BAIC B40 PLUS
The BAIC B40 Plus is a lifestyle and adventure SUV, which has been compared to the likes of the Jeep Wrangler and G-Wagon, with square edges and a utilitarian feel but with a modern twist. BAIC describes the B40 as ‘bold and unapologetic’ in its design with practicality, and functionality as top priorities, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t stylish.
A Brief History Of The B40
The SUV’s history is rooted in the military with BAIC producing commercial and military vehicles in China since 1958. The B40’s battlefield prowess is most prevalent when it comes to its off-road capabilities, having been tested in almost every condition.
According to BAIC’s Mr Basil Costa, Senior Manager for Sales and Marketing, the B40 was put through a stringent testing process that ensures adaptability to extreme conditions which come in 10 percent higher than normal passenger vehicles.
The B40s selectable 4WD system with a mechanical central transfer case and rear differential lock allows drivers to control how the engine is powered. Its front suspension is a double wishbone/coil spring independent suspension and the rear suspension is a 5-link/coil spring non-independent suspension. The overhangs are minimal, combined with a ground clearance of 210mm, resulting in a generous approach angle of 37 degrees, departure angle of 31 degrees and ramp over angle of 23 degrees.
BAIC B40 PLUS
Stand Out Design Features
The B40 has an aggressive bumper and wheel arches with 17-inch alloy wheels, further accentuating the B40’s toughness. In the front, it has a 5-slot grille design inspired by the Great Wall of China, LED fog lights and squared-off headlamps. Its vertical windshield design, huge exterior mirrors and high seating make for great 360-degree visibility. In addition, the tow hooks make it easy to pull fellow adventurers in need of assistance. An interesting selling point in its exterior design is that you can remove some of the roof panels giving an open-top experience.
The cabin interior is pretty upmarket in looks and likely borrows some design features from Mercedes-Benz thanks to its joint venture with BAIC. The start button, for example, appears to have been copied from the E-Class, while the air vents look sourced from Benz’s compact-car range and the stitching on the side of the doors is very G-Wagon.
The B40 Plus offers a Dual Zone Air Conditioner, 6-speaker audio system, colour-coded interior trim, chrome accents and to top it all off, reclining rear seats. There are also features like the reverse camera, Park Distance Control (PDC), and customizable Multi-Information Display (MID). But unfortunately no Apple or Android CarPlay.
How Safe Is It?
If you’re in the market for adventuring then you also need to consider safety as a top priority. The B40 Plus comes with a built-in cage anti-roll body structure and anti-roll bar framework composed of a high-strength steel plate and pipe beam.
The SUV also comes standard with a host of active and passive safety features. These include an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), and Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) and some models feature Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Ascent Control (HAC) and Hill Descent Control (HAC).
Engine Specs
The B40 Plus is available in 2.0-litre Petrol Turbo or 2.0-litre Turbo Diesel. The 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine puts out 160 kW/320 Nm and is paired with a 6-speed automatic, while the 2.0-litre turbo diesel produces outputs of 110 kW and 350 Nm of torque in combination with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
BAIC B40 PLUS
Competitive Price Point
There are 5 derivatives on offer in 3 levels of trim: B40 Plus, B40 Plus City Hunter, and B40 Plus Champion. The B40 Plus range starts from R549,500 and goes up to R629,500 for the top-of-the-range offering, which is way below what you would pay for a Jeep Wrangler or G-Wagon.
Are you looking for a tough SUV that turns heads and meets your adventure lifestyle needs? The BAIC B40 could be the perfect fit for you! Find out more about the B40 Plus or book a test drive today at Group1 BAIC.
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