Excitement is mounting as BAIC South Africa prepares for the official launch of the all-new BAIC B30 SUV in November 2025, following its first public reveal at the 2025 Festival of Motoring at Kyalami in August. The B30 is the latest addition to BAIC’s fast-growing SUV line-up, positioned between the rugged B40 Plus and the stylish X55 Plus. The model represents a new era for the brand – one defined by versatility, intelligent power, and everyday capability tailored to South African lifestyles.
From Kyalami to the Nation: A Festival Highlight
The B30 made a bold first impression during its debut at the Festival of Motoring 2025, captivating media, customers, and industry professionals with its striking design and segment-leading specifications. Thousands of visitors explored the SUV at the BAIC stand and on the dynamic tracks, where the brand also showcased the B40 Plus Honor Edition and X55 Plus.
“The Festival of Motoring was the perfect platform to reveal what the BAIC brand represents today,” said Ameena Hassan, Brand & PR Manager at BAIC South Africa. “The B30 embodies the future of versatile mobility – a vehicle that gives drivers more power, more technology, and more possibilities.”
Designed for Every Journey
Built on a modern modular platform, the B30 blends urban sophistication with off-road confidence. Its muscular stance, bold front grille, and sleek LED lighting express strength and refinement, while 215 mm of ground clearance and short overhangs enable confident handling on mixed terrain. Inside, the B30 offers a spacious, technology-rich cabin, featuring flat-folding front seats, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and a 14.6-inch infotainment display with full smartphone integration. A fully digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, and intelligent voice control make the cabin as advanced as it is comfortable. The B30 also debuts BAIC’s newest ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System), incorporating adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot detection, hill descent control, and a 360-degree camera system.
Dynamic Turbocharged Power
The petrol-powered B30 LV2 and LV3 variants deliver dynamic, efficient performance from a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 138 kW and 305 Nm of torque, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Refined yet responsive, this powertrain offers smooth acceleration and confident overtaking, with drive modes that adapt to comfort, sport, or economy settings. The LV2 introduces the range with LED lighting, digital instrumentation, and advanced safety features, while the LV3 adds luxury touches such as dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and the full suite of driver-assist technologies. Fuel consumption averages between 6.8 and 7.2 L/100 km, making the petrol versions both enjoyable and economical to drive.
Segment-Leading Hybrid Power and Control
The B30 HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) variants take performance and efficiency even further. This self-charging hybrid system combines the same 1.5-litre turbo engine with an electric motor and regenerative braking, recharging automatically while driving. The top-spec B30 HEV AWD produces a combined 301 kW and 685 Nm of torque, delivering exceptional acceleration and all-terrain confidence. With real-time all-wheel drive, a terrain management system, and fuel economy as low as 5.85 L/100 km, it sets a new benchmark for hybrid SUVs in its class.
Proven Globally, Perfected for South Africa
Internationally, the B30 (marketed as the BJ30) has already been launched in China, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Egypt, Angola, and Panama, where it has earned praise for its build quality, hybrid capability, and versatile performance. South Africa now becomes the first right-hand-drive market to receive the model – a milestone that highlights BAIC’s growing global footprint and its confidence in the local market.
A Range Built for Every Driver
The B30 range will comprise four distinct versions, offering a choice between petrol and hybrid powertrains, as well as front-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations – each designed to deliver a confident and refined driving experience.
The B30 LV2 and B30 LV3 are powered by BAIC’s advanced 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, producing 138 kW and 305 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). These petrol variants deliver smooth, responsive acceleration and impressive efficiency, with the LV3 adding luxury features such as a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and enhanced driver assistance systems for everyday comfort.
The B30 LV4 HEV introduces hybrid electric technology, combining the 1.5-litre turbo engine with an electric motor for seamless performance and improved fuel efficiency. With combined output of 180 kW, it offers smooth power delivery and whisper-quiet operation in city traffic. At the top of the range, the B30 LV5 HEV AWD produces an exceptional 301 kW and 685 Nm of torque, pairing advanced all-wheel-drive capability with a Terrain Management System, premium specification, and genuine all-surface versatility. Pricing will start from around R550,000, with the flagship hybrid all-wheel-drive model expected at approximately R700,000.
Built for South African Conditions
From bustling city streets to scenic gravel routes, the B30 is engineered for the diverse conditions of South Africa. Its tuned suspension balances comfort and control, while hybrid models offer extended range and lower fuel costs. Local assembly at BAIC’s Coega facility in Gqeberha will follow the national launch, underscoring the brand’s commitment to local production, job creation, and sustainable investment.
Pre-Order Programme Now Open
In the lead-up to launch, BAIC South Africa has opened an exclusive pre-order programme running from 24 October to 7 November 2025. Customers who reserve their B30 in advance at authorised dealerships will receive exclusive early-adopter rewards, including:
- Deposit Expansion: A R5,000 deposit secures a R25,000 deduction on the vehicle price if the purchase is finalised within 15 days of launch.
- Trade-In Bonus: Existing BAIC owners receive an extra R10,000 trade-in allowance.
- Launch Experience Lucky Draw: Ten pre-order customers will win an all-expenses-paid trip to Johannesburg to attend the official nationwide launch event in November.
Confidence, Capability, and Commitment
“The B30 is more than a new model – it’s our answer to what South African drivers truly want: real performance, smart features, flexible use, and better value,” said a Ameena Hassan from BAIC. “With the B30, we’re not just launching another SUV – we’re introducing a new level of versatility, power, and innovation to the hybrid segment.”
