SAIC, the parent company of MG Motors, has recently filed a design patent for the Baojun Yep electric SUV in India, hinting at its plans to introduce the model in the country by 2025. The Baojun Yep was recently unveiled in production form in China, and now it seems that MG is preparing to bring its rebranded version to the Indian market.
The design patent indicates that the India-spec Baojun Yep, rebranded under the MG badge, will closely resemble the China-spec model, with minor changes such as MG badges at the front and rear. Similarly, the MG Comet in India closely resembles the Wuling Air EV in China, with slight differences in bumper design.
The Baojun Yep is a retro-themed all-electric SUV with a 3-door layout and four seats. It shares the Global Small Electric Vehicle platform (GSEV) with the MG Comet EV. The exterior features square LED headlights, a rugged-looking front bumper, plastic cladding on the lower body, roof rails, prominent wheel arches, and a simple rear design. Like the Comet, the Yep also has an asymmetrical window design, and the China-spec model offers an optional LCD screen on the tailgate for personalized messages.
In terms of dimensions, the Baojun Yep measures 3,381mm in length, 1,685mm in width, 1,721mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,110mm. Compared to the Comet, the Yep is slightly larger, being 407mm longer, 180mm wider, and 81mm taller, with a wheelbase that is 100mm longer.
The Yep is powered by a single electric motor on the rear axle, producing 68hp and 140Nm of torque, with a top speed limited to 100kph. Its power comes from a 28.1kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery that offers a range of up to 303km (CLTC). It is expected that the battery specifications may vary for the India-spec model, as the battery pack is likely to be locally sourced, similar to the Comet EV.
The launch of the Baojun Yep in India is planned after MG India’s second round of investment, financing the second plant in Halol, Gujarat. It is expected to be introduced in India around 2025, potentially competing against models like the Citroen eC3. While the official name of the compact electric SUV for the Indian market is not yet known, it is likely to be priced at a premium over the Comet EV. The company’s efforts in localizing production with the Comet EV may result in competitive pricing for the Baojun Yep in India.
