Mleiha stretched before me, mountains on one side and sand dunes on the other. Blending into the background like another feature of the topography, BJ30 stood with its promise of sustainable journeys, beckoning images of automotive icons yet creating a character of its own.

BAIC Motor has a sixty-seven-year-old legacy of creating desirable vehicles and shaping the automotive history of China. Many of their models were inspired and powered by from local collaborations in China with the likes of Mercedes and Jeep. Like Mahindra in India, this Chinese company has a range reminiscent of legendary models from global icons. Now, with its 5-seat SUV badged BJ30, BAIC has put together a family utility vehicle that appeals to enthusiasts in their quest for adventure. Our test drive vehicle today is the top trim which is a hybrid SUV with a favourable combination of instant torque and high fuel economy.

Next to the C pillar graphics of a mountain remind you that this is an All Wheel Drive vehicle.

The Design

BJ30 looks a bit like the new Land Rover Defender, while some might see the FJ Cruiser rearwards to the C-pillar. With some imagination, the five-part end-to-end headlight assembly could conjure up images of the new Hummer too. Well, so does the Suzuki Jimny, Jetour T2 and a few more. But then, wasn’t the Defender too once inspired by the Jeep? I should add to the BJ30’s credit that in the overall design, it manages to carve a recognizable character of its own.

BAIC BJ30 is almost the same size as the Jetour T2 and an inch shorter than the Defender 110 but with a lower stance. A wheelbase of 2820 mm makes for ample space within the cabin. My test car had an exceptional matt grey finish. They have a few more interesting paint options like the Pistachio green.

BJ30 Dimensions:

• L x W x H: 4730 x 1910 x 1790 mm
• Wheelbase: 2820 mm | Wheels: 19”

The doors reassuringly pass the ‘thud test’ suggesting an impressive overall build quality, which continues into the interiors. The all-LED lights in front and rear display a light show sequence as the driver approaches and leaves – along with its automatic unlock and lock convenience.

The headlights put up a light show when starting up

Interior comfort

BAIC has created a premium-looking cabin with Nappa leather seats that are ventilated in front. Air-conditioning can be individually set for the driver and front passenger while the rear riders get window curtains, too. Every passenger gets a share of the sky with the panoramic sunroof. As a mark of thoughtfulness in the details, the armrest storage houses a cool-box as well as a top tray.

Family-class cabin features

BAIC BJ30 has an enormous trunk that tucks away some useful camping comforts – the trunk table is one, which can be spread across the boot itself or taken out for outdoor dining. The auxiliary battery is cleverly placed under the boot (trunk) floor, which can be used to power lights or music while camping, while the engine can be kept running so that the battery doesn’t get drained.

• Boot Space: 1496L

Hybrid Drivetrain

The BJ30 hybrid is driven by a 1.5L Turbocharged engine and a dual motor set up. The former produces 155 hp and 230 Nm of torque while the two electric motors supply 250 hp and 450 Nm. The prospect of a combined peak output of 405 hp and 680 Nm becomes awe-inspiring when you pick up the fuel efficiency numbers. BAIC promises up to 19.2 kmpl in ideal conditions which adds up to almost a 1000 km from the 51 L fuel tank! On my test drives, I did achieve close to 17 kmpl, though the Mleiha adventure would obviously clock much less! The dual motor powers the front and rear wheels separately thus explaining the bold AWD graphics etched on the rear quarter glass. For those who can’t be bothered with the hassle of charging, BJ30 is not a plug-in hybrid and gets charged on the run.

I could get 17 kmpl. If you are able to clock over 750 in the real world, that’s huge!

• 1.5 L turbo engine – 155 hp and 230 Nm
• Dual electric motor – 250 hp and 450 Nm
• Fuel economy – up to 19.2 kmpl

Handling

An indicator of build quality is the NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) of the ride. BJ30 maintains a level of quietness that is admirable for the segment. While the handling suggests a decent piece of engineering, this 5-seat SUV has that solid feeling of a heavier car ((which it is anyway, being a hybrid), complete with a little body lean and all that!

How capable is the BJ30 off-road?

On paper and on the ground, BJ30 rolls out some impressive driving performance, aided by driving modes like sand and wading. With a 215 mm ground clearance, it offers reasonable access to different terrains – Mleiha was fun! The performance is as reliable and exciting as it gets in the segment not marked by air suspensions and a high stance.

• Ground clearance: 215 mm
• Approach and departure angles: 24.5º and 30º

Cabin tech

The graphics on the 14.6” central tablet paint a pretty (capable) picture. The screen also makes for a great canvas for the pictures from your gallery and feed from the camera. BJ30 is equipped with a fast-charging wireless bed, and (thankfully) has A-type and C-type charging ports. Music streams from 8 high-end speakers.

Safety

The cabin comes with the secure wrapping of 8 airbags, 360-degree camera with parking sensors and a rather useful side view and see-through ground view, which can be a boon while tackling off-road obstacles. A comprehensive set of electronic driver assistance features forewarns of obstacles, and takes braking and avoidance action if necessary. As an SUV, the BJ30 benefits from driver-aids like Anti-Roll Over control system and corner brake control which lend more stability to maneuvers.

• 8 airbags – front seats, side airbags and side curtain
• 360 camera with parking sensors
• Indicator-linked camera at low speeds
• Advanced driver assistance features – Blind Spot Monitor, Adaptive Cruise Control, Front collision warning and emergency braking

The essential BAIC BJ30

BAIC Motor backs its 5-seat SUV with a 6 year/200,000 km warranty and an inviting price for its elegant looks and premium comforts. The LV5 grade (Hybrid) of BAIC BJ30 costs AED 125,000 before VAT while base trim driven by the internal combustion engine starts at AED 99,000. For those with an eye for the ‘contemporary classic’ and a heart for weekend adventures, BJ30 offers a sustainable choice in its top end model.