BAIC B30e Dune

Inside, the BAIC B30e Dune boasts a very spacious cabin for a 5-seater vehicle. Three passengers can comfortably fit in the second row thanks to the car’s generous amounts of leg, head, and elbow rooms. Its leather seats also provide supportive cushioning. However, only the higher trim gets a driver seat with memory function and ventilated front seats. 

Exclusive to the driver is a premium-looking cockpit with a 10.25-inch fully-digital LCD instrument cluster, leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment features (also with heating function for the 4WD variant), and an electronic aircraft style gear shifter. For top-notch entertainment and information accessibility, this SUV comes with a 14.6-inch floating infotainment screen that has Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, USB, and mobile phone mirroring capabilities. Its infotainment system is linked to an 8-speaker sound system. 

One downside of the B30e Dune is its lack of physical control buttons. Most of this vehicle’s interior features can be accessed and controlled through the touchscreen infotainment screen. That said, this could be overwhelming or a bit of an inconvenience for older gen drivers who are used to pushing buttons when adjusting or controlling interior features. 

Both variants are equipped with front and rear 12V charging ports and a rear 220V charging port. They also come with front row USB outlets and front and rear Type C outlets for elevated convenience and functionality. Only the 4WD variant comes with a wireless phone charger. For a more aesthetically pleasing vibe inside the vehicle, it also has a panoramic sunroof. 

From the outside, the BAIC B30e Dune showcases a muscular boxy-type architecture with modern features. At the front, it has an assertive facade that is enhanced by LED headlights with electronic leveling and automatic control features and unique-looking LED wraparound DRLs, both of which give this SUV a striking glare at night. Both variants have a front skid plate. Its 4WD variant is also equipped with LED front fog lights for better visibility. 

On the sides, it has rugged wheel arches cladding, which emphasize its bulky and rugged silhouette. Both variants come with gloss black side mirrors that are power adjustable and retractable. For a more premium sideview, its higher trim comes with LED fender flare lights and chrome stepboards. Meanwhile, at the rear, it has LED tail lights and a high mount stop light. It also has an intelligent power tailgate for additional convenience. 

The BAIC B30e Dune line measures 4,730 mm in length, 1,910 mm in width, and 1,790 mm in height. It has a 2,820 mm wheelbase and a 215 mm ground clearance. Both variants run on two-tone 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels.

In terms of suspension combination, the BAIC B30e Dune line utilizes a MacPherson Strut at the front and a Multi-Link at the rear. This suspension system allows the SUV to have good absorption of bumps and other road imperfections as well as a great road grip. It can pass through urban and provincial roads with ease, but will possibly struggle on deep and muddy off-road terrain. 

In addition, its steering could still be improved moving forward as it has a tendency to be too light (or numb) when the vehicle is running at high speeds. As a result, passengers might experience or complain about a bouncy or jumpy feeling inside the car due to a lack of firmness in the car’s steering. But, overall, this car runs smoothly, giving you and all your passengers a comfortable and enjoyable ride. 

The BAIC B30e Dune offers two hybrid powertrains. First, the lower trim, 2WD variant, is powered by a Single Front Axle Electric Motor with a 1.5L Turbocharged Gasoline Power Generator that produces a system wide maximum power output of 334 PS and a system wide maximum torque of 550 Nm. This variant runs on 2-speed dedicated hybrid transmission and a front-wheel drivetrain. The 2WD variant comes with four drive modes: Comfort, Sport, Economy, and Snow.

Second, the higher trim, 4WD variant, is powered by a Dual (Front and Rear) Axle Electric Motor with a 1.5L Turbocharged Gasoline Power Generator that produces a system wide maximum power output of 409 PS and a system wide maximum torque of 685 Nm. This car also runs on a 2-speed dedicated hybrid transmission system. But, the higher variant utilizes a real-time intelligent all-wheel drivetrain and is equipped with seven modes that include the four aforementioned modes that the 2WD has along with Sand, Muddy Road, and Wading modes.

This SUV runs well on city roads and highways courtesy of its well-tuned hybrid powertrain. Overtaking at high speeds is not a problem for this car. In addition, it is also a feasible daily driver in the city because it has an above average fuel economy considering its bulky muscular build. Its powertrain delivers a smooth EV-like cruising experience for you and your passengers.

The BAIC B30e Dune line is equipped with a long list of state-of-the-art advanced driver assistance systems. Both variants are equipped with an intelligent adaptive cruise control, integrated cruise assist, intelligent high beam control, blind spot monitoring system, lane assist system, lane change assist, emergency lane keep assist, forward and rear collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, rear cross travel warning and braking, and a door opening warning. 

Its braking setup consists of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. The BAIC B30e Dune’s braking setup is protected by an anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, electronic stability program, traction control system, and other modern safety features. 

For its price, the BAIC B30e Dune definitely deserves more attention from local consumers. It’s a great choice for individuals who are looking for an affordable, spacious, high-tech, and versatile vehicle with a well-tuned hybrid powertrain.