Baojun KiWi EV

Model Overview

The Baojun KiWi EV is an all-electric microcar produced by SAIC-GM-Wuling under the Baojun marque. It initially debuted in August 2021 as the direct successor to the New Baojun E300. Pitched as a "futuristic modern ride", the EV emphasizes avant-garde styling, smart in-cabin technology, and effortless urban commuting, targeting trendy, lifestyle-oriented young drivers. The 2023 model year serves as the primary run on sale, comprising three variants: Zhichao Edition, Zhishe Edition, and the flagship DJI Edition. Official prices range between RM87,800 and RM102,800, featuring a standard 305km-class driving range across the board and the DJI Automotive-developed advanced driver assistance system on the DJI Edition. However, hindered by its steep price positioning and intensifying segment competition, the model has suffered a sharp decline in sales since 2023, registering a dismal 183 units in the first half of 2025.

Design Language

On the outside, the Baojun KiWi EV sports a distinctive "TWO-TONE" dual-colour split bodywork. The vehicle is visually split into two distinct tiers: a compact, tapered upper cabin module resting on a broader, planted lower base, achieving a floating "space capsule" aesthetic. Up front, the traditional grille is deleted in favor of a signature concave "golden photo op" contour, flanked by rounded-rectangular LED headlamp assemblies that deliver a chic, approachable expression. The flanks feature flush pop-out door handles, four-leaf clover-inspired 13-inch alloy wheels, and chrome-accented side skirts. Around the back, a nearly vertical rear windshield maximizes cabin volume, while the charging flap is neatly integrated behind the rear brand emblem for a clean, uninterrupted finish.

In terms of dimensions, the KiWi EV measures 2,894mm long, 1,655mm wide, and 1,595mm tall, with a 2,020mm wheelbase and a three-door, four-seater cabin configuration. The exterior palette offers six standard body colours alongside bespoke contrasting roof selections.

Inside, the KiWi EV adopts a wraparound, minimalist cockpit architecture. Taking centre stage on the dashboard is an integrated dual-screen setup comprising a 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen running the Baojun Connectivity 2.0 operating system. Eco-conscious credentials are reinforced through plant-fibre biodegradable materials applied across the dash top and door cards. Upper-spec variants and the DJI Edition add a premium leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather-and-suede combination upholstery. Additionally, a "Fashion Gold" special edition boasts a unique "lotus root pink + cream white" interior trim paired with 64-colour smart ambient lighting.

Powertrain & Performance

The entire KiWi EV line-up is powered by a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor driving the rear wheels (RWD), mated to a single-speed reduction gear transmission.

Top speed is rated at 105km/h for the 40kW versions and 115km/h for the 50kW model. In real-world driving trials, the DJI Edition—rated officially at 301km—yielded an actual highway range of 214km, translating to a commendable range retention rate of around 71%, proving relatively dependable for an electric city car.

Charging capabilities include both AC slow charging and DC fast charging support: a full AC recharge takes 5 hours, whereas DC fast charging juices the battery from 30% to 80% state of charge in 1 hour. A 2-3.3kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power supply function is standard-fit across the range, capable of running small electrical appliances on outdoor trips.

Chassis & Handling

Built on a dedicated rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive platform, the KiWi EV boasts a mechanical chassis setup that punches above its class. It features front MacPherson struts and an independent double-wishbone rear suspension, complemented by Electric Power Steering (EPS) and an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). Disc brakes are fitted on all four wheels, paired with 155/70 R13 tyres. The presence of an independent double-wishbone rear axle is exceptionally rare for an A00-segment microcar, offering superior ride compliance, bump absorption, and lateral body control compared to conventional torsion beam setups.

Cabin & Equipment

The KiWi EV's smart cockpit comes standard across all variants with the Baojun Connectivity 2.0 system, integrating voice command, online music streaming, and Baidu Maps, complete with continuous wake-up-free voice recognition. Through the New Baojun companion mobile app, owners can remotely lock/unlock doors, pre-condition the air conditioning, schedule battery charging, view vehicle status, and use a Bluetooth digital key. Over-The-Air (OTA) software update support is standard equipment.

Convenience highlights across the line-up include keyless entry with push-start button, remote engine start, LED daytime running lights, one-touch power windows, and electrically adjustable wing mirrors. Moving up to the Zhishe Edition and DJI Edition brings leatherette upholstery, a 6-way manually adjustable driver's seat, and a one-touch walk-in sliding front passenger seat for rear ingress.

In terms of packaging practicality, the three-door format means rear passengers must tumble the front seats forward to enter and exit, which naturally compromises daily cabin utility relative to conventional five-door hatchbacks.

Safety & Driver Assistance

On the passive safety front, the KiWi EV only provides dual front airbags (driver and front passenger) across all variants, noticeably lacking front side airbags and curtain airbags. Standard safety kit includes ISOFIX child seat tether points, a direct Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and front seatbelt reminder warnings.

In terms of active safety, the entire range comes equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC with integrated ABS, EBD, and TCS), Auto Brake Hold, Hill-Start Assist (HSA), and Low-Speed Acoustic Pedestrian Warning.

The standout highlight is its intelligent driving suite. The DJI Edition is equipped with the "Lingxi Intelligent Driving System", co-developed by SAIC-GM-Wuling and DJI Automotive. Powered by a multi-camera array and millimetre-wave radar suite, the system supports AI-assisted automated bay exit, adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam follow, active lane change assist, predictive cut-in avoidance, and 360° fully automated parking assist. Such advanced ADAS capabilities are exceedingly rare in the micro-EV segment and offer substantial assistance to novice urban drivers. Base variants, however, lack Level 2 driving assistance altogether.

Market Performance & Evaluation

Upon its debut, the KiWi EV garnered considerable market buzz thanks to its playful concept-car design and high-tech equipment, shifting around 25,000 units across 2022. However, sales momentum cratered from 2023 onward, with total deliveries tumbling to roughly 3,000 units in 2024. The downtrend accelerated into the first half of 2025, recording consecutive monthly deliveries of just 57 units in January, 37 in February, 35 in March, 26 in April, 16 in May, and 12 in June—amounting to an aggregate of only 183 units over the six-month period.

The main catalysts behind the sales slump comprise:

1. Steep Price Tag: The RM87,800-RM102,800 pricing bracket sits well above mainstream microcar budgets (the budget-friendly Wuling Hongguang MINIEV starts around RM30,000) and lacks price leverage against larger A00-segment rivals such as the BYD Seagull (starting from RM69,800)

2. Unfavourable Product Packaging: A 300km nominal range is no longer competitive at this price point, and the three-door body sacrifices day-to-day practicality compared to five-door, four-seater rivals

3. Basic Safety Kit: The provision of only two front airbags pales in comparison to the BYD Seagull’s standard 4 airbags, full ESC, and comprehensive Level 2 ADAS suite

4. Internal Cannibalisation: It faced direct internal rivalry from stablemate Wuling Hongguang MINIEV, which commands vastly superior cost-efficiency, broader market recognition, and unbeatable brand equity

From an ownership perspective, user acclaim centers on its standout exterior styling, upscale cabin texture with green materials, and the seamless user experience delivered by the DJI Lingxi autonomous parking setup. Conversely, consumer grievances focus on the cramped rear quarters (aggravated by tedious three-door ingress/egress), poor value-for-money metrics, and intermittent technical complaints regarding auxiliary 12V battery drain and sudden drive power loss reported on specific batches.

Verdict

The Baojun KiWi EV was conceived as a premium, differentiated micro-EV for SAIC-GM-Wuling. Thanks to its "TWO-TONE" aesthetic, sophisticated rear double-wishbone suspension, and DJI Automotive Lingxi ADAS suite, it successfully established a niche as a "boutique smart city car" throughout 2021 and 2022. However, the aggressive arrival of far more practical and aggressively priced A00-segment rivals—headlined by the BYD Seagull (starting from RM69,800, five-door five-seat versatility, and up to 405km range)—exposed the shortcomings of the KiWi EV’s premium RM87,800-RM102,800 positioning, 300km ceiling, and cramped three-door layout. With monthly registrations dipping into the low double digits in early 2025, the model has largely been relegated to the sidelines of the brand's portfolio.

For prospective buyers still eyeing the vehicle, the DJI Edition—with its stellar automated parking and urban stop-and-go driving aids—remains a distinctive, lifestyle-led novelty for those with ample budget who prioritise designer chic and tech over pure cabin utility. Nonetheless, for shoppers seeking genuine value for money, usable rear seating, and greater road trip range, mainstream alternatives at the same price point like the BYD Seagull and Wuling Bingo present an undeniably stronger, more rounded case.