The Baojun Yunhai SUV, a product of the joint venture between SAIC, General Motors (GM), and Wuling, was officially launched in the Chinese market on September 10. It is available in both plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) versions, with prices starting at $15,450. This compact SUV may also be introduced in European markets in the future under the MG brand, which SAIC uses for international distribution. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this crossover a notable addition to the market.
Baojun is a relatively young brand that was created under the SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) partnership. Initially, Baojun focused on producing vehicles primarily targeted at urban areas, offering affordable options for city dwellers. However, the brand is gradually moving upmarket, and the Baojun Yunhai is a clear example of this shift. This compact SUV is designed to cater to family needs and offers a choice between two environmentally friendly powertrains: PHEV and BEV. It marks a new chapter in the brand's journey as it looks to offer more advanced and versatile vehicles.
The Baojun Yunhai adopts the brand’s latest design language, which gives it a modern and dynamic appearance. The front of the vehicle is characterized by its triangular-shaped headlights and trapezoidal air intake, lending it a bold and aggressive stance. The integrated daytime running lights (DRLs) resemble those seen on Porsche models, adding a premium touch to the SUV’s aesthetic. The front also features a sloped bonnet and conventional door handles, while the roofline gently curves after the B-pillar, giving the vehicle a sleek profile. The rear end of the Yunhai is equipped with a prominent roof spoiler and a full-width taillight bar, enhancing the sporty feel of the SUV. Its dimensions are 4590 mm in length, 1880 mm in width, and 1608 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2750 mm, making it slightly longer than the European version of the Hyundai Tucson. The Yunhai rides on R18 wheels, and the PHEV variant features a more aggressive front bumper with additional air intakes for improved performance.
Inside the Baojun Yunhai, the cabin is designed with modern technology and convenience in mind. The interior is centered around a suspended 15.6-inch touchscreen display that serves as the primary control hub for the vehicle’s infotainment and systems. Behind the two-spoke D-shaped steering wheel, there is an 8.8-inch LCD instrument cluster that provides essential driving information. The center console houses two wireless charging pads and cup holders, ensuring the interior is both functional and user-friendly.
Powertrain options for the Baojun Yunhai cater to different driving preferences. The PHEV version is the more affordable option and comes with a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 105 horsepower. This engine is paired with an electric motor that generates an additional 201 horsepower. The PHEV version also offers two battery options: a 9.5 kWh battery that provides an electric-only range of 60 km, and a larger 20.5 kWh battery that extends the EV range to 140 km. On the other hand, the BEV variant is the more premium option, featuring a 150 kW electric motor. It offers two battery choices: a 56.7 kWh or a 69.2 kWh battery, delivering a range of 500 to 600 km (based on CLTC standards).
In terms of international availability, SAIC often rebrands Baojun vehicles for overseas markets under the MG badge. For example, the Baojun Cloud (also known as the Yunduo) is sold internationally as the MG Windsor EV. This suggests that the Baojun Yunhai may eventually make its debut in global markets, potentially under the MG brand, giving this Chinese-made SUV a wider audience.