Baojun will accelerate product launches based on its new Tianyu architecture, with plans to release a cumulative total of four new models this year, including today's two.

(Image credit: Baojun)

SAIC-GM-Wuling has updated its mini electric vehicle (EV), the Yep, and introduced a new, larger variant of the model, the Yep Plus, to target a wider demographic.

The automaker's Baojun brand officially launched the 2024 variant of the Yep at an event held today, raising the starting price.

The Baojun Yep looks a bit similar to the Suzuki Jimny and features the Square Box design language to target a younger audience.

The 2024 Baojun Yep continues to be offered in two variants with starting prices of RMB 80,800 ($11,160) and RMB 90,800 respectively.

For comparison, its predecessor's two versions started at RMB 79,800 and RMB 89,800 respectively.

This means that the starting price of both versions of the Baojun Yep has gone up by RMB 1,000.

Originally launched on May 25, 2023, the Baojun Yep is the latest addition to SAIC-GM-Wuling's lineup of mini EVs.

The model's core specification remains unchanged, being a 2-door, 4-seat SUV with length, width and height of 3,381 mm, 1,685 mm and 1,721 mm respectively, and a wheelbase of 2,110 mm.

For comparison, SAIC-GM-Wuling's other model, the Hongguang Mini EV, has length, width and height of 3,059 mm, 1,521 mm and 1,614 mm respectively, and a wheelbase of 2,010 mm.

The Baojun Yep is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor with a maximum power of 50 kW, maximum torque of 140 Nm and a top speed of 100 km/h.

The car comes standard with a lithium iron phosphate battery with a capacity of 28.1 kWh and a CLTC range of 303 kilometers.

It supports fast charging and can charge from 30 percent to 80 percent in 35 minutes.

The Baojun Yep Plus is a new SUV with four doors and four seats. It is also available in two variants with a starting price of RMB 93,800 and RMB 103,800 respectively.

The model measures 3,996 mm in length, 1,760 mm in width and 1,726 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,560 mm.

The Baojun Yep Plus is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor with a maximum power of 75 kW, a maximum torque of 180 Nm and a top speed of 150 km/h.

The car comes standard with a lithium iron phosphate battery with a capacity of 41.9 kWh and a range of 401 kilometers.

It supports fast charging and can charge from 30 percent to 80 percent in 35 minutes.

Baojun also unveiled the Tianyu EV architecture at today's event, which has three platforms -- D, M and S -- covering mini-cars to mid-size cars, and including pure-electric and hybrid powertrain combinations.

The S platform covers 2,500 mm-3,500 mm in length and is aimed at the small car market, mainly for commuting.

The M platform covers a size of 3,500 mm-4,600 mm and is aimed at young families.

The D-platform, with its 4,600 mm-5,000 mm dimensions, is aimed at large families with children.

Baojun will accelerate product launches based on the Tianyu architecture and plans to release a total of four new models this year, including the two today.

The Yep is the first model on the S platform, while the Yep Plus is the first model on the M platform.

Two new models for the D platform will be released in the second half of the year, with a five-seat SUV due in the third quarter and a six-seat SUV in the fourth quarter.

($1 = RMB 7.2376)

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