New carmaker BAIC confirms pricing for first NZ models

The latest car manufacturer to set up shop in New Zealand, BAIC, has released local pricing for the first two nameplates it is launching locally; the X55 and the B30. The two models go on sale in New Zealand this coming weekend, with special introductory pricing in place.

The BAIC X55 arrives with a single powertrain option; a 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder producing 138kW/305Nm. It measures in at 4620mm long and 1886mm wide, with a boot space of 350-litres. 

The X55 will only be offered in a single specification; the front-wheel drive Premium. It is priced from $37,990 plus on-road costs, but BAIC is offering the model with introductory pricing of $34,990. All introductory pricing is set to remain in place until the end of May.

Standard equipment for the model includes a 10.5-inch touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital cluster, wireless phone mirroring, LED headlights and taillights, faux leather upholstery with red stitching, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless device charging, a 360-degree camera, dual-zone climate control, 19-inch front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise, and more. 

The B30, meanwhile, lands with a 1.5-litre turbocharged hybrid, pairing the same powertrain with a hybrid system. Combined, it’s a powertrain that develops 301kW of power and 685Nm of torque. 

The B30 will be available with either two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with its range spread across two trim levels; Elite Adventure and Premium Adventure. The latter is offered in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. 

Elite FWD models are powered by a 138kW/305Nm pure internal combustion 1.5-litre engine. The Premium grades get a hybrid that pairs a 116kW/235Nm version of the same 1.5-litre with a 130kW/315Nm 'Magic Core Hybrid System' electric motor. This results in a combined output of 246kW/550Nm.

The flagship Premium AWD adds a secondary electric motor, which boosts combined output to 301kW/685Nm.

Pricing for the B30 starts at $42,990 for the entry-level Elite Adventure, although it too is privy to introductory pricing — $39,990 plus on-road costs. The two Premium Adventure trims are priced from $47,990 and $52,990 in FWD and AWD trims. Again, the two trims benefit from cut-price introductory pricing of $44,990 and $49,990, respectively.

Standard equipment in all B30 models includes a 14.6-inch centre touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital cluster, hill descent, power operated and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a premium sound system. The Premium Adventure FWD adds a 150W rear power socket, acoustic glass, 19-inch wheels, a 'launch' drive mode, and of course an electric motor.

On top of its hybrid add-ons, the Premium Adventure AWD adds a heated steering wheel, wheel arch side lights, ventilated front seats, a memory driver seat, LED front fog lights, A/C pre-conditioning, additional off-road drive modes, and more.

Both the X55 and B30 come with a 7-year, unlimited kilometre warranty. 

Both BAIC models come with expectedly packed suites of safety technology, with lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and more featuring in all models. Neither the X55 or B30 have been tested by ANCAP to date.

The BAIC brand has been in operation since 1958, and is the fifth largest automotive OEM from China. The marque has collectively sold more than 31 million vehicles in its time, and has a 9.98% ownership stake in Mercedes-Benz. It sells cars in more than 90 different countries.

The new marque launches in New Zealand with seven dealership sites. These include two in Auckland (Epsom and Takanini), one in Wellington, and one in Christchurch.

Stay tuned for CarExpert New Zealand's first drive impressions on both the BAIC X55 and B30.