SHABAZ PASHA
If it makes its way to India, the MG Motor-rebadged Baojun Yep Plus will be right up there with the Mahindra XUV400 and Tata Nexon EV.
The Yep Plus, an all-electric SUV, has been revealed by Baojun, a Chinese automaker and a division of the state-owned company SAIC Motor. This new model expands on the earlier Yep, now featuring 5 doors, and shares its platform with the MG Comet EV, known as Wuling Air in China. Both models are under the umbrella of SAIC Motor, which is also the parent company of MG Motor. Speculations suggest that the 5-door Yep Plus is anticipated to make its inaugural appearance in China during the first quarter of 2024, having been recently observed undergoing tests on Chinese roads.
Following the trend set by its 3-door counterpart, the Yep Plus is the outcome of a collaborative effort between SAIC and General Motors. Priced at 83,800 yuan (approximately Rs 9.78 lakh) in China, this subcompact electric SUV plays a significant role in advancing the continuous evolution of electric vehicles within the automotive sector.
Baojun Yep Plus: Design
Significant modifications to the Yep Plus’s wheelbase and length have enabled the incorporation of rear doors, transforming it into a variant of Baojun’s 3-door Yep. Sporting a wheelbase extended by 450 mm, the Yep Plus boasts a total length of 2,560mm, nearly 600 mm longer than its 3.4-meter counterpart. Contrasted with the more compact Yep SUV, the width has undergone a 75mm augmentation, while the height has seen a 5mm increase, reaching 1,760mm and 1,726mm, respectively.
The resemblance between the Yep and Yep Plus is striking, with minor distinctions such as the blacked-out C-pillar, upgraded alloy wheels, and the absence of an LCD screen on the rear door (a feature found on the 3-door version). Following the design cues of the Jimny, these electric SUVs showcase a boxy aesthetic characterized by flat sides and petite, sharp headlights. Notably, the headlamps exhibit artistic elements reminiscent of Porsches, contributing to the overall distinctive appearance of these electric vehicles.
Baojun Yep Plus: Powertrain
While Baojun remains discreet regarding the detailed information about the battery, there are whispers suggesting that the Yep Plus might feature a unit with a greater capacity than the 28.1kWh battery found in the Yep. The overall range figures support this speculation, with the Yep Plus boasting an impressive 401km, exceeding the Yep’s 303km on the CLTC cycle.
A modest 101bhp electric motor, elegantly positioned on the rear axle, is the component responsible for energizing the Yep Plus. Baojun achieves a maximum speed of 150kph.
MG-badged Baojun Yep for India
MG Comet EV and Baojun’s Yep EV SUVs are based on the same GSEV platform and MG Motor India had trademarked Yep’s design last year. To compete with the Tata Punch EV, MG Motor is preparing its version for 2025.
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