track.
Standard equipment in the B30 includes 1500-litres of boot space, a 10.25-inch digital cluster, and a 14.6-inch infotainment display.
Safety equipment shared between the two BAIC SUVs include Blind Spot Detection, Intelligent Cruise Assist, Lane Departure Warning (X55) or Lane Keep Assist (B30), Autonomous Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning.
Armstrong’s will be announcing pricing for these two BAIC models at the end of February, when both are expected to go on sale.
