Chinese automaker BAIC plans to significantly expand its model lineup in Kazakhstan by launching production of five new vehicles at the SaryarkaAvtoProm plant in Kostanay, according to Kursiv Avto.
The register of vehicle type approvals (OTTS) from KazStandard has revealed documents for the BJ60 and BJ40 SUVs, as well as the BJ30, X35, and X55 crossovers. The full-size frame-based BJ60 will be offered in five- and seven-seat configurations. Its specifications include a length of 5040 mm, a wheelbase of 2820 mm, a 2.0-liter turbo engine producing 256 hp (400 Nm), an 8-speed automatic transmission, and rear or selectable all-wheel drive. Equipment will feature three-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, mirrors, and windshield, a panoramic sunroof, surround-view cameras, an audio system with 9 or 12 speakers, and a suite of electronic assists: adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring.
The compact X35 crossover is powered by a 1.5-liter turbo engine with 136 hp (210 Nm) and can be equipped with a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. The Kazakhstani version will come with climate control, heated windshield, remote start, power sunroof, LED daytime running lights, rear parking sensors, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESP), hill-start assist, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Localization of the second-generation BJ30 crossover is also planned. The base version features a 1.5-liter turbo engine with 177 hp (300 Nm), a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), and front-wheel drive. The hybrid BJ30e, which cannot be charged from an external source, will combine a 1.5-liter turbo engine (154 hp), a front electric motor (177 hp), and a rear electric motor (75 hp), a two-speed hybrid transmission (DHT), and all-wheel drive. Equipment includes two-zone climate control, rear seat ventilation, panoramic roof, surround-view cameras, heated steering wheel and seats, driver's seat memory, Apple CarPlay support, and a suite of electronic assists: adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, lane keeping, and blind spot monitoring.
The X55 crossover will get a 1.5-liter turbo engine producing 177 hp (300 Nm) and front-wheel drive. Features include a panoramic sunroof, rearview camera, cruise control, blind spot monitoring, heated windshield, hill-start assist, traction control, automatic parking, and other electronic aids.
The BJ40 SUV, with a body-on-frame construction, is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo engine producing 234 hp (390 Nm) and will be available with rear or all-wheel drive. The model will feature a panoramic sunroof, surround-view cameras, multimedia with Apple CarPlay support, a 12-speaker audio system, as well as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, blind spot monitoring, and intelligent high beams.
BAIC has not yet disclosed the timing of production start in Kostanay or pricing for the new models. However, the issuance of OTTS usually signals an imminent official sales launch.