The SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture in China is entering into a new segment of China’s thriving car industry with the launch of the Yep, its first all-electric SUV launched through the Baojun brand. The tiny Baojun Yep starts at 79,800 Yuan (US$ 11,240) and tops out at 89,800 (US$ 12,698). The tiny SUV, which is known as the YueYe in Chinese, was first presented to the world at April’s Shanghai Auto Show but only went on sale on May 25. It takes the form of a three-door SUV with four seats and is just 3,381 mm, 1,686 mm, and stands 1,721 mm. To put those numbers into context, that makes it roughly 10 inches shorter than a Suzuki Jimny.
Given the tiny footprint of the Yep, it
comes as no surprise that it is light, tipping the scales at a mere 1,006 kg. Interior space is limited but the rear seats can be folded down to
give the SUV some 715 liters of cargo space. Some additional
storage is also found in the frunk that offers heating and cooling functions.
Underpinning the Baojun Yep is a 28.1 kWh
battery pack that drives a single electric motor with 67 hp and 140
Nm of torque. The battery pack can be charged from 30% to 80% in 35 minutes
and the Yep can travel up to 303 km on a charge, quite impressive
given how small the battery is. The top speed sits at 100 km/h.
Baojun has opted for a boxy exterior
aesthetic with the Yep, fitting it with black front and rear bumpers, fender
extensions, and rocker panels. The front end is entirely void of a traditional
grille but there are a pair of LED headlights. Perhaps the most intriguing
aspect of the SUV’s design is the small screen on the tailgate that can be used
to display messages to other drivers.
The interior is surprisingly
well-equipped. Among the parts that come standard include a pair of 10.25-inch
displays serving as the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment screen.
There is even a 360-degree camera system.
