Baojun, the youngest General Motors brand in China, has undergone a major transformation since the launch of its new corporate image in early 2019, when it began an aggressive strategy to expand its portfolio with next-generation vehicles. After launching eight models with its new logo, the brand is preparing an upcoming compact crossover that has just been spotted in the Asian country.
This future compact crossover, which doesn’t have a name yet, was first seen during validation tests on the road, wearing a light checked camouflage that allows many exterior and interior details to be appreciated. For this reason, it’s likely that Baojun’s new utility vehicle will be presented this year in the Chinese market as the brand’s fourth next-generation crossover, after the RS-3, the RS-5 and the RS-7.
Notably, the spy photos show that the upcoming Baojun crossover is similar in size to the current lower-end Baojun 530 that wears the classic logo, but with clear styling cues of the latest “interstellar geometry” design language. In fact, it can be seen that the vehicle shares a strong resemblance to the compact model range consisting of the RM-5 MPV, the RC-5 liftback and the Valli wagon.
Like the aforementioned models, the front end of Baojun’s upcoming compact crossover will feature the brand’s signature split-headlight design, which includes LED daytime running lights linked by a thin, bright horizontal bar and bumper-embedded headlights. Ditto for the rear end, sporting a horizontal bar with the BAOJUN script as well as lower lighting elements.
Interior spy shots show that Baojun’s future crossover uses exactly the same upper dash module as the brand’s latest compact models, housing an infotainment screen and a generously sized digital instrument panel. In addition, the new utility vehicle is equipped with the brand’s most modern steering wheel and center console design, identical to those found in the Baojun RM-5.
Baojun RM-5 MPV interior
Baojun’s upcoming crossover is expected to be officially unveiled in the coming months, expanding the brand’s next-generation utility portfolio as a new offering positioned between the current RS-3 and RS-5. Although logic suggests that the model will adopt the RS-4 nameplate as part of the latest nomenclature strategy, it’s unclear whether Baojun will use an alphanumeric designation or a new name altogether, as it recently did with the all-new Valli.
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Comments
Olds, Saturn and Pontiac has been replaced by Chinese brands, well, until as US-Sino Cold War makes business impossible for American firms at which point GM becomes FIAT!
Not a bad looking auto. No bubble shape but nonetheless doesn’t take my breath away.
GM needs to merge with Honda or at least form a deeper alliance so each company remains stable when the doors to China close.
Isn’t this basically the same thing as that Wuling model unveiled last month?
Yep! It’s smart to reskin the same bones for numerous models like Stellantis does with Peugeot and Opel. (This is what GM should have done in the 1980s instead of focusing under the hood while marketing near identical Pontiac, Olds and Buick models. )
Boajun tries to copy Chevrolet to be used in developing nations.