If you think the BAIC B40 PLUS CityHunter is just another chunky SUV strutting down suburban streets, think again.

• Born on the battlefield, built for the boulevard – the BAIC B40 PLUS CityHunter fuses military heritage with modern swagger.
• From city streets to Limpopo trails, the B40 PLUS proves you don’t need to be top-of-the-range to take on all the bushveld has to offer.
• Although its infotainment tech feels a bit dated, the B40 PLUS makes up for it with robust off-road capability and competitive pricing.
• Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.

This rugged contender is as much at home crawling over jagged rocks as it is parked in the valet zone at your favourite Limpopo lodge. The Sandton Times took this bold ride on a weekend jaunt through the hinterlands of Limpopo, and it proved that this military-rooted machine has a wild side – and a fun one at that.

The B40 PLUS comes with more heritage than most, developed from BAIC’s 60-year history building military-grade vehicles. The brand claims the B40 was “born in the battlefield and perfected in the real world,” and it’s not just a catchy slogan. From extreme cold to desert heat, the B40 has been through more than most off-roaders would dare.

BAIC, one of China’s top five automotive manufacturers, has gone from strength to strength. With over 130’000 employees and a presence on the Fortune Global 500 list, they’ve made their mark not just in sales, but also in design innovation via their Turin Styling Centre in Italy. Now, with the B40 PLUS, they’re eyeing South African soil and sand with serious intent.

First impressions? This SUV doesn’t roll. It grips. The BAIC B40 PLUS CityHunter has an unapologetically aggressive design – wide stance, beefy bumpers, squared-off wheel arches, and the now-iconic five-slot grille that nods to the Great Wall of China. The red tow hooks are functional, yes, but they also scream, “Let’s go rescue someone!”

From the Military Green exterior to the rugged chrome and black detailing, the B40 PLUS means business. Its vertical windshield and high ride height offer commanding views, while LED daytime running lights, fog lamps, and roof rails round off the tough-guy look. Removable doors? Fold-down windscreen? Open-top option? Yes, yes, and yes. The CityHunter has clear ‘sounds familiar’ aspiration – but with a distinctly BAIC twist.

Slide inside and you’re greeted with a cabin that’s functional and comfortable – but not quite futuristic. Reclining rear seats, dual-zone climate control, chrome touches, and colour-coded trim give it a touch of flair. The infotainment system is centred on a 10-inch display with Bluetooth, USB, and AM/FM radio. However, in 2025, the lack of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto feels like a missed opportunity – especially for tech-savvy adventurers. The software also doesn’t scream mission to Mars, with some finishing more plastic than fantastic.

Still, the NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) control is good thanks to Liquid Application Sound Deadening (LASD), which not only cuts cabin noise but does so with eco-friendly materials.

Under the hood, the CityHunter comes in either a 2.0-litre turbo petrol or a 2.0-litre turbo diesel. The petrol version delivers 160kW and 320Nm of torque – punchy enough for the freeway and composed enough for mountain passes. Fuel consumption clocks in at around 10.1L/100km – not light, but manageable given the B40’s sheer size and performance capabilities.

Handling? It’s no ballerina, but the 6-speed auto gearbox is smooth, and the part-time 4WD system, makes light work of river beds, gravel tracks and muddy slopes. This beast can take on some tricky terrain without ever breaking a sweat. Suspension-wise, the double wishbone front and five-link rear setup strikes a decent balance between rugged and rideable, while safety is covered by ABS, EBD, traction control, and optional features like Hill Descent Control and Electronic Stability Programme on higher trims.

The off-road credentials are no marketing gimmick – the B40 PLUS went through “5 high & 1 drought” testing: high altitude, heat, humidity, cold, salt, and drought. This vehicle has faced harsher conditions than a Cape Town influencer with no Wi-Fi. When it’s time to pack up the tent and hit the road, the B40 PLUS doesn’t disappoint. Flip open the rear door and you get 532 litres of cargo space – extendable to 965 litres with the rear seats folded down. Enough for your cooler box, recovery gear, and a weekend’s worth of biltong.

The BAIC B40 PLUS line-up includes:
• B40 PLUS Diesel
• B40 PLUS Petrol
• B40 PLUS CityHunter Diesel
• B40 PLUS CityHunter Petrol
• B40 PLUS Champion Petrol (with 8-speed automatic)

Colour choices are as expressive as the car itself – from Desert Red to Military Green, Ocean Blue to Ice White. Starting at R609’900 and topping out at R699’900 for the Champion model, the B40 PLUS is competitively priced for what it offers. Limited editions offer enhanced off-road features for those wanting even more grit. Every model comes with a 5-year/120,000km warranty, and service intervals are every 15’000km or 12-months. Service plans are optional but available – and smart to include if you plan on testing the CityHunter’s limits.

The BAIC B40 PLUS CityHunter is a pleasant surprise. It’s not pretending to be a luxury SUV with cappuccino holders and self-driving fairy dust. It’s here for the dirt, the dust, and the drama. And if you can live with some entry-level switchgear and a no-frills infotainment system, you’ll find a genuinely capable, characterful SUV with serious presence and plenty of practicality.

Whether you’re charging through a bushveld trail, or just trying to make a statement at your local coffee stop, the B40 PLUS CityHunter brings battlefield toughness to your everyday adventure. Rugged. Ready. And unexpectedly fun.

Stand a chance to WIN with The Sandton Times.

Advertise on The Sandton Times today!

Head back to The Sandton Times Home Page for more stories.