Bestune B70S

Model Overview

The Bestune B70S is a C-segment coupe SUV under the FAW Bestune marque, officially launched on 18 March 2022. As the first new model to emerge following Bestune's brand strategy refresh, the B70S is positioned as a "performance-grade intelligent coupe SUV" and serves as a vital spearhead in the brand's push to appeal to younger buyers. The model is offered with two powertrain options across seven variants, with official retail pricing ranging from RM109,900 to RM142,900. In terms of dimensions, the SUV measures 4,555 mm long, 1,850 mm wide, and 1,515 mm tall, riding on a 2,750 mm wheelbase with a ground clearance of 180 mm. During its launch, FAW Bestune also unveiled its "635" brand blueprint, which targets an annual sales volume of 600,000 units by 2025, with new energy vehicles (NEVs) accounting for over 30% of that total.

Design Language

The Bestune B70S embraces the third-generation "Light and Shadow Philosophy - Sensuous Curves" design language, featuring sleek, flowing contours inspired by the graceful silhouette of traditional Chinese porcelain and the elegant cuts of a cheongsam. Up front, it sports a split-grille layout where the slim upper intake flows into "dagger-axe" LED headlamp clusters on both flanks—paying homage to classic rally styling—accented with vertical chrome detailing; below, a massive trapezoidal lower grille finished in gloss black slats dominates the front end for an aggressive road presence. A bonnet-mounted intake garnish further accentuates its sporty character. In profile, a swooping fastback roofline defines its coupe-SUV proportions, enhanced by a sharp upswept shoulder line along the rear doors, semi-floating D-pillars, flush pop-out door handles, and red brake calipers that contribute to its athletic, poised stance. Around the back, the liftback tailgate is topped by a roof spoiler and a dual-tier high-mount rear wing, while the full-width LED taillamp cluster—with light signatures evoking the look of Great Wall beacon towers—infuses subtle heritage cues, finished off by functional dual exhaust tips that underline its performance credentials.

Inside, the cabin features an asymmetrical wraparound cockpit layout, generously trimmed in soft-touch slush-moulded materials alongside piano black panels and satin silver accents to heighten perceived quality. The bespoke flat-bottom four-spoke steering wheel offers a reassuring grip, with multifunction buttons on both spokes for audio and cruise control operations. The interior ambiance is further elevated by starlight-illuminated instrument lighting, laser-etched detailing, and wraparound constellation ambient lighting, delivering an immersive, high-tech experience after dark.

Powertrain and Performance

The Bestune B70S is available with two turbocharged engine choices to cater to varying driving needs. The entry-level 1.5-litre turbo (engine code CA4GB15TD-30) produces 124 kW (169 PS) and 258 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7DCT), delivering a WLTC rated combined fuel consumption of around 5.9 L/100 km. The flagship 2.0-litre turbo (engine code CA4GC20TD-36) is sourced from China FAW's 4GC engine family, generating 165 kW (224 PS) and 340 Nm of torque, paired with an Aisin 6-speed torque-converter automatic (6AT); it posts a WLTC combined fuel consumption of roughly 7.2 L/100 km and a top speed of 200 km/h. The 2.0T model completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in approximately 7 to 8 seconds, offering punchy mid-to-top-end punch thanks to peak torque being accessible across a broad 1,650 to 4,500 rpm band, making its power reserve among the strongest in its class. All variants come with a 50-litre fuel tank; the 1.5T runs on minimum RON 92 petrol, while the 2.0T requires RON 95 petrol.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the B70S is underpinned by an all-independent suspension setup comprising front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link setup, providing a solid foundation for ride and handling. The suspension tuning leans towards ride comfort while maintaining sufficient poise, delivering a taut, well-damped chassis feel that multiple motoring media outlets praised as "exceeding expectations". In day-to-day driving, the setup absorbs minor road imperfections with clean rebound and no unnecessary secondary body movements; during enthusiastic cornering or quick lane changes, it delivers ample roll stiffness, striking a commendable middle ground between dynamic control and daily comfort. The electric power steering (EPS) is lightly weighted for effortless city driving, though at the expense of outright steering feel and road feedback. Braking is handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), with higher-spec variants riding on 245/45 R19 tyres for improved grip and braking performance. Power is sent exclusively to the front wheels (FWD), with a 180 mm ground clearance ensuring decent clearance over mild terrain and flash flood puddles.

Cabin and Equipment

The B70S is equipped with a modern "Glass Digital Cockpit", featuring a seamless dual-screen layout as standard that combines a 7-inch digital meter panel with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The head unit runs on the Bestune D-Life 5.2 AI smart operating system, packing 28 connected categories including online navigation, multimedia streaming, after-sales services, an AI voice assistant, and smart home integration. The voice command system wakes to "Hello YOMI", capable of understanding natural conversational commands to operate the panoramic roof, power windows, navigation, and audio. Below the dashboard sits a dedicated climate control touch panel with haptic feedback, vibrating on input to facilitate blind operation on the move, flanked by dual knurled temperature dials with satisfying resistance. Comfort-wise, high-spec variants gain a powered driver's seat with a welcome slide function, 6-way electric adjustments, memory presets, and seat heating. A panoramic glass roof with tilt/slide function, keyless entry with push-start button, and automatic climate control are standard across the lineup. Audio is piped through a 6-speaker sound system, tailored to fulfill everyday multimedia duties.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the Bestune B70S comes standard with dual front airbags, front side airbags, and full-length curtain airbags (standard on all but the entry variant), working alongside a high-strength cage passenger cell for robust crash protection. The active safety suite integrates 18 safety features and 23 active technologies, covering essentials such as ABS, EBD, Traction Control (TCS), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Flagship variants add Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC with Stop & Go from 0-130 km/h), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), and Blind Spot Detection / Lane Change Assist. Parking is aided by a 360-degree surround-view camera system offering 7 viewing angles and a 3D mode with capable low-light clarity; high-spec grades further feature Automatic Parking Assist (APA) capable of parallel, perpendicular, and parallel-exit manoeuvres, making tight city parking hassle-free.

Market Performance and Verdict

During its debut, the Bestune B70S drew early interest from younger car buyers thanks to its sporty coupe-SUV silhouette, dual turbocharged offerings, and a competitive entry price of RM109,900. However, the niche nature of the coupe-SUV segment, compounded by FAW Bestune's broader sales slump (annual brand sales declined from 120,000 units in 2019 to 73,000 in 2020 and 68,000 in 2021), prevented the B70S from achieving a breakthrough. Sales figures reveal that the model registered 2,745 units in its launch year of 2022, before plunging to 982 units in 2023, down to just 48 units in 2024, and grinding to a virtual standstill by 2025.

In terms of customer feedback, owners generally praise its sleek fastback styling, effortless 2.0T power delivery, and generous tech specs. On the flip side, drawbacks noted include heavier fuel consumption (real-world 2.0T consumption hovers around 10 L/100 km) and noticeable wind noise at highway cruising speeds. Reported complaints have centered on premature rear tyre wear/misalignment, erratic autonomous emergency braking interventions, and occasional water leaks in the bodywork. On the whole, the Bestune B70S stood as an ambitious attempt by FAW Bestune to rejuvenate its brand image with standout design and decent firepower; nevertheless, held back by limited brand pull and a restricted segment ceiling, it struggled to make a lasting mark against rivals such as the Geely Xingyue S and Trumpchi GS4 COUPE.