BAIC, the Chinese automobile brand, has begun delivering vehicles to Russian dealerships following an official announcement, signaling a new chapter for BAIC in Russia with two models already listed through official channels. The U5 Plus sedan and the X35 compact crossover emerge as the first BAIC offerings available to Russian customers, with price details accessible on the brand’s official website. (Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
In Russia, the BAIC U5 Plus carries a price of 1.7 million rubles for the base version equipped with a 1.5-liter engine producing 113 horsepower and a five-speed manual transmission. The CVT-equipped variant is priced at 1,829,900 rubles. These figures place the U5 Plus in competition with other compact sedans in the Russian market, delivering a balance of affordability and contemporary features for buyers seeking practical daily transport. (Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
The BAIC X35 crossover is offered in two configurations: a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine with 116 horsepower and a manual transmission priced at 1.7 million rubles, and a higher-spec 1.5-liter turbo engine delivering 150 horsepower paired with a continuously variable transmission, available from 1,989,900 rubles. The X35 broadens BAIC’s regional lineup, appealing to buyers who want a compact crossover with efficiency and practical space for urban life and weekend trips. (Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
There is also a notable development related to production capacity in the region. The Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad has announced readiness to initiate BAIC BJ40 SUV production, signaling an expansion of local manufacturing that aligns with broader European and Russian market strategies. This shift could shorten supply chains and support pricing stability for future BAIC models sold in Russia and neighboring markets. (Rossiyskaya Gazeta)
Beyond BAIC’s current Russian introduction, industry observers recall earlier signals that Fiat explored new offerings for the market, including urban electric models like the Topolino. The emergence of an electric urban car under the Fiat banner demonstrates the region’s evolving appetite for compact, city-friendly electric vehicles, as BAIC expands its lineup to meet diverse consumer needs across Russia. (Rossiyskaya Gazeta)