For decades, the formula for a true full-size 4×4 was simple: bolt a large-displacement engine to a heavy ladder-frame chassis and call it a day. But as the landscape of off-roading evolves, so does the technology required to conquer it. Enter the BAIC B60e Beaumont rEV, a massive 7-seater that proves the future of overlanding does not have to be tied to a charging station.
Today, we are looking past the imposing sheet metal to understand how this ₱3.498 Million flagship merges zero-range-anxiety exploration with the instantaneous torque of an electric vehicle.
The Range-Extender Advantage
When you are miles away from civilization, a dead battery is not an inconvenience; it is an emergency. This is where BAIC’s rEV (Range-Extended Electric Vehicle) architecture becomes a game-changer for trail runners.
Unlike a traditional Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) where both the engine and electric motors can drive the wheels, the B60e Beaumont operates strictly as an EV. The wheels are propelled entirely by a dual-motor, full-time all-wheel-drive system that pushes out a staggering 540 horsepower and 655 Nm of torque.
Under the hood sits a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine that acts purely as an onboard generator. Its sole purpose is to feed electricity to the battery pack and motors. The result is an estimated 1,200 kilometers of total driving range on a full 85-liter tank. You get the aggressive, instant power delivery of a pure EV, without ever needing to worry about grid infrastructure when you are off the map.
Trail-Rated Hardware
A premium powertrain means nothing if the chassis cannot handle the abuse of deep ruts and rocky inclines. Fortunately, the B60e does not rely on a unibody crossover platform. It sits on a proper body-on-frame architecture that off-roaders demand.
It is equipped with the hardware required to back up its muscular stance:
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Electronic Part-Time 4WD: Featuring front and rear differential lock systems to keep you moving when traction is compromised.
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Suspension: A double-wishbone front and multi-link rear setup that balances trail articulation with highway composure.
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Clearance and Stance: 215 mm of ground clearance rolling on two-tone 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain rubber.
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Water Wading: A maximum wading depth of 800 mm, supplemented by a dedicated Water Wading Mode and an IP68-rated battery shield.
A Cabin Built for Command
Inside, the B60e Beaumont ditches utilitarian plastics for an environment that feels closer to an executive lounge—a stark contrast to its rugged exterior. The cabin is heavily appointed with camel brown leather, heated and ventilated front seats with massage functions, and a panoramic sunroof.
The technology suite is built around a “Six-Screen Command Center,” anchored by a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster that displays dynamic off-road telemetry. For tight trail maneuvers, the 540-degree surround-view camera (which includes a transparent chassis view) acts as a digital spotter, ensuring you do not scrape the underbelly on hidden obstacles. All of this is paired with a 13-speaker Infinity audio setup featuring active noise cancellation, keeping the ride dead quiet even when the terrain gets loud.
The Verdict
The BAIC B60e Beaumont rEV is a bold statement. It delivers the premium appointments and instant torque expected of a modern luxury EV, wrapped in a traditional ladder-frame chassis, and completely untethered by charging infrastructure. For the serious off-roader who wants next-generation technology without compromising on expedition-level range, the Beaumont represents a compelling new chapter in 4×4 utility.