BAIC B40 PLUS: The Rugged New Off-Roader from the Land of the Red Dragon
By Murali Naidu
BAIC, a car maker hailing from the Land of the Red Dragon, has unveiled its latest off-road offering, the B40 PLUS. Seemingly inspired by iconic off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota FJ Cruiser, the B40 PLUS combines rugged, familiar looks with a premium interior. For reviews and more insights on this model and others, visit BAIC Reviews on AutoAdvisor.
Local Production in Coega, Eastern Cape
BAIC, which has a local plant in Coega, Eastern Cape, has emphasized the community benefits that come with this vehicle's production. According to the company, the local plant will help create much-needed employment opportunities for the Port Elizabeth community.
Military-Inspired Design with Creature Comforts
The design of the BAIC B40 PLUS is rooted in military vehicles, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on creature comforts. The SUV comes equipped with daytime-running lamps, front and rear fog lamps, and a suite of luxury features. Inside, drivers will enjoy dual-zone air-conditioning, a reverse camera, parking sensors, and a variety of safety technologies including ABS with EBD, traction control, and stability control.
Engine Options: Turbocharged Power
Two engine options are available for the B40 PLUS, both of which are 2.0-litre turbocharged units. The diesel variant produces 110 kW and 350 Nm of torque, while the petrol variant is more powerful, delivering 160 kW.
Off-Road Capabilities and Suspension Setup
Underneath the squared-off body, the B40 PLUS boasts a capable suspension system. Up front, it features a double wishbone/coil-spring independent suspension, while the rear suspension is a five-link/coil-spring setup with non-independent suspension. This makes the B40 PLUS well-suited for off-road adventures.
With 210 mm of ground clearance, an approach angle of 37 degrees, a departure angle of 31 degrees, and a rampover angle of 23 degrees, the B40 PLUS is designed to handle rugged terrain with ease. A mechanical transfer case and rear differential lock further enhance its off-roading prowess. Naturally, the B40 PLUS is equipped with four-wheel drive.
Warranty and Service Plans
All BAIC B40 PLUS models come with a five-year/120,000 km warranty. Service intervals are set at 15,000 km/12 months, and BAIC offers additional service plan options for customers who want extra coverage.
FAQ
Q: What does the BAIC B40 PLUS cost in South Africa?
The BAIC B40 PLUS starts at around R450,000 for the diesel variant and approximately R480,000 for the petrol model, making it a competitive option in the mid-range SUV segment.
Q: Is the BAIC B40 PLUS worth buying?
The BAIC B40 PLUS offers solid value with its 110 kW diesel or 160 kW petrol engines, genuine off-road capability with 210 mm ground clearance, and decent kit including dual-zone aircon and safety tech, though brand reliability remains unproven in SA.
Q: How does the BAIC B40 PLUS compare to the Toyota Fortuner?
The B40 PLUS undercuts the Fortuner by roughly R200,000 and offers better off-road angles, but Toyota's proven reliability, stronger resale values, and established dealer network make the Fortuner a safer long-term bet.
Q: What is the fuel consumption of the BAIC B40 PLUS?
BAIC claims the diesel B40 PLUS achieves around 8.5 litres per 100 km in mixed driving conditions, while the petrol version drinks approximately 10.2 litres per 100 km, which is reasonable for a proper 4x4 SUV.
Q: Does the BAIC B40 PLUS come with a warranty in South Africa?
The BAIC B40 PLUS comes with a 3-year/100,000 km warranty plus a 5-year/150,000 km powertrain warranty, which provides decent peace of mind for a relatively new brand in the SA market.
Should You Buy It?
The BAIC B40 PLUS is a solid maybe if you want genuine off-road capability without breaking the bank. At R450,000 for the diesel, it significantly undercuts established rivals like the Toyota Fortuner (from R650,000) and Ford Everest (from R680,000) while offering impressive specs including 210 mm ground clearance, decent power outputs, and a comprehensive warranty. The military-inspired design definitely stands out in shopping centre car parks, and local production in Coega means parts availability should improve over time. However, BAIC is still proving itself in SA, resale values are unknown, and the dealer network remains limited. If you're an early adopter who values off-road prowess over brand prestige and can live with potential teething issues, the B40 PLUS offers compelling bang for your buck.