Last year’s Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) saw BAIC make a Philippine comeback with United Asia Automotive Group Inc (UAAGI). They launched body-on-frame SUVs like the B40 Ragnar and the B60 Beaumont along with sporty crossovers including the X55 Verve and X7 Grandeza.

More recently, however, the automaker has delved into the electrified car market with the launch of the B30e Dune crossover SUV which comes with a turbo-hybrid powertrain. With the Philippine auto industry continuing to embrace New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), it looks like BAIC Philippines is set to bring more electrified models into the country.

Recently, we received information that the automaker is set to bring something new at MIAS 2025. According to a well-placed source, it will be a new variant of the B60 but with a unique twist. Based on what we’ve gathered, it looks like BAIC will have a plug-in hybrid version of the SUV. Or in BAIC speak, the B60 Thunder EREV (Extended Range EV). That’s right, this particular B60 trades turbo-diesel power for electric motors along with an onboard generator.

Instead of a 2.0L turbo-diesel inline-four, the B60 Thunder gets a 1.5L turbocharged gasoline engine that produces 188 PS. But as mentioned earlier, it’s only there to recharge the electric powertrain which consists of a 40.3 kWh lithium ternary battery pack that powers a pair of electric motors. The result is a total system output of 403 kW or 548 PS and a healthy 655 Nm of torque.

On a full charge, BAIC says the B60 Thunder can travel up to 152 km based on the CLTC cycle. With the help of the onboard generator, however, the full-size SUV is capable of covering up to 1,200 km before needing a recharge and refueling.

Since brands like BYD continue to offer and launch plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles that offer similar levels of tech and range, UAAGI wants a slice of that market. Combined with the fact that some buyers are still weary about EVs and range anxiety, having an onboard generator to recharge the battery while on the go provides some peace of mind to customers who go on long road trips.

With MIAS 2025 only a month away, we’ll be keeping our fingers crossed that the B60 Thunder from BAIC will indeed make an appearance this April.