The SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture in China is entering into a new segment of China’s thriving car industry with the launch of the Yep, its first all-electric SUV launched through the Baojun brand. The tiny Baojun Yep starts at 79,800 Yuan ($11,240) and tops out at 89,800 ($12,698).
The tiny SUV, which is known as the YueYe in Chinese, was first presented to the world at April’s Shanghai Auto Show but only went on sale on May 25. It takes the form of a three-door SUV with four seats and is just 133.1 inches long (3,381 mm), 66.3 inches wide (1,686 mm), and stands 67.7 inches tall (1,721 mm). To put those numbers into context, that makes it roughly 10 inches shorter than a Suzuki Jimny.
Read: GM’s Adorable Chinese Baojun EV Has A Gigantic Smartwatch On Its Tailgate
Given the tiny footprint of the Yep, it comes as no surprise that it is light, tipping the scales at a mere 2,217 lbs (1,006 kg). Interior space is limited but the rear seats can be folded down to give the SUV some 25.2 cubic-feet (715 liters) of cargo space. Some additional storage is also found in the frunk that offers heating and cooling functions.
Underpinning the Baojun Yep is a 28.1 kWh battery pack that drives a single electric motor with 67 hp and 103 lb-ft (140 Nm) of torque. The battery pack can be charged from 30% to 80% in 35 minutes and the Yep can travel up to 188 miles (303 km) on a charge, quite impressive given how small the battery is. The top speed sits at 62 mph (100 km/h).
Baojun has opted for a boxy exterior aesthetic with the Yep, fitting it with black front and rear bumpers, fender extensions, and rocker panels. The front end is entirely void of a traditional grille but there are a pair of LED headlights. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the SUV’s design is the small screen on the tailgate that can be used to display messages to other drivers.
The interior is surprisingly well-equipped. Among the parts that come standard include a pair of 10.25-inch displays serving as the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment screen. There is even a 360-degree camera system.
