Officially, the BAIC brand stands for Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Company Ltd. But because of how its latest SUV offering looks, and all the bells and whistles that come with it, BAIC could very well stand for “Bad-Ass In Charge.”
The BAIC B30e Dune, which is offered in 4×4 and 4×2 variants, is “bad-ass” for many reasons. For one, the BAIC B30e Dune is powered by a Dual-Motor Smart Hybrid System (for the 4×4, while the 4×2 is powered by a single motor) with no less than 6 energy management modes backed up by a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine. The state-of-the-art powertrain is coupled to a special hybrid transmission.
The B30e Dune 4×2 generates 329 hp and 550Nm of torque, while the B30e Dune 4×4’s powertrain delivers the strongest-in-class 403 hp and 685 Nm of torque, enabling it to sprint from 0 to 100 kph in 6.9 seconds.
The B30e Dune’s true off-road capability comes from its real-time intelligent hybrid 4-wheel drive with its front and rear axle drive electric motors, its 7-mode (Comfort, Sport, Economy, Snow, Sand, Muddy Road, Wading) all-terrain system, as well as its high 215-mm ground clearance, enabling this hybrid off-roader to effortlessly cope with a variety of difficult terrain and slippery surfaces.
Both B30e Dune 4×2 and 4×4 variants run on 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/60R-19 tires. Both have an approach angle of 24.5 degrees, departure angle of 30 degrees and a wading depth of 450 mm.
The BAIC B30e Dune is “bad-ass” thrifty. Fuel economy results in real-world driving goes for up to 34km/liter, and that’s not typical of SUVs like these.
The “bad-ass” interior is cruelty-free. That means, nothing inside the BAIC B30e Dune is sourced from animal skin. The spacious cabin and comfortable ride can be credited to the generous 2,820-mm wheelbase. There’s heated and cooled front seats, a fully digital driver’s interface with a 10.25-inch instrument panel and a 14.6-inch floating central display with screen mirroring connectivity. There’s a 1.9-meter long cargo bed, which allows up to 1,496 liters of cargo space.
Adding to its utility, the B30e Dune comes with an integrated trunk picnic table folded behind the second-row seats, and serves as a tonneau cover when set in place. BAIC Philippines claims it has a secure locking mechanism, rubberized edges for added stability, and hand-tightened legs, ideal for roadside setups or for campsites.
There are “bad-ass” safety features that go with the B30e Dune, such as full Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) with cruise control, integrated cruise assist, intelligent high beam control, blind spot monitoring system, lane assist system, lane change assist, emergency lane keep assist, forward collision warning, rear collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, rear cross travel warning, rear cross travel braking and door opening warning. It also has a 360-degree around-view monitor as well as reverse camera and sensors.
It has the “bad-ass” backing of the United Asia Automotive Group Inc (Uaagi) known for its strong after-sales and huge parts inventory.
Then there’s the “bad-ass” pricing, warranties, and introductory discount for the BAIC B30e Dune. Take advantage of the limited-time promotion and enjoy a P100,000 discount off the standard retail price until September 30, 2024. That means, instead of the SRP of P1,888,000 for the B30e Dune 4×4 variant, it’s only down to P1,788,000, or even as low as P1,488,000 for the 4×2 variant (instead of the P1,588,000 SRP). The BAIC B30e Dune comes with a 5-year or 150,000-km warranty (whichever comes first).
Get an up-close, larger-than-life look at BAIC’s game-changer of an offroader, the B30e Dune, at the Main Atrium of the SM Mall of Asia this weekend only (Sept. 19 to 22). Get to the “BAIC Base Camp” at the right day and time (that’s Sept. 21), and you may even get to hobnob with BAIC brand ambassador Ian Veneracion, who will dish out a special performance.
No need to fret if you’ll be missing the MOA weekend. Just visit any of BAIC’s 11 dealerships and test drive the B30e Dune with your friends and family.