You may be unfamiliar with the BAIC brand, but it's steadily carving out a niche in the local automotive landscape with its Beijing X55 SUV and B40 Plus 4x4. The B40 Plus has the rugged appearance of a traditional 4x4 and blends that with a modern, classy interior, perfect for both on and off-road adventures.
Related: How much are car repayments on a new BAIC B40 Plus?
The BAIC B40 Plus range has a model to suit everyone. Available with a 2.0-litre diesel or a 2.0-litre petrol engine and with manual or automatic gearbox options, the range has a model for everyone. All employ the same robust 4x4 drivetrain with a 5-link rear suspension and double wishbone suspension, and a rear diff lock is standard across the range.
Which BAIC B40 Plus is better: diesel or petrol?
The B40 Plus comes in B40 Plus, B40 Plus City Hunter, and B40 Plus Champion trims.
Standard equipment
The BAIC B40 Plus is fairly well-equipped, even on the cheaper entry-level models. The higher specification trims only receive a few enhancements in driver assistance and safety systems. Diesel models are not available with cruise control, but the petrol versions are.
You can expect to find all of the following on all trim levels:
- Side steps
- Red Tow hooks
- Fog lamps
- Daytime running lights
- Dual-zone climate control
- Power steering
- 6-speaker audio system
- Antilock brakes (ABS) with EBD
- Two airbags
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Reverse camera
- Rear park distance control
City Hunter
The City Hunter trim adds the following, over and above what is already included above.
- Two-tone alloy wheels
- Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
- Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
- Traction Control System (TCS)
- Hill Ascent Control (HAC)
- Hill Descent Control (HDC)
Champion
Only available with the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the Champion trim level employs an 8-speed automatic gearbox, as in the City Hunter trim, while the regular B40 Plus 2.0T is fitted with a 6-speed automatic.
This trim level builds even further on the City Hunter recipe and adds the following creature comforts.
- Leather multifunction steering wheel
- Electrically adjustable driver's seat
Verdict
The additional driver assistance systems and safety aids have us leaning towards a City Hunter trim, in either diesel or petrol, whichever is your preference. Remember that the diesel doesn't have cruise control, no matter the trim. If you're looking for a strictly weekend plaything, the regular B40 Plus can also work.
The Champion doesn't offer enough of an upgrade to warrant the additional cost, so it will be the B40 Plus City Hunter for most applications.
