The All-New Mini Electric Car: A Sibling to the Mazda CX-5 with Impressive Fuel Efficiency

The Chinese SUV boasts an all-electric and hybrid model, positioning it as a direct rival to the likes of the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V.

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Baojun, a subsidiary of SAIC, revealed more details about the interior and configurations of its upcoming SUV, the Yunhai, in late July. The new model will be offered in both pure electric and plug-in hybrid versions and is set to be launched in the third quarter of this year.

The all-electric Baojun Yunhai measures 4,541 x 1,880 x 1,608 mm, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm. The plug-in hybrid version has a length of 4,590 mm, while the other dimensions remain the same. With these dimensions, the vehicle competes in the same segment as the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V.

On the exterior, the Yunhai is built on the Tianyu D platform and features a closed front grille with a camera, headlights with three horizontal bars, and a lower grille design. It rides on 18-inch floral-style wheels and has traditional door handles, unlike the hidden handles seen on many modern electric and hybrid vehicles.

The interior offers a choice of two color schemes: Morning White and Night Black. The dashboard features a minimalist design with an 8.8-inch LCD instrument panel, a floating 15.6-inch central control screen, a D-shaped steering wheel, and two wireless charging pads and cup holders on the center console.

The audio system includes eight speakers, and the steering wheel, air conditioning vents, door trim, and front armrest are accented with gold-plated details.

Headroom in the front and rear seats is 1,008 mm and 987 mm, respectively, while legroom in the front and rear is 949 mm and 876 mm, respectively.

The standard trunk capacity is 567 liters, but it can be expanded to 1,570 liters by folding down the rear seats, accommodating five 28-inch suitcases, two 26-inch suitcases, and two 20-inch suitcases at the same time. The rear hatch opening height is 1,795 mm, and there are also 29 storage spaces throughout the vehicle.

In terms of performance, the pure electric version of the Baojun Yunhai will be equipped with a 150 kW (201 hp) electric motor, paired with a choice of 56.7 kWh or 69.2 kWh battery packs, offering CLTC ranges of 500 km and 600 km, respectively. Fast charging at 2C is also supported.

The plug-in hybrid variant, on the other hand, is powered by the Wuling Lingxi hybrid system, which combines a 1.5-liter 78 kW (105 hp) engine with an electric motor, along with a choice of 9.5 kWh or 20.5 kWh battery packs, providing all-electric ranges of 45 km and 100 km, respectively. The overall range is 1,100 km, and the WLTC fuel consumption is an impressive 4.96 liters/100 km.

Pricing for the Baojun Yunhai has not yet been announced by the manufacturer.

According to the distributor’s plans, the Baojun Yep, a small electric car that competes in the same segment as the Wuling Mini EV but with a slightly larger size and an SUV-like design similar to the VinFast VF 3, will be introduced in Vietnam this year. It will be distributed by TMT Motor, the same company that distributes the Mini EV.

Reference: CNC