(MENAFN- TimesNewswire ) Johannesburg, South Africa – 11 November 2025 – BAIC South Africa has officially launched the all-new BAIC B30 SUV, marking one of the most significant additions yet to the brand's growing local line-up.

Built for South Africans who see more than one road – to work, to family, to adventure – the B30 brings together four defining strengths: smart value, next-level technology, local production, and proven capability. Unveiled to the public at the 2025 Festival of Motoring, the B30 now enters showrooms nationwide, signalling BAIC's evolution into a brand that balances global engineering with local relevance.

A NEW ERA OF SUV VALUE – THE SMARTEST CHOICE IN ITS CLASS

At a time when affordability and specification rarely meet, the B30 delivers both. The range provides high-end equipment, turbocharged performance, and a confident SUV stance – at a price point that redefines what South Africans can expect from a mid-size SUV. Even the entry-level B30 Elite Adventure comes standard with LED lighting, full digital instrumentation, dual-zone climate control, 18-inch alloys, and BAIC's comprehensive driver-assist suite – equipment often reserved for higher trim levels elsewhere.“We've built a car that delivers what people want, not just what they can afford,” says Ameena Hassan, Brand & PR Manager at BAIC South Africa.“The B30 gives customers advanced safety, design, and comfort – without compromise. It's a smarter choice for a new generation of SUV buyers.” With this combination of price and performance, BAIC is positioning the B30 as one of the most attainable yet premium-featured SUVs in South Africa's fastest-growing segment.

NEXT-GEN AS STANDARD – ADVANCED FEATURES WITHOUT THE PRICE PREMIUM

Inside the B30, sophistication meets intelligence. A sweeping 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system anchors the cockpit, complemented by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that adapts to driving modes and lighting conditions. The user interface supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while voice recognition, wireless charging, and Bluetooth connectivity come standard across the range. Safety and driver assistance are equally comprehensive. The B30 introduces BAIC's Level 2 ADAS package, including:

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Lane-Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Blind-Spot Detection (BSD)
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection
• 360° panoramic camera system
• Luxury touches extend to heated and ventilated leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, multi-colour ambient lighting, and a three-memory driver seat with Welcome Mode.

“For us, advanced technology shouldn't be an upgrade – it should be a given,” says Hassan.“The B30 gives customers features normally found in vehicles well above this price point.”

LEGACY THAT'S LOCAL – BUILT IN SOUTH AFRICA, FOR SOUTH AFRICA

The new B30 joins the B40 Plus and X55 Plus on the production line at BAIC's state-of-the-art assembly plant in the Coega Industrial Development Zone, Gqeberha. This facility, developed in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), is one of the largest automotive investments in South Africa, representing over R11 billion in long-term commitment to the local industry. Local assembly ensures faster delivery, stronger after-sales support, and an expanded local supply chain. The B30's localisation programme also contributes to job creation and skills transfer, strengthening BAIC's long-term presence in the South African economy.“Building the B30 locally is part of our belief that South Africa is not just a market – it's a manufacturing hub,” explains Hassan.“It means better support, better service, and a shared investment in the country's future.” The addition of the B30 to Coega's production line also confirms BAIC's intention to expand its African export capability in the coming years, making South Africa a strategic base for regional distribution.

ENGINEERED IN EXTREMES – 60 YEARS OF OFF-ROAD DNA

Behind its elegant design, the B30 is a vehicle shaped by endurance and heritage. With over 60 years of BAIC off-road engineering experience and more than 4 million kilometres of global testing, the B30 has been built to perform in diverse conditions – from the frozen winters of Heilongjiang to the desert heat of Saudi Arabia. The result is a hybrid SUV with real-world durability. The B30 Premium Adventure HEV AWD delivers 301 kW and 685 Nm, combining petrol and electric power for dynamic performance. Its All-Terrain System (ATS) allows drivers to switch between Mud, Sand, Wading, and Snow modes, while its real-time AWD system responds in just 0.03 seconds for maximum traction. With 215 mm ground clearance, 25° approach, and 30° departure angles, the B30 maintains confidence on gravel, wet roads, or steep inclines – proving that capability can coexist with refinement.“The B30 was tested in some of the world's toughest conditions, but built for the realities of South Africa,” says Hassan.“It's an SUV that feels equally at home in Sandton or Sutherland.”

POWER AND EFFICIENCY IN PERFECT BALANCE

The 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine in the B30 Elite and Premium Adventure produces 138 kW and 305 Nm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that delivers smooth, responsive power. The hybrid variants employ BAIC's Magic Core Hybrid System – a self-charging electric architecture with six intelligent operation modes that optimise fuel economy and performance. Hybrid power delivers up to 301 kW combined output, yet achieves fuel efficiency as low as 5.85 L/100 km. A driving range of up to 1,000 km makes the B30 one of the most efficient mid-size SUVs in its class.

SPECIFICATIONS SNAPSHOT

Engine Options: 1.5T petrol / 1.5T hybrid (FWD & AWD)

Power Output: 138 kW – 301 kW

Torque: 305 Nm – 685 Nm

Transmission: 7DCT / DHT

Ground Clearance: 215 mm

Drive Modes: Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, and Terrain

Fuel Efficiency: From 5.85 L/100 km

0–100 km/h: 6.95 seconds (HEV AWD)

Range: Up to 1,000 km

A NEW CHAPTER FOR BAIC IN SOUTH AFRICA

The B30 is more than just a new model launch – it's a statement of intent. It demonstrates BAIC's evolution from a challenger brand to a credible, long-term player in South Africa's automotive landscape.“The B30 shows who we are and where we're going,” says Hassan.“We've combined global technology, local insight, and real value into a vehicle that challenges expectations. Because for us, there's always more than one road.”

About BAIC South Africa

BAIC South Africa, a subsidiary of Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. Ltd (BAIC Group), is a Fortune Global 500 automaker and one of China's leading automotive manufacturers. Established in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), BAIC's Coega facility represents a long-term commitment to South Africa's automotive sector, combining local assembly with world-class quality standards. With a growing network of dealerships, an expanding SUV line-up, and continued investment in local production, BAIC South Africa continues to deliver vehicles that combine value, durability, and advanced technology for South African drivers.

MENAFN11112025006250013577ID1110328378