The Indian electric vehicle segment is expanding at a rapid pace, and more and more automakers are now offering new EVs in the country. Of these automakers, one such name is the British automotive manufacturer MG, which is owned by the Chinese SAIC Group. Recently, it has been reported that the company has confirmed the launch of a brand-new electric vehicle in the country. According to the reports, this new electric car will be making its debut around the festive season of 2024. Presently, no revelation about the details of this upcoming EV has been made. However, many experts have speculated that it will be a rebadged version of the Baojun Yep eSUV.
Is Baojun Yep coming to India as MG’s third EV?
Currently, MG Motor India offers its ZS EV and Comet in the country, and as per Rajeev Chaba, MD of MG Motor India, a new EV will be joining the fleet. The MG MD has officially confirmed that the company is set to launch a new electric car later this year during the festive season. Now, as mentioned, the company has not revealed any details about the exact model it is planning to launch. However numerous sources have suggested that MG Motor may introduce the Baojun Yep eSUV, based on the Wuling Air EV platform, as its next offering in the EV segment.
Baojun Yep Plus
For those who may not be aware, the Baojun Yep eSUV is a product of SAIC Group’s global portfolio. It has garnered attention for its appealing design and affordable price tag. The Baojun Yep eSUV is a compact electric SUV designed by the Chinese automaker for city driving. While the specific dimensions may vary slightly between models, the standard Baojun Yep measures approximately 3.4 meters in length, around 1.7 meters in height, and has a wheelbase of around 2.1 meters.
As for the exterior design, the Baojun Yep eSUV boasts a very modern and practical exterior design. It features quirky-looking LED headlights, a Jimny-like front fascia, and a mini Land Rover Defender-style body. In the international markets, it is sold with a five-door layout. The Baojun Yep is also sold in a three-door configuration as well.
Coming to the interior, the Baojun Yep offers a comfortable, well-equipped cabin. It comes equipped with soft-touch materials for a premium feel, modern amenities, including dual touchscreen displays and automatic climate control. In the international markets, standard safety features of the Yep include airbags, ABS, and electronic stability control. Additional safety features of the Yep include collision avoidance systems and lane departure warning and other ADAS features. However, most likely the company will not be offering these in India.
Baojun Yep powertrain
The base variant of the Baojun Yep comes equipped with a rear-mounted electric motor with a maximum power output of 102 bhp and a torque of 140 Nm. The Yep also gets an iron-phosphate battery which allows for a driving range of approximately 303 kilometers on a single charge. This tiny EV is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 150 km/h. As for charging, the Baojun Yep eSUV supports standard AC charging for home or public charging stations and also DC fast charging. In terms of pricing, the base model is expected to be priced around $12,000-$13,000 (Rs 9.8-10.7 lakh). Meanwhile, the top-spec model is anticipated to cost under $15,000 (Rs 12.3 lakh).