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By Charl Bosch

Motoring Journalist


Controversial BAIC B40 Plus unveiled ahead of 2020 market launch

Having opened its new R11-billion production facility outside Port Elizabeth last year, Chinese automaker Beijing Automotive Industrial Corporation (BAIC) unveiled the rather controversial B40 Plus on the first day of the Kyalami Festival of Motoring this past Wednesday (21 August).


Destined to arrive in South Africa next year, the B40, known as the BJ40L in China, takes more than a few styling hints from the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited despite BAIC referring to the looks as ‘distinctive’.

Said to have been designed to “tackle the toughest South African terrain”, the five-door only B40 Plus measures 4 630 mm in overall length with a height of 1 861 mm, wheelbase of 2 730 mm and width of 1 843 mm with a claimed ground clearance of 220 mm, selectable four-wheel-drive with an electronic low-range ‘box and respective approach and departure angles of 37 and 31 degrees plus a breakover of 23 degrees.

With South Africa set to be first right-hand-drive market for the B40 Plus, BAIC will offer it with a single powertrain option; a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that, in China, produces 145kW/270Nm, and which effectively rates as a development of the H engine once used by Saab. Transmission options consist out of a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.

Depending on the trim level, standard spec will include items such as 17-inch alloy wheels, a ten-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with three display options; Classic, Speed and Track and, like the Wrangler, a folding windscreen and ability to have the roof completely removed.

More details and pricing will be revealed closer to the B40 Plus’ local launch date.

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