A Patent is Granted to MG for Its Baojun Yep Electric SUV Design in India

• Published On: 22 July 2023
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MG has already informed you that it will sell the Baojun Yep electric SUV in India under the MG EV brand. Just months after the Baojun Yep was unveiled in China, MG's parent company, SAIC, filed a design patent for the SUV in India. It is expected that the all-electric SUV will hit the market by 2025.

The design patent for MG's rebranded Baojun Yep in India indicates that it will likely retain most of its original design from the China-spec model. The only visible change will be the addition of MG badges at the front and rear, along with a few other MG insignias. Notably, even the MG Comet closely resembles the Wuling Air EV in China, with the primary difference being body-colored bumpers for the Indian version and dual-tone bumpers with black inserts for the China-spec model.

The Baojun Yep is a retro-themed electric SUV featuring a 3-door layout and accommodating four seats, similar to its counterpart, the Comet EV. Both vehicles will share the Global Small Electric Vehicle platform (GSEV). The Yep boasts simple square LED headlights, a rugged-looking bumper, plastic cladding on the lower half of the body, roof rails, bulky wheel arches, and a straightforward rear end design. Additionally, the Yep's design includes an asymmetrical window layout, while in China, an optional LCD screen on the tailgate allows for personalized messages.

In terms of dimensions, the Yep measures 3,381mm in length, 1,685mm in width, and 1,721mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,110mm. Compared to the Comet, the Yep is 407mm longer, 180mm wider, and 81mm taller, boasting a wheelbase 100mm longer than its counterpart.

Powertrain and Battery Specifications of Baojun Yep

The Baojun Yep SUV is equipped with a single electric motor positioned on the rear axle, generating 68hp and 140Nm of torque. Its top speed is limited to 100kph. The power is supplied by a 28.1kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery, providing a range of up to 303km (CLTC). However, for the India-spec model, there could be differences in the specifications as the battery pack will be sourced locally, similar to the approach taken with the Comet EV.

Baojun Yep's Arrival as an MG in India

According to our sources, the introduction of the Baojun Yep in India under the MG brand will commence after MG India's second round of investment to support the establishment of the second plant in Halol, Gujarat. The anticipated launch date is around 2025, and while there may not be direct competitors at that time, it will compete with models like the Citroen eC3 in the Indian market.

As for its official name in India, it remains undisclosed. However, we expect it to be priced at a premium compared to the Comet EV. Thanks to MG's efforts in localizing the Comet EV, it is anticipated to offer a reasonably competitive price point in the market.