
First launched on 18 August 2006, the Bestune B70 was the pioneering model of the FAW Bestune brand. Positioned as a D-segment sedan, it was China's first high-starting-point, high-quality, and high-performance homegrown executive sedan at the time. As the flagship model of the Bestune brand, the B70 has undergone multiple generational iterations across its near 20-year history. In late 2020, the third-generation Bestune B70 made its debut on the all-new "Infinite Equation FMA Architecture", kicking off the brand's revitalisation as a "New National Family Sedan". The 2026 Longyao Edition represents the latest model on sale, powered by a 1.5T engine across three trim variants: Zhixiang Custom, Huanxiang Custom, and Yuexiang Custom, with official prices ranging from RM105,900 to RM125,900. Measuring 4,855 mm long, 1,840 mm wide, and 1,455 mm tall (with certain variants measuring 4,810 mm in length) on a 2,800 mm wheelbase, the B70 delivers D-segment dimensions at a C-segment price point, creating a compelling value-for-money proposition. Key rivals include Chinese mid-size sedans such as the Geely Xingrui and GAC Trumpchi GA6, alongside joint-venture compact sedans like the Volkswagen Sagitar and Nissan Sylphy. Concurrently, the Bestune B70 has expanded into several overseas markets across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America, clocking 4,727 units sold in Russia during the first 11 months of 2024.
Styling-wise, the Bestune B70 embraces the "Sensual Curves of Light and Shadow" design philosophy, featuring a sleek, dynamic fastback silhouette. Up front, it sports a broad dot-matrix grille flanked by distinctive dagger-axe-shaped ("Ge"-shaped) LED headlamp clusters inspired by the ancient Chinese weapon "Ge", seamlessly marrying oriental heritage with modern automotive design. Along the flanks, a sharp character line flows from the front fender to the tail lamps, complemented by flush pop-out door handles and a sweeping fastback roofline for an elegant yet purposeful stance. Around the back, full-width LED tail lamps showcase a gradient lighting effect when illuminated, while twin exhaust finishers accentuate its sporty character. The 2026 Longyao Edition introduces a new Black Knight colour scheme to cater to younger buyers seeking a more bespoke look. Inside, the driver-centric wrap-around cockpit comes in several colourways, including Derman Red. A two-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel and yacht-style electronic gear selector contribute to a cabin ambience that is both high-tech and sporty. Underscoring FAW Bestune's generous build quality, premium soft-touch materials are extensively applied across the dashboard and door cards, elevating the cabin's overall tactile appeal.
Under the bonnet, the 2026 Bestune B70 Longyao Edition lineup is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 124 kW (around 169 PS / 169 hp) and 258 Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7DCT) in a front-wheel-drive configuration. Top speed is rated at 200 km/h, with a WLTC combined fuel consumption figure of 6.9 L/100 km. Real-world owner feedback indicates highway cruising (100–120 km/h) fuel consumption typically settles between 5.7 and 7.5 L/100 km, urban stop-and-go driving hovers around 8.5 to 11 L/100 km, and overall mixed-cycle consumption averages 8.9 to 10.2 L/100 km—placing it in the respectable mid-to-upper tier among petrol sedans in its class. Notably, the 2021 model and earlier variants offered a punchier 2.0T engine mated to an Aisin six-speed automatic gearbox (6AT), churning out 165 kW (224 PS) and 340 Nm of torque; however, the 2025 and 2026 petrol lineups have consolidated entirely around the 1.5T powertrain. This move aligns closely with FAW Bestune's strategic pivot towards electrification via its Bestune Yueyi NEV sub-brand.
The evolution of the Bestune B70's chassis setup stands out as a defining highlight throughout its model history. From an engineering heritage standpoint, the first- and second-generation models were developed on the Mazda 6 Ruiyi platform, sporting a sophisticated setup with front double-wishbones (with anti-roll bar) and rear E-type multi-link independent suspension (with anti-roll bar), giving it a distinct handling and ride stability edge over contemporary homegrown rivals. This high-spec suspension pairing, coupled with robust body rigidity, endowed the B70 with commendable cornering composure and high-speed stability. Starting from the third generation, the B70 transitioned to the proprietary "Infinite Equation FMA Architecture", adopting front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension layout. Select control arms utilise aluminium alloy to shed unsprung mass, striking a fine balance between ride comfort and dynamic agility. Braking duties are handled by ventilated front discs and solid rear discs paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), providing a reassuring and progressive pedal feel.
The Bestune B70 features a dual-screen arrangement consisting of a 7-inch instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch floating infotainment touchscreen (upgraded to a 12.3-inch full digital driver display on higher trims), complemented by a dedicated climate control touch panel on the lower centre console to form a three-screen digital cockpit. Infotainment is driven by the D-Life 6.0 intelligent connectivity system integrated with the iFlytek 3.5 voice suite, offering comprehensive voice control over navigation, media, power windows, and air conditioning with intuitive "see-and-say" functionality. The system also supports 4G connected telematics, Wi-Fi hotspot functionality, and full-vehicle Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates. In terms of smartphone integration, it supports both Huawei HiCar and CarbitLink, catering to HarmonyOS, Android, and iOS users for seamless connectivity. High-spec variants further benefit from smartphone app remote telematics, allowing owners to remotely start the engine, operate the climate control, lock/unlock doors, activate seat heating, and locate the car. Comfort-wise, faux leather seats, automatic climate control, and an electric sunroof come standard across the range, with top-spec trims adding heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. Practicality is a key forte thanks to its wide-aperture liftback tailgate, offering a 440-litre boot that expands further via 60:40 split-folding rear seats.
On the passive safety front, the Bestune B70 employs an upgraded 3H dual-E six-channel reinforced body shell, incorporating high-strength steel across critical load-bearing sections to optimise crash energy dissipation. Active safety kit includes standard ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
In the realm of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), the Bestune B70 achieves Level 2 (L2) driving assistance capabilities. The suite comprises Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR). The 2024 fourth-generation model made AEB and full-speed ACC standard across the board, while introducing a transparent chassis camera view to aid in tight manoeuvring and parking. The 15th Anniversary Edition received dedicated ADAS enhancements, adding LDW, LKA, Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), and Integrated Cruise Assist (ICA)—delivering a comprehensive active safety package for a modest RM2,000 premium. The sensor array relies primarily on millimetre-wave radars, ultrasonic sensors, and HD cameras; while lacking LiDAR, it remains one of the most comprehensively equipped setups in the RM100,000-class mid-size petrol sedan category.
In its domestic Chinese home market, the Bestune B70 has experienced a notable sales downturn. Total sales in 2025 stood at 17,152 units, placing it 37th among D-segment sedans. Deliveries contracted sharply entering 2026—registering just 65 units in January 2026 (a 97.44% year-on-year drop), sliding further to 12 units in February (down 99.2% YoY), and recording 77 units in March, resulting in a dismal Q1 tally of only 142 units. This marks a stark contrast to its performance in 2024, when annual sales exceeded 30,000 units (31,253 units for the full year 2023). The steep drop is primarily attributable to the rapid market substitution by New Energy Vehicles (NEVs)—competitively priced plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sedans like the BYD Qin PLUS DM-i and Geely Galaxy L6 have heavily cannibalised the conventional petrol family sedan market. In export markets, however, the B70 has fared considerably better. While consolidating its core strongholds in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, FAW Bestune has aggressively expanded into the Asia-Pacific and Latin American markets; in Russia, the B70 accounts for roughly half of the brand's total volume, serving as the spearhead for its overseas push.
From a consumer standpoint, positive feedback centres on the class-above cabin space afforded by its D-segment footprint (2,800 mm wheelbase), the practical cargo utility of the liftback tailgate, a planted chassis feel, and composed high-speed cruising. On the flip side, criticisms focus on limited brand awareness, sparse 4S dealership network coverage, and accelerated depreciation under pressure from the NEV surge. Industry consensus holds that the Bestune B70—leveraging FAW Group's substantial engineering pedigree across four model iterations over nearly 20 years—carved out a solid niche by undercutting C-segment price brackets with D-segment specifications. However, amidst the accelerating wave of electrification, its market position faces severe headwinds. Whether an electrified revamp (such as a B70 PHEV) can revitalise its standing in an intensely competitive market remains to be seen.