We drive the BAIC B40 Plus for the first time in three years following our initial 2021 impressions – this time with the new gearbox.
Image: BAIC SA
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BAIC (former name: Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation) is no stranger to the South African market. Having entered the scene in 2018, the brand has been steadily increasing its presence; albeit at a non-record-breaking pace…
Still, BAIC first entered the market with its D20 family car – both in sedan and hatchback form – to where the portfolio now consists of the Beijing X55 and B40 Plus. Both SUVs have made their respective impacts on the South African motoring public, with the X55 winning the South African Car of the Year ‘Compact Family’ category in 2023.
Related: BAIC to introduce B40 locally
Though the X55 is the newer addition to BAIC South Africa’s line-up, the B40 (or BJ40 in its native China) has been around locally since 2021. However, despite its three-year tenure, the SUV is yet to make a notable impression on the buying public. With both diesel and petrol engines powering this off-road SUV, it is nowhere near being a popular face on local roads. Now, though, BAIC SA reintroduces the B40 to the market; this time with a new ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission.
Image: BAIC SA
All B40 PLUS models are sold with a five-year/120 000 km warranty, but a service plan is optionally available.
Despite the subtle refresh, the B40 Plus continues with the same design as its forebear. The SUV was first shown to the world in 2013, with its debut coming in 2014. The exterior reminds strongly of the Jeep Wrangler and erstwhile Land Rover Defender, but BAIC managed to ‘get away’ with copying the design of these legendary vehicles.
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Part of this is the five-slot grille that, BAIC says, is inspired by the Great Wall of China. The SUV comes standard with daytime-running lights, front and rear fog lamps, large side mirrors, and a vertical windscreen. It all contributes to the boxy design – a key factor for those wanting an uncompromised off-road vehicle.
Further adding to the B40 Plus’ appeal is that the doors and roof can detach to create a unique driving experience. The windscreen, too, can fold forward, latching onto the hook on the bonnet. Though we did not strip the SUV of its panels on the drive, the process looks fairly simple and straightforward.
Image: BAIC SA
The BAIC B40 Plus’ interior is a very simple space. There is not a lot of technologies and features, making it clear that the focus has been on simplicity. Still, there are notable additions to the package that make the cabin as friendly as possible, including dual-zone air conditioner, a six-speaker audio system, colour-coded interior trim, chrome accents, and reclining rear seats.
The B40 Plus, however, comes without Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. In addition to the China/Huawei vs. Google ‘war’, there is a reason why these features have been omitted: this is not the second-generation B40.
The all-new BJ40 made its debut in 2023, but the South African market is still making do with the facelifted model that was introduced internationally in 2019. It is not clear when the all-new B40 will arrive in Mzansi, but BAIC SA confirmed that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will debut in the facelifted Beijing X55.
Image: BAIC SA
Of course, the big update on the B40 Plus is the application of an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Channelling power to all four wheels, the transmission cogs over smoothly – an expectancy from ZF. Mated to the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, the powertrain offers lively performance, but the ride quality does feel wafty at high speeds and when hitting the anchors. Still, the B40 Plus offers a comfortable driving experience, but the boxy design and big side mirrors do create some wind noise. Luckily, it’s not intrusive.
In terms of the suspension, up front is a double wishbone/coil spring independent setup, while a five-link/coil spring non-independent suspension is at the rear. This aids the SUV in off-road conditions, ensuring that obstacles are cleared with little hassle. The 210 mm of ground clearance is not the best on the market but ensures that rocks and dongas are cleared with very minimal fuss.
Enhancing the off-road capabilities is an approach angle of 37 degrees, a departure angle of 31 degrees, and a rampover angle of 23 degrees. The on-the-fly 4WD system is equipped with a mechanical central transfer case and rear differential lock.
Image: BAIC SA
The BAIC B40 Plus is hard to ignore. Its bold design makes it an unmissable vehicle on South African roads, and it will definitely hold its own against the SUVs it has its sight on: the Suzuki Jimny and Jeep Wrangler. The B40 Plus is very competitive price-wise, but the aftersales service is an unknown quantity for many South Africans. And even the lack of media cars for us to report on leaves everyone largely in the dark on how the B40 Plus stacks up to its seasoned rivals.
Despite the unique design, a fair assessment is that the B40 Plus is a niche vehicle competing within a niche market segment. And if BAIC wants its dedicated off-road SUV to make an impression, it needs to get it in the public eye.
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