Gqeberha, South Africa – Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation (BAIC) is preparing to launch its B30 as the brand’s flagship model, with local assembly planned at the Coega Industrial Zone in the Eastern Cape in 2026. The move comes as the Chinese automaker looks to strengthen its foothold after struggling to establish itself in South Africa since opening the controversial plant in 2018.
The 41 768 m² Coega facility produced only 282 vehicles last year, yet BAIC insists the plant is central to its expansion plans. It currently assembles the Beijing X55 and last month completed the first pre-production Tunland G7 bakkie. The B30 will be the third model locally assembled, initially in complete knockdown kit format.
Revealed at the Kyalami Festival of Motoring in August, the B30 will be sold in petrol and self-charging hybrid variants, aiming to compete with Chery’s Tiggo Cross HEV and the Toyota Corolla Cross. Initially imported from China, the model falls under the BJ (Beijing Jeep) banner and incorporates styling cues from the Defender 110, Ford Bronco, and Jeep Grand Wagoneer.
The second-generation B30 rides on a unibody platform and is marketed as a light-duty off-roader with 215 mm of ground clearance. It measures 4 730 mm long, 1 910 mm wide, 1 790 mm tall, with a 2 820 mm wheelbase and maximum cargo space of 1 496 litres. The interior can be converted into a sleeping area, with the boot cover doubling as a folding table.
BAIC offers four B30 variants across Elite and Premium trims. The petrol model features a 1.5-litre turbo engine producing 138 kW/305 Nm sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The hybrid B30e pairs a detuned petrol engine with front and rear electric motors, delivering up to 301 kW/685 Nm and all-wheel drive, with Eco, Comfort, Sport, Snow, Mud, Sand, and Wading drive modes.
Standard equipment includes LED headlights with Auto High Beam Assist, rain-sensing wipers, leather seats, dual-zone climate control, push-button start, electric tailgate, 10.25-inch instrument cluster, 14.6-inch infotainment system, eight-speaker audio, and multiple USB ports. Safety features include a 360-degree camera system, six airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane departure and change alerts, automatic emergency braking, and more.
During a 130 km test drive from Johannesburg to Hartbeespoort, the B30 petrol model impressed with responsive shifting, quiet cabin, and comfortable ride. The B30e hybrid offered less punch due to extra weight and transmission drone, although cabin space and comfort remained high.
Pricing starts at E519 000 for the B30 1.5 T-GDI Elite, E549 900 for the Premium, E639 900 for the B30e HEV Elite, and E689 900 for the all-wheel drive B30e Premium. Seven colour options are offered, and all models include a seven-year/200 000 km warranty, with an eight-year/200 000 km battery warranty for the B30e.
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