Filipinos, much like many car browsers around the world, tend to go for crossovers or SUVs. Among the nearly universal tenets that attract them to this mobility form factor are elevated ride height, space for both passengers and their gear, and sedan-like accoutrements – the latter particularly true for more modern examples.
The Beijing Automotive Group Co., Ltd., more commonly known as BAIC, is a major brand going all in on SUVs that are positioned as “true 4×4 models” with “genuine off-road capabilities and strong yet fuel-efficient diesel engines.” BAIC is one of the top five auto manufacturers in China, and sells vehicles in more than 50 countries. The company said that it has sold more than 34 million vehicles.
In the Philippines, the brand is overseen by United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI), which positions BAIC as appropriate for executives and entrepreneurs who have active lifestyles, and are in need of “large, spacious, and high-riding diesel-powered SUVs for out of town trips.” The target demographic also includes Millennials and Gen Zs – expected to particularly like the design language of BAIC.
Among the first salvo of products that BAIC Philippines released formally at this year’s Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) last April is the B60 Beaumont. Like its B40 and B80 siblings, it boasts of a body-on-frame set up, said to be a hallmark of “true SUVs,” according to BAIC Philippines.
Body-on-frame vehicles lend themselves better to negotiating uneven terrain – such as those encountered when off-roading – because they offer more resistance to less-than-pristine surfaces. Other benefits include enabling greater towing capacity and enhanced overall ruggedness.
Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel heart, the seven-seater B60 Beaumont serves up 163hp and 400Nm – accessed through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. The power plant is supplemented by a 48V electric motor, which makes the vehicle a mild hybrid and helps to mitigate the thirst for diesel. The driver also has access to a number of drive modes: Eco, Comfort, Mud, Through, Sand, Rock, and Wading.
The front wheels get double wishbone suspension, while the rear rollers have multi-links. The part-time all-wheel-drive SUV features an electronic parking brake, auto hold, and electric power steering. Two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels are wrapped with 265/65 tires. The full-size spare wheel is mounted on the tailgate.
Meanwhile, the LED projector headlamps on the B60 Beaumont have auto control and electronic leveling, and are complemented by LED daytime running lamps. The taillights are also LEDs, and the vehicle has fog lights in the front and rear. A front skid plate further lends some off-roading protection – and cred.
Inside, the BAIC B60 Beaumont boasts a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, which can also display off-roading information. The touchscreen infotainment screen measures 12.8 inches and is hooked up to a 12 + 1 Infinity speaker system. The driver has a 12-way power-adjustable seat, while the front passenger gets a six-way power-adjustable one. Second-row seating features a center armrest with cupholders, and its seatbacks can be collapsed in a 60:40 split for additional space; the last row can be similarly stowed in a 50:50 split. For enhanced passenger comfort, the A/C system is a “tri-zone” automatic, with individual vents for second- and third-row occupants. As standard, the SUV gets a digital rearview mirror with digital video recorder.
The diesel-sipping vehicle receives a slew of safety features: anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, wire-controlled brake system drive mode, electronic stability program, traction control, dragging mode, hill start assist, descent control, tire pressure monitoring, auto parking, and more. Advanced driver assistance functions include cruise control, traffic jam assist, intelligent high-beam control, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane change and keep assist, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, rear cross traffic warning, door opening warning, and traffic sign recognition.
A panoramic electronically controlled sunroof provides illumination and heightens the sense of space within.
Stretching 5.04 meters long, 1.95 meters tall, and 1.925 meters wide, the BAIC B60 Beaumont (priced at P2.898 million), like other BAIC models, comes with a five-year/150,000km comprehensive warranty. All of the marque’s vehicles are made in world-class, state-of-the-art, and fully robotized factories in Shunyi, Beijing.
Sometimes, you get the best of both worlds.
Experience the latest BAIC vehicles at these upcoming roadshows
BAIC Philippines invites everyone to discover its latest vehicle lineup at the Mall of Asia, Main Atrium from November 13 to 19, 2024 and at SM Aura, Ground Floor from November 20 to 26, 2024.
Now is your chance to explore BAIC Philippines’ roster of big and bold SUVs. You can also schedule a test drive, or reserve your new BAIC SUV today.
Stay updated by following BAIC Philippines on social media:
Facebook: BAIC Philippines
Instagram: @baicph
Website: www.baic.ph
For inquiries, you can reach the BAIC Hotline at 0917 189 2242
