Socialbites.ca reported that the first showroom for the Chinese automobile brand BAIC opened its doors in the Moscow region, signaling a new chapter for the automaker in Russia. The move marks BAIC’s commitment to establishing a direct presence in the market and serving a growing interest in modern, value-driven vehicles from a global manufacturer.
In the initial phase, BAIC will introduce the U5 Plus sedan and the X35 crossover to the Russian lineup. Over time, the product family will broaden to include the X55 and X7 crossovers as well as the BJ40 Plus and BJ60 sport utility vehicles, along with electric models. In total, seven BAIC models are planned for Russia, with production targets reaching around thirty thousand units by year’s end. This expansion aligns BAIC’s strategy with rising demand for affordable mainstream models that combine practicality with contemporary styling.
The BAIC U5 Plus will be available in Russia at a price point of about 1.7 million rubles. The sedan comes equipped with a 1.5 liter engine delivering 113 horsepower, and the transmission options include a five speed manual or a continuously variable transmission. The X35 crossover, powered by a 1.5 liter turbo engine producing 150 horsepower and paired with a CVT, is expected to cost between 1.7 and 2.14 million rubles depending on the configuration chosen. These figures place BAIC’s early offerings in a competitive segment for budget-conscious buyers seeking modern features without premium pricing.
The BJ40 Plus SUV is positioned at around 3.8 million rubles and will be offered in a single specification featuring a 2.0 liter engine paired with an eight speed automatic transmission. Pricing details for additional BAIC models have not been disclosed publicly yet, keeping the market curious about future configurations and trim levels that will accompany the broader rollout.
Earlier information indicated that the U5 Plus and X35 began production at the Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad. Vehicles are assembled on platforms that use welded and painted bodies, with ongoing plans to deepen localization throughout 2024. This localization effort is part of BAIC’s broader strategy to integrate more deeply into Russian manufacturing capabilities, reducing import dependence and potentially improving value for domestic customers as supply chains stabilize.