Baic BJ30e: A Chinese contender for adventure

Those familiar with China and its early industrial beginnings know what Baic is: a manufacturer founded early on (1958) out of a state-driven vision of what would later become the Middle Kingdom. Today, Baic is an automotive giant, producing and selling nearly 2.3 million vehicles each year, some of which are exported. That’s how this brand ended up in the portfolio of marques imported by Comicom, a subsidiary of the Safari Group. Less than two years after its debut in Morocco, Baic is stepping up a gear by expanding its lineup with its very first hybrid model: the BJ30e.

This Chinese SUV pays careful attention to its appearance and isn’t modern only in its design, but also in the technologies that shape it. This is evident in its dynamic LED headlights offering seven lighting scenarios. Its proportions are well balanced, and its thick bumpers, pronounced wheel arches, and other elements reinforce its rugged, adventure-ready look. The same goes for its rear quarter panel, half metal and half glass, which enhances its sturdy appearance while hinting at a 450-liter trunk. That’s a solid capacity for an SUV measuring 4.73 meters and housing both a battery and a motor under its rear axle.

Over 1,000 km of range

This cargo area is packed with practical features (net hooks, 220 V and 12 V outlets, etc.) and can be expanded to 1,496 liters by folding down the rear seats. This creates a flat floor, making room for a noteworthy accessory: a 1.9-meter king-size bed. It’s clear proof that the BJ30e is built for adventure, especially in its 4×4 version. Mechanically, this SUV relies entirely on hybrid power, with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine producing 116 hp, paired with one or two electric motors (the second mounted at the rear). In the latter case, it becomes a 4×4, with total output increasing from 330 hp (4×2) to 404 hp and a combined torque of 685 Nm. That’s more than enough to tackle difficult terrain, especially since the BJ30e offers generous ground clearance (21.5 cm) and an off-road driving monitor displaying real-time data such as terrain info, altitude, tilt angle, and more.

Above all, this hybrid setup keeps combined fuel consumption in check (5.8 to 6.5 L/100 km) and enables a range of over 1,000 km, with no need for charging, as the BJ30e only recharges while driving.

Inside, the layout follows current trends, with a clean dashboard digitalized by a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch central display. The interior features two-tone trim, an aviation-inspired gear selector, and generous equipment (see spec sheet), all at highly competitive prices ranging from 299,000 to 330,000 MAD. In the highly competitive mid-size hybrid SUV segment, it’s hard to do better.

Rugged look
Imposing but not bulky, this mid-size off-roader adopts a boxy, adventure-style design, with black plastic cladding and generous ground clearance. Beneath its straight, square lines, the BJ30e reveals an adventurous spirit and all the features needed for outdoor use—even off-road driving.