BAIC has officially launched the B30 SUV in South Africa, marking a major step in the Chinese automaker’s local growth strategy. Following its debut at the August 2025 Festival of Motoring, the B30 range including petrol and hybrid electric variants was unveiled in Johannesburg on 10th November, 2025. Production will start at the Coega Industrial Development Zone in Gqeberha later this year, reinforcing BAIC’s “Build Where We Sell” strategy and creating new jobs within the local supply chain.
The midsize B30 is built for families and adventure enthusiasts. Its rugged, boxy design, 215 mm ground clearance, and optional all-wheel drive make it suitable for rough terrains while still offering comfort and technology for urban driving. Measuring 4,730 mm in length and 1,910 mm in width, it sits slightly above the Toyota RAV4 in size. Inside, the B30 features a 14.6-inch infotainment display, digital cluster, and advanced driver assistance systems that cater to modern expectations for safety and convenience.
Under the hood, buyers can choose between a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 138 kW and 305 Nm or a hybrid setup combining the same engine with dual electric motors to deliver an impressive 301 kW and 685 Nm. The hybrid models feature a two-speed dedicated hybrid transmission and optional AWD. BAIC confirmed no 200 kW variant exists despite some earlier reports. The petrol models are front-wheel drive with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, offering a balance of performance and economy.
Pricing starts at R550,000 for the base B30 petrol, while the hybrid versions start at R639,900 and climb to around R700,000 for the top-spec AWD model. These figures position the SUV directly against popular midsize competitors such as the Toyota RAV4, Haval H6, and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro. Pre-order campaigns offered early buyers a R25,000 discount with a R5,000 deposit, which ended shortly before the official launch.
The move signals BAIC’s deeper commitment to South Africa’s evolving auto landscape. Local assembly at Coega will not only reduce import dependency but also open doors for regional exports. By focusing on hybrid efficiency amid rising fuel costs, BAIC aims to capture a share of the market seeking more economical yet powerful SUVs.
Globally, the BJ30 (as it’s called in China) has gained traction as a capable urban SUV with light off-road performance, and its South African adaptation follows this model closely. With the B40 Plus already serving the hardcore 4×4 market and the X55 targeting compact SUV buyers, the B30 fills the middle ground blending practicality, technology, and affordability.
The launch strengthens BAIC’s foothold among Chinese automakers aggressively expanding in Africa. By leveraging local production and advanced hybrid tech, BAIC is building a sustainable long-term presence rather than relying solely on imports. The B30 represents that pivot, offering South African buyers both value and innovation in one package.
This rollout marks another milestone in the country’s shift toward hybrid mobility, suggesting that more locally built hybrid SUVs could follow. The question now is whether BAIC’s mix of affordability, power, and hybrid capability will be enough to sway buyers from established rivals in one of South Africa’s most competitive vehicle segments.
