BAIC Duo Launched in Hong Kong: BAIC B30e SUV priced from HK$300,000, ARCFOX T1 electric hatchback from HK$199,800

BAIC and its electric vehicle brand ARCFOX have introduced two new models in Hong Kong: the BAIC B30e and ARCFOX T1. The launch event, held at Exhibition Hall, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City on 6 November, was organised by APMG, the brands' exclusive local distributor.

The B30e is offered in front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions, with indicative prices starting at HK$300,000 and HK$350,000 respectively. Early-bird buyers can receive discounts of up to HK$20,000, while a limited-edition Titan Grey will be restricted to 100 units.

The ARCFOX T1, meanwhile, is available in a single variant with an indicative price starting at HK$199,800.

About BAIC and ARCFOX:

BAIC, founded in 1958 and headquartered in Beijing, is one of China's major state-owned automotive groups. It operates joint ventures with international manufacturers including Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai.

BAIC should not be confused with BAW (Beijing Automobile Works), which was once part of the group before becoming independent in 2016.

ARCFOX is BAIC's electric vehicle brand, although its line-up has also expanded to include range-extender models. The brand began its overseas expansion in 2023.

BAIC B30e

The B30e is the export-market counterpart of the BJ30 sold in China under BAIC's Beijing Off-road marque. Its styling takes a rugged approach, with a five-slot grille, an LED light bar and a large front bumper finished with silver accents.

Along the sides, pronounced wheel arches, black cladding and two-tone five-spoke alloy wheels reinforce its SUV character. At the rear, vertically arranged tail lights sit either side of a black trim panel across the tailgate, while a chunky bumper and silver lower trim complete the look.

The B30e measures 4,730mm long, 1,910mm wide and 1,790mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,820mm.

Inside, the dashboard features a 10.25-inch digital instrument display and a three-spoke steering wheel, alongside a 14.6-inch central touchscreen. A full-width air vent runs across the dashboard, while a mountain-inspired motif on the passenger side adds to the outdoor theme.

The centre console has a distinctive rotary control and a toggle-style electronic gear selector. Boot capacity stands at 450 litres, expanding to 1,496 litres with the rear seats folded. The load floor can also be folded completely flat.

Depending on the variant, equipment includes a 540-degree camera system, Level 2 driver assistance, an All-Terrain Control System (ATS), a powered tailgate and electrically adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation.

Under the bonnet, both versions use a 1.5-litre turbocharged hybrid powertrain paired with BAIC's own two-speed DHT transmission. The front-wheel-drive model produces 246kW and 550Nm, while the four-wheel-drive version adds a motor on the rear axle, raising output to 304kW and 685Nm.

Unlike a single-speed hybrid transmission, the two-speed DHT can switch between higher and lower ratios to suit different driving conditions. This allows the engine to operate more efficiently across a wider range of speeds. BAIC quotes a combined fuel consumption figure of 6.45 litres per 100km.

Read our BAIC B30e review for a closer look at its two-speed hybrid system and driving performance.

ARCFOX T1

The ARCFOX T1 is a five-seat electric hatchback known as the Beta T1 in the Chinese Mainland.

Its exterior features a full-width lighting arrangement at the front, with sculpted bumper intakes that serve both a visual and aerodynamic purpose. The sides are relatively clean, while the rear stands out with sharply styled tail lights and a full-width black trim.

The T1 measures 4,337mm long, 1,860mm wide and 1,572mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,770mm.

The cabin features an 8.8-inch digital instrument display and a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, through which most of the vehicle's functions are controlled. Despite its entry-level positioning, the interior gets a two-tone colour scheme and rose-gold accents, giving it a more upmarket appearance.

Equipment includes electrically adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity.

The T1 also comes with a 540-degree camera system, automatic parking assist (APA), adaptive cruise control and a powered tailgate.

Boot space is rated at 459 litres, increasing to 1,352 litres with the rear seats folded.

Power comes from a single front-mounted electric motor producing 94PS and 176Nm. It is paired with a 42.3kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, giving the T1 a WLTC-rated range of 310km.

The car supports DC fast charging at up to 70kW. According to the manufacturer, charging from 30% to 80% takes around 25 minutes.

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