When you’re in the market for an off-roader SUV, three things are non-negotiable: it has to look the part, it needs a solid terrain management system, and there should be a ton of power ready to go at any time.
The BAIC B30 Dune? Well, it seem to tick all the boxes at first glance. And what’s more, it comes with a pretty attractive price tag – under P2 million for the top-spec model.
Now, BAIC isn’t a new name in the Philippines. This Chinese automaker used to sell cars here back in the 2010s, but then they went quiet during the pandemic. However, they’re back with a vengeance, thanks to United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI), the same folks distributing Chery, Foton, and Lynk & Co. They’ve got a whole new lineup of crossovers and SUVs, including this beast right here – the BAIC B30 Dune. And while I wasn’t the biggest fan of its predecessor, the BJ20, the B30 is like a glorious redemption story.
Rugged, But Refined
The BAIC B30 Dune is a hybrid crossover SUV, and it’s the second generation of this model. One glance, and you’ll immediately recognize BAIC’s signature rugged, military-inspired look. The full LED lighting gives it a modern edge, so it’s not all about roughness – there’s some finesse here too.
It comes in five color options, and while I personally love this unit’s Moss Green finish, there’s also a Matte Gray if you’re feeling adventurous. It rolls on 19-inch wheels, which gives it some real road presence. But here’s something that caught my eye: the stepboards. While they initially look more like fashion accessories – I mean, they’re tiny – surprisingly, they’re useful once you open the door. Just, uh, make sure you don’t have gigantic feet.
The B30 Dune measures 4,730mm long, 1,910mm wide, and 1,790mm tall, with a 2,820mm wheelbase. It’s about the same size as a Toyota Fortuner, but smaller compared to the Jetour T2, which is its closest competitor. It’s got a respectable 215mm ground clearance, which is great for mild off-roading, though the 450mm wading depth means it’s not quite ready to tackle rivers – stick to puddles.
The back end of the B30 Dune looks just as rugged as the front, thanks to the barrage of LED lights and its overall commanding stance. Open the trunk, and you’re in for a treat: it’s spacious enough for all your gear, but the real kicker? The tonneau cover transforms into a picnic table! Yes, you heard that right – perfect for impromptu outdoor meals, albeit, while sitting on the ground.
Big on Space
One of the biggest wins for the B30 Dune is its interior space. Despite being a pretty large vehicle, BAIC didn’t go for a third row of seats, so you’re left with spacious rear seats and a roomy trunk. Honestly, this is a smart move – why cram in more seats when you can stretch out and actually enjoy the ride?
Up front, the interior gets a premium feel thanks to its two-tone theme, with light gray dominating the cabin. The materials feel nice and soft, but what’s really impressive is the tech. You’ve got a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a massive 14.6-inch infotainment screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Oh, and did I mention there’s wireless charging? You’re covered.
Now, here’s something interesting – the dashboard has no buttons. Everything is controlled through that giant touchscreen. Whether that’s a good thing or not, well, I’ll leave that for you to decide. It’s definitely sleek, but if you’re the type who likes physical buttons, you might have to adjust.
As you’d expect from a brand-new model, the B30 Dune comes loaded with the latest driver assistance features. These include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and basically every safety system you can think of. Whether you opt for the 4×2 or 4×4 variant, you’re covered with all the tech you need. Plus, there’s a full set of airbags to keep you safe.
More Than Enough Muscle, But…
The BAIC B30 Dune comes in two variants – 4×2 and 4×4. Both of them have a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine paired with electric motors. Now, this isn’t a plug-in hybrid, but the electric motors do a lot of the work, thanks to regenerative braking and the engine charging the battery as you drive.
The 4×2 variant puts out 329 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque, while the 4×4 cranks it up to 403 horsepower and a massive 685 Nm of torque. That’s a lot of muscle, but here’s the catch: while there’s plenty of power on paper, I did notice that the torque delivery feels a bit lacking, even in the 4×4. It’s not a power issue – the problem might be in the transmission and how it sends that power to the wheels.
When it comes to handling, the B30 Dune is actually pretty easy to maneuver. The steering feels light and offers decent feedback, though as with most SUVs this size, there’s some body roll when you take tighter corners. But hey, that’s to be expected.
The suspension is where this thing shines in terms of comfort. In Comfort mode, the ride is soft and pleasant – not so soft that it feels like you’re driving a boat, but comfortable enough for long trips. It does lean a bit when you push it hard, but for daily driving and light off-roading, it’s more than enough. Switching to Sport mode makes things a little firmer, but the change isn’t dramatic. It’s subtle – like adding a dash of spice to an already tasty dish.
A Strong Comeback
The BAIC B30 Dune is an impressive SUV that has a lot going for it beyond its incredible torque figures. Sure, there are a few quirks, like the power delivery and the touchscreen controls, but overall, this thing is packed with features, looks great, and drives well.
Which brings us to the best part – pricing. The 4×2 variant is priced at P1,488,000 million, and while the price of the 4×4 wasn’t available at the time of this review, we’re told it’ll stay under Php 2 million. That’s half a million pesos cheaper than its closest rival, the Jetour T2, while still offering the same rugged looks and mild off-roading capabilities.
If you’re in the market for a tough, tech-laden, and fairly priced SUV, the BAIC B30 Dune should be high on your list. Give it a test drive and see for yourself what it brings to the (picnic) table.
