2018 BAIC BJ20 SUV and M50S MPV launched in the Philippines

MANILA: BAIC has launched an SUV crossover and an MPV in the Philippines market. Called the BJ20 and the M50S, respectively, these two new models have been introduced by Bayan Auto, which is the authorized distributor of BAIC cars in the country. The launch event took place at the company’s showroom in Chino Roces Avenue in Makati City.

BAIC BJ20

The BJ20 is BAIC’s take on the rapidly expanding compact crossover segment. It is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that is capable of churning out 149 PS at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 210 Nm at 2,000 – 4,500 rpm. Transmission duties are handled by a CVT automatic gearbox, which sends power to the front two wheels. Sadly, there is no all-wheel drive (AWD) system on offer on any variant of the BAIC BJ20. Suspension setup includes MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link system at the rear. The vehicle is equipped with 18-inch wheels and boasts of a ground clearance of 215 mm.  

The top spec Luxury variant of the BAIC BJ20 comes loaded to the brim with features like keyless entry, push-button start/stop, electronic parking brake with auto hold functionality, hill hold assist, tire pressure monitoring system, reverse camera, and an electronic panoramic sunroof. Safety features on offer include four airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, ABS (anti-lock braking system) with EBD (electronic brake force distribution), brake assist, traction control, electronic stability program (ESP), and a built-in immobilizer.

Infotainment duties are handled by a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system which supports Bluetooth, USB, and HDMI connectivity. This system is mated to 6 speakers. BAIC has also provided three 12 volt power supply outlets across the BJ20’s cabin.

The BAIC BJ20 will be sold in two variants. The entry-spec Standard trim is priced at Php 1,148,000, while the top-spec Luxury variants is pegged at PhP 1,288,000.

BAIC M50S

Being an MPV, the BAIC M50S is focused on families and carrying multiple people in comfort. The M50S is capable of seating 7 or 8 passengers with ease. Interestingly, BAIC has used a front engine, rear wheel drive setup on the M50S; something that isn’t seen often in the MPV segment.

Powering the BAIC M50S is a 1.5-litre, turbocharged petrol engine. This is the same engine that powers the BJ20. However, it is tuned differently to suit the MPV characteristics. Hence, the M50S is rated at 116 PS @ 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 150 Nm @ 4,300 – 4,500 rpm. Transmission duties are taken care of by a 5-speed manual gearbox that sends power to the rear wheels.

On the inside, the BAIC M50S gets Micro Fiber Leather upholstery in the Ultra Luxury and Luxury variants. The primary difference between these two variants is the seating arrangement. While the Luxury trim is available as a 7-seater as well as an 8-seater, the Ultra Luxury can be had only as a 7-seater with captain seats in the second row.

In-car entertainment (ICE) duties are handled by a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is mated to a 4-speaker sound system. It supports Bluetooth, USB and SD cards. Safety features on offer include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and a reverse camera.

The BAIC M50S is available at a price of PhP 638,000 for the Luxury variant and Php 668,000 for the Ultra Luxury trim.