BAIC M60

Inside the BAIC M60 top-of-the-line Luxury 1.5L CVT model is a spacious cabin with enough knee room, shoulder room, and headroom. The front row with power-adjustable driver seat, second-row captain chairs, and third-row fold and tumble seats are all clad in microfiber leather. Leather trims around the interior add to a plush feel. Upfront, the dashboard is clean and modern looking with its 12-inch intelligent digital instrument cluster which sets as the background for the multi-function steering wheel. At the center, within the same eye level, is the 9-inch smart LCD infotainment system perched on top of the AC vents. It comes with intelligent screen interconnection that supports Apple CarPlay and is paired to a 6-speaker sound system. Connectivity features are also at par with other more familiar car brands and include a USB interface and 12V car power supply.

The BAIC M60 looks very muscular for a crossover MPV. The Robust front grille with chrome trim is eerily similar to Lexus which takes almost all of the front bumper. It is flanked by upswept LED headlights with daytime running lights on the upper part and at the bottom are front fog lights. The dual crease on the hood adds a modern appeal. On the sides are aerodynamic creases and matte black body cladding that wraps around the fenders and lower part of the vehicle. A chrome strip accent further adds to its visual appeal. The curvy rear is reminiscent of midsize SUV design with its top rear spoiler with stop lamp, upswept tail lights, rear fog lights, rear bumper guard, and dual exhaust. Decorative roof rails add to its sporty SUV vibe. The BAIC M60 measures 4,800 mm long, 1,824 mm wide, 1,725 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,760 mm. It rides on a set of 17-inch two-tone aluminum alloy rims wrapped in 205/55 R17 tires. This MPV is available in three color options and if you are a fan of black, tough luck for you since the M60 can be had in Rustic Brown, Nest Silver, and Jade White only.

Driving this BAIC crossover MPV is very comfortable. Steering is light though some might feel the rough finish of the steering wheel to be not as pleasant—but that’s just nitpicking. The rack and pinion with electromechanical assist steering do an accurate job in navigating the turns and curves with minimal body rolls. Shifting gear is a different story, however. There’s a bit of a lag when it comes to acceleration. Even when flooring the gas pedal, the engine will roar but it will take a second or two before it gains speed. This can be cumbersome when overtaking. However, such delay is common on CVT which makes the driver hope for an automatic or just a manual option. Do note though that CVT has a better fuel economy so you do get that. When it comes to riding comfort, the suspension system is a combination of McPherson independent coil spring at the front and semi-independent torsion beam at the rear which creates a cushioned ride with no recognizable vibration from the gasoline engine. The dual air conditioning system works exceptionally well to keep the cool air flowing inside the cabin. The dedicated rear AC controls at the second row combined with ample size vents on the second row and the third row seats does the trick. The second-row seats with its captain chair provide all the needed leg, knee, and shoulder room for a long ride. Third row seats are not bad as well but best suited for 2 adult passengers to avoid feeling cramped. When it comes to cargo space, the M60 has enough room for a family’s weekend worth of luggage even with the third-row seats up.

This China-made and assembled MPV is fitted with an A151E-1 1.5-Liter Turbocharged DOHC inline-4 gasoline engine that delivers a decent 147 hp of power at 6,000 rpm and 210 Nm of peak torque at 2,000 – 4,500 rpm. The front-engine front-wheel-drive is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It can reach a top speed of 170 kmph and can accelerate from a complete standstill to 100 kmph in 14 seconds. The 1,498 cc engine has a 52 liters fuel tank capacity, is Euro 5 emission standard compliant, and uses premium Ron 95 petrol.

When it comes to braking, this BAIC MPV is fitted with a ventilated disc at the front and rear. The anti-lock braking systems with electronic brakeforce distribution system further enhances the vehicle’s stopping power. When it comes to safety, driver-assist, and convenience features, the M60 is at par and even goes beyond the usual offering with its driver, front passenger, and front side airbags, follow me home headlights, cruise control, body stability system, passive entry passive start (PEPS) keyless entry system, push start button, engine electronic anti-theft, ISOFIX, reverse camera, backup sensor, and an intelligent rearview mirror that can double as a dashcam. BAIC Philippines offer the M60 with 3 years warranty or 100,000 Km whichever comes first.

For all the tech features that come with the car, the BAIC M60 is definitely a good contender for the hotly contested crossover MPV segment in our local auto industry. It is a flexible family car that is roomy, comfortable in all seats even on long trips, and has tons of tech that gives its buyers value for money. All of which you can get at a little over a million pesos—and that’s the top-of-the-line model already. With just a price difference of Php 70,000 from the base model, you can already get the 1.5T CVT Luxury variant. Though the 1.5T CVT Standard model is not a bad option either.