BAIC Philippines, under the distributorship of United Asia Automotive Group Inc. (UAAGI), recently let us take their latest offering for a quick drive. Priced at P2.888 million, the B40e Trailmaster 4×4 rEV merges two worlds that rarely meet: serious off-road capability and plug-in hybrid efficiency.
With its official debut set for the Manila International Auto Show 2026, it arrives at just the right time, when Filipino buyers are feeling the bite of continuously increasing fuel prices.
What makes the B40e unique in its category is BAIC’s Advanced Range-Extended Electric Vehicle system. In the city, the vehicle behaves like an EV, capable of running up to 152 kilometers (CLTC) on battery power alone. But unlike a full EV, it has a turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine that steps in as a generator to extend your range, not to drive the wheels. Resulting in a combined driving distance of over 1,200 kilometers. This powertrain produces 530 horsepower and 655 Nm of torque.
The BAIC B40e is a proper 4×4 built on the traditional body-on-frame paired with a four-wheel-drive system. It has a wading depth of 750mm, a 36-degree approach angle, a 31-degree departure angle, and is also equipped with front and rear locking differentials. It’s equipped with vehicle-to-load (V2L), which allows it to power external devices via two 220V outlets with up to 2.2 kW of output.
Inside, the BAIC B40e Trailmaster 4×4 rEV’s cabin leans more toward modern comfort. The front seats offer heating, ventilation, and massage. Featuring prominently on the dashboard are three displays, one for the driver’s instrument cluster and two large 12.8-inch displays, one for the infotainment and one for the passenger. It’s an unusual setup in this segment, but it makes sense when caught in city traffic.
There are also the frameless doors and panoramic sunroof. The Infinity 12-speaker sound system adds another layer of refinement, delivering a listening experience that feels more premium crossover than an off-roader.
Safety hasn’t been treated as an afterthought either. A full suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) works quietly in the background, adding an extra layer of confidence on the road.
The exterior of the B40e Trailmaster rEV stands out without trying too hard. And it’s availability of cool colors like Jungle Green and Mineral Yellow, while offering more subdued options like Future Gray and Jet Black for the grown-ups.
BAIC offers a 5-year or 150,000-kilometer bumper-to-bumper warranty, with the same coverage for the high-voltage battery, and three years of roadside assistance.
Autocar’s Take
In many ways, the 2026 BAIC B40e Trailmaster 4×4 rEV feels like a bridge. Not just between gasoline and electric power, but because you do get proper old-school toughness, and modern expectations are met. It’s apparent BAIC understands that today’s Filipino driver wants efficiency without compromise and capability without sacrifice.
And that’s what makes the BAIC B40e Trailmaster 4×4 rEV compelling. Because in a landscape increasingly dominated by soft-roaders and city-focused crossovers, the B40e Trailmaster rEV quietly stands apart, quite literally. It simply offers a different way forward, one where the capability for adventure and everyday EV efficiency don’t have to live in separate garages.
