Another Chinese brand launched in Malaysia - BAIC appoints Propadu as distributor, BJ40 and X55 II previewed

China’s state-owned Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC) has appointed Propadu Holdings’ subsidiary Edaran Otomobil Elektrik (EOE) as its authorized distributor in Malaysia. BAIC, which is commonly referred to in China simply as ‘Beijing,’ is a local manufacturing partner Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz in China.

The brand had its soft launch in Indonesia yesterday. Like Indonesia, the two models earmarked for local launch are the off-road-ready BAIC BJ40 Plus and the family-focused BAIC X55 II.

Initial models will be imported from China (CBU) but both models will be locally assembled (by Q3 2024) at contract manufacturer EP Manufacturing’s plant in Pegoh, Melaka.

The BJ40 Plus is a 5-seater C-segment, ladder-frame SUV with a Part-time 4x4 drivetrain. It sits one rung lower than the 7-seater D-segment Toyota Fortuner.

However, unlike the Fortuner, the BJ40 Plus is only available with a 2.0-litre petrol turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

We have covered about the BJ40 Plus in greater detail here.

Prices are estimated to be between RM 180,000 to RM 190,000.

The next model is the BAIC X55 II. Unlike the ladder frame chassis BJ40 Plus, the family-focused monocoque chassis X55 II is about the size of a Honda CR-V.

It’s a front-wheel drive 5-seater C-segment SUV that’s powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged DOHC engine that makes 185 hp and 305 Nm. The engine is paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

More specifications of the X55 II can be found in our separate post here.

There will be two variants – Standard and Premium. Prices are estimated to be at RM 120,000 to RM 140,000.

BAIC expects to announce the confirmed prices for both models by the third quarter of this year. The company aims to have 10 BAIC dealers joining the brand before the year ends.