After five busy days, it’s time for a spontaneous road trip with family and friends. If you ask what matters most during a drive, many will say route planning, scenic views, and safety. As a car enthusiast, I also care about fuel efficiency and range. Since the advent of new energy vehicles, hybrids now offer over 1,000 kilometers of range. This greatly expands our travel radius and eases the strain on our wallets. Therefore, if a road trip is necessary, I believe hybrids are the best choice.
Many brands now offer their hybrid models. Beijing Automotive, focused on off-road and travel, launched the light off-road model “Beijing BJ30” this year amid the camping trend. This vehicle comes in a traditional fuel version and a HEV hybrid version with the Magic Core electric drive system. Today, we received a Beijing BJ30 Magic Core electric drive advanced version. We briefly tested its performance and fuel consumption.
We start from Baiziwan, Beijing. We pass through the East Fifth Ring, G7 Jingxin Expressway, and Jingyin Road. Finally, we reach our destination, Beijing Xigu Camp, in Yanqing. The total distance is about 95 kilometers. The route includes highways, national roads, mountain roads, and light off-road sections. It covers most weekend travel scenarios for users.
We drove the Beijing BJ30 Magic Core Electric Drive Advanced Edition. It features a 1.5T engine and an electric motor. The engine delivers a maximum power of 116 kW and a peak torque of 235 N·m. The hybrid system produces a combined maximum power of 301 kW and a peak torque of 685 N·m. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.59 seconds. The vehicle uses dual motors for an all-wheel-drive system.
We experienced the weekend rush. Traffic jam greeted us as we set off. The red lines on the navigation made us anxious. We switched to eco mode. We set the energy recovery to strong. At low speeds, below 70 km/h, the vehicle used the electric motor first. The ride felt smooth. The acceleration matched that of an electric car. HEV batteries are small, but they handle stop-and-go traffic well.
As traffic conditions improve, vehicle speed increases. The system primarily uses battery power to drive the motor. At this point, the engine starts and generates electricity to charge the battery. The motor continues to drive the vehicle forward. Notably, the engine’s vibrations and noise are minimal during startup. Drivers hardly notice them. The driving experience remains similar to that of an electric vehicle. The efficiency also reaches its peak.
After leaving the highway, we entered the national road. The traffic speed varied. To save time, we chose to overtake when it was safe. When we pressed the accelerator hard, the system entered parallel mode. The engine and motor worked together to drive the vehicle. If we switched to sport mode while accelerating, the power delivery surprised us. Overtaking felt smooth and decisive. However, engine output increased vibrations and noise slightly.
The Beijing BJ30 features independent front and rear suspension systems. This setup greatly enhances stability during high-speed driving and sharp turns. On mountain roads, the BJ30 quickly returns to its lane after overtaking. It effectively reduces body roll and sway. Passengers feel minimal motion inside the vehicle.
In the second half of the trip, we adjust the energy recovery to a low setting. When the driver releases the accelerator, the vehicle feels only a slight drag. This sensation is similar to coasting in a regular gasoline car. The well-tuned front and rear shocks also help reduce motion sickness.
The Beijing BJ30 uses double-layer laminated glass. It features multiple seals for noise reduction. This design performs well at high speeds. At 100 km/h, conversations and music remain unaffected. However, the boxy shape causes some wind noise at the driver’s seat.
Before reaching the destination, we took a short off-road detour. The difficulty was low, but it matched the user’s needs. The power output remained linear while climbing. Even with motor drive, controlling the accelerator prevents sudden lunges forward. When we encountered muddy paths, we switched to mud mode. The vehicle automatically adjusted torque output and four-wheel torque distribution. This reduced slipping on slippery surfaces. With a 25-degree approach angle and a 30-degree departure angle, we navigated low ramps easily.
Let’s summarize the fuel consumption. We drove 95.1 km. Traffic jams extended our travel time to 3 hours and 21 minutes. Our average speed was 28 km/h. The displayed average fuel consumption was 6.5 L/100 km. The actual consumption was 5.78 L/100 km, which aligns closely with official data. We refueled with 5.5 L, costing 43.94 yuan (10$). Overall, I think the performance was very good.
The popular square box shape meets current aesthetic trends. When people think of rugged off-road vehicles, they envision a square box design. The Beijing BJ30 may not be a traditional off-roader, but it offers consumers an appealing look. It incorporates elements of modern style, such as round LED headlights within the square shape and illuminated front grille light strips. This design aligns with the identity of a versatile urban SUV.
The Beijing BJ30 is a compact SUV, but its size is impressive. It measures 4730mm in length, 1910mm in width, and 1790mm in height, with a 2820mm wheelbase. This size qualifies it as a mid-size SUV. The 2820mm wheelbase enhances rear space, rivaling mid-size SUVs. The flat floor and small battery improve legroom for rear passengers. This design reduces fatigue during long drives.
We drive the Beijing BJ30 Magic Core Electric Drive Advanced Edition. It is the top configuration model. The roof features a luggage rack for securing items. The side steps help passengers enter and exit easily. The electric tailgate opens to a flat luggage compartment. This design facilitates luggage arrangement. Inside the luggage compartment, there is a power outlet for small appliances.
The Beijing BJ30’s cabin design is simple and practical. The interior uses stain-resistant materials, making it easy to clean. A number of physical buttons simplify operation. The central dashboard features a dual-layer design. The upper layer offers a wireless charging panel for phones. The lower layer provides ample storage space for larger items.
The 14.6-inch central control screen displays well. It uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip. The system runs smoothly. It includes several useful apps. It supports phone connectivity and Huawei HiCar integration.
