Wuling Yep

Model Overview

The Baojun Yep is an all-electric compact SUV launched in 2023 by SAIC-GM-Wuling under its Baojun marque, marketed as a "trendy pure-electric SUV". Styled with an innovative "Square Box" design language, the model quickly turned heads among younger buyers thanks to its rugged off-roader aesthetic, accessible pricing, and generous suite of smart tech. On 25 May 2023, the Baojun Yep officially went on sale in two variants—Flagship Edition and Zhizun Edition—with official retail prices ranging from RM79,800 to RM89,800. In April 2024, the updated 2024 Baojun Yep arrived, priced at RM80,800 for the Flagship Edition and RM90,800 for the Zhizun Edition. In May 2024, dealerships including Wuling Anmin, Wuling Luohu, and Bao'an Shajing introduced promotional deals, offering the Flagship Edition at a discounted price of RM80,800 and the Zhizun Edition at RM90,800. In September that same year, new exterior colour options were introduced for the 2024 model. By July 2025, the lineup expanded with a "Coffee Entrepreneur Edition" alongside limited-time offers. As of May 2026, the Baojun Yep and its five-door derivative, the Yep Plus, remain on sale. Key rivals in the segment include compact and micro electric vehicles like the BYD Seagull, Leapmotor T03, and Neta V.

Touted as "the first trendy electric SUV for the youth", the model comes in two body configurations: the standard 3-door, 4-seater version and the extended Plus 5-door, 5-seater version. The standard version measures 3,381 mm in length, 1,685 mm in width, and 1,721 mm in height, with a 2,110 mm wheelbase and a 3-door, 4-seat layout. Meanwhile, the Plus version stretches to 3,996 mm long, 1,760 mm wide, and 1,726 mm tall, with a 2,560 mm wheelbase and a 5-door, 5-seat configuration. It boasts an interior volume of 4.5 cubic metres, 28 cabin storage cubbies, and an expandable boot capacity of up to 1,715 litres.

Design Language

The exterior styling is undeniably the main selling point of the Baojun Yep. Built around the "Square Box" design philosophy, it features boxy proportions and bold, muscular lines that echo iconic off-roaders like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Suzuki Jimny—earning it nicknames such as the "electric Jimny" or "Baby G-Wagon" among car enthusiasts. Up front, a closed-off rectangular grille is flanked by matrix LED headlamps with a four-point internal signature, which, combined with the chunky front bumper and silver skid plate, deliver an assertive off-road presence. Down the sides, its short overhangs and upright stance are complemented by functional roof rails, body-coloured flared wheel arches, and blacked-out A-pillars that create a floating-roof effect. Around the back, it features a side-hinged "refrigerator-style" tailgate, an external "backpack" storage box, and distinctive racetrack-inspired oval LED taillights that offer instant recognition after dark.

The Baojun Yep offers a vibrant selection of customisation options. The initial 2023 model debuted in Sunrise Orange, Morning Green, and Deep Space Black. The 2024 update added Cloud Sea White, Mountain Mist Grey, and Glow Blue, expanding the palette to six hues across the range. For the 2026 Yep Plus, new shades such as Super Shadow Grey and Chasing Sun Orange joined the existing Aurora Green, Cloud Sea White, and Deep Space Black, giving buyers five colourways to choose from. Gloss black multi-spoke alloy wheels paired with sporty red or green brake callipers further amplify its athletic flair.

Step inside, and the Baojun Yep features the "Joy Box" cockpit concept, offered in two dual-tone themes: "Self-Black" (Physical Black + Tech Green) and "Monologue" (Beach Beige + Gunmetal Grey). The dashboard adopts an uninterrupted floating-island design, eliminating the traditional centre floor console to create a continuous walkthrough layout. Mid-to-high-spec variants come standard with an integrated twin-screen setup featuring a 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch floating infotainment touchscreen, complemented by a game-controller-inspired T-shaped three-spoke multifunction steering wheel. Soft-touch leatherette extensively trims major touchpoints, delivering a cabin feel and build quality that punches well above its price tag. The 2024 model onwards added further soft-padded leather wrapping across the dash and front passenger panel, alongside segment-rare additions such as a front centre armrest console and a passenger-side utility hook.

Powertrain & Performance

Under the skin, the Baojun Yep's powertrain is purpose-built for urban commutes. The standard model gets a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor in a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration, pushing out 50 kW (68 PS) and 140 Nm of torque. Mated to a single-speed EV reduction gearbox, it tops out at 100 km/h with a perky 0–50 km/h acceleration punch. Power delivery is prompt and effortless off the line, offering smooth and linear throttle response through stop-and-go city traffic. The Yep Plus launched in 2025 switches to a front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup with a front-mounted motor producing 75 kW (102 PS) and 180 Nm, raising its top speed to 150 km/h for greater highway capability.

Battery-wise, the entire Baojun Yep family runs on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs. The standard version carries a 28.1 kWh pack that delivers a CLTC-rated driving range of 303 km. The 2026 Yep Plus offers multiple battery and range configurations: a 31.9 kWh pack for 301 km, a 41.9 kWh pack for 401 km, and a 54 kWh pack for 501 km of range. Both DC fast charging and AC slow charging are supported across the range. Via DC fast charging, a 30% to 80% top-up takes around 35 minutes. An AC charge from 20% to 100% takes about 8.5 hours for the standard model, and between 4.5 to 7.5 hours for the Plus version depending on battery size. A 220V Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power supply comes standard, handy for glamping and outdoor tailgating. Combined power consumption sits at an economical 12.2 to 12.6 kWh/100 km, keeping day-to-day running costs well below those of conventional petrol cars.

Chassis & Handling

The Baojun Yep features an uncommon suspension setup for its segment. The standard model rides on front MacPherson independent struts and a 3-link solid rear axle. The chassis integrates the drive motor directly ahead of the rear axle, shortening the drive path and lowering production costs. While solid rear axles are standard fare in rugged 4x4s and commercial vehicles, its implementation here was primarily chosen for packaging and cost efficiency. The damping is tuned on the firmer side; while it holds up decently on smooth tarmac, road imperfections and speed humps send noticeable thumps into the rear cabin, accompanied by some front-end dive under hard braking. The Yep Plus addresses this with a rear torsion beam semi-independent suspension paired with coil springs, providing a noticeably more balanced compromise between ride comfort and body control.

The standard Baojun Yep's rear-mounted, rear-wheel-drive layout is a rarity in the compact EV space. Steering duties are handled by an Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system that is light at parking speeds and weights up progressively as speeds build. Stopping power comes from all-round disc brakes paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). Standard electronic driving aids across the range include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Hill Start Assist, and a low-speed creep function. The Yep Plus further adds selectable drive modes (Eco+, Eco, Standard, Sport) and three-stage regenerative braking adjustment (Comfort, Standard, Strong).

Cabin & Equipment

Smart connectivity is a strong suit in the Baojun Yep. The infotainment system operates on the KiOS operating software, featuring standard twin 10.25-inch displays across the lineup with customizable widget interfaces, built-in satellite navigation, online music streaming, and Bluetooth connectivity. It also incorporates a 3D virtual voice assistant with visible-to-voice command and continuous recognition, supported by over-the-air (OTA) updates for ongoing vehicle firmware upgrades. A dedicated smartphone app allows owners to remotely lock/unlock doors, pre-condition the climate control, and monitor vehicle status. Quirky lifestyle features include customisable digital wristwatch-style clock faces and an onboard karaoke function.

In terms of cabin comforts, the Baojun Yep features a leatherette steering wheel and leatherette seats as standard, with power-adjustable seats for both the driver and front passenger. The rear bench splits 50:50, while standard boot space sits at a modest 35 litres. From the 2024 model year onwards, the cabin gained a centre console storage armrest and a handbag hook on the passenger seat, enhancing everyday usability. Top-spec variants also gain premium driver assistance gear, including a 360-degree surround-view monitor, full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Centring Assist.

Safety & Smart Driving

On the safety front, the Baojun Yep is manufactured to the rigorous GMS-BIQ4 global manufacturing quality standards, incorporating a high-strength steel safety cage. Hot-stamped ultra-high-strength steel exceeding 1,500 MPa reinforces critical structural zones such as the front chassis rails and A-pillars. A six-beam structural ring forms multi-tiered impact protection upfront, paired with high-strength steel crash beams and dedicated energy-absorption crash boxes. The bonnet uses low-carbon steel to mitigate pedestrian impact severity. The battery pack has passed 41 stringent safety trials with an IP68 dust- and water-resistance rating, backed by eight levels of electrical protection against short circuits, overcurrent, earth leakage, accidental contact, and lightning surges.

Passive safety kit across the Baojun Yep range includes dual front airbags, pretensioner seatbelts, ESC, ABS, Hill Start Assist, a reverse camera, and front and rear parking sensors as part of its six baseline safety features. On the active safety front, the range-topping Zhizun Edition packs six intelligent active safety functions, including post-collision auto-unlock and speed-sensing auto door locks. Furthermore, the Zhizun Edition comes equipped with a DJI-developed Lingxi Level 2 ADAS suite featuring stereo binocular cameras, enabling full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Centring Assist (LCA), Lane Change Assist, and Automated Parking Assist (APA).

Market Performance & Reception

Since its launch, Baojun Yep's sales performance has followed a peak-and-fade trajectory. During its debut month in May 2023, retail sales stood at 729 units, rising to 2,148 units in June (its first full sales month), and peaking at 3,254 units in July—chalking up three straight months of growth. However, deliveries steadily lost steam thereafter, falling to 1,480 units by January 2024 and dipping to 1,225 units in December 2024. By late 2025, monthly sales had dwindled to around 600 units. Industry observers attribute this sales slump to several key factors: niche market positioning, where the boxy retro look generated heavy online hype but held limited mainstream appeal; the standard 303 km range falling behind newer rival offerings launched between 2023 and 2025; broader commercial headwinds across the Wuling/Baojun dealer networks; and a slow pace of iterative updates that allowed newer competitors to eclipse its tech and range advantages.

In terms of owner feedback, buyers widely praise the Baojun Yep for its head-turning design, effortless city manoeuvrability, rock-bottom running costs, and decent DC fast-charging performance. Conversely, real-world owners have cited grievances over the tiny boot capacity, twitchy high-speed stability, the standard 303 km range being unsuited for outstation road trips, and the unrefined ride quality over broken tarmac caused by the live rear axle. Isolated complaints have also surfaced regarding cabin water leaks, infotainment lag, intermittent Bluetooth pairing issues, and steering wheel alignment pull on brand-new cars.

All in all, as an inventive foray by SAIC-GM-Wuling into the compact electric crossover arena, the Baojun Yep carved out strong brand recognition in the RM70,000 to RM90,000 EV bracket through its distinctive blend of "Baby G" retro styling, the playful Joy Box cabin, and DJI Lingxi Level 2 autonomous driving tech. However, practical constraints in range and utility ultimately capped its mainstream volume potential. With its practical 5-door, 5-seat footprint, up to 501 km of range, and richer equipment list, the newer Yep Plus provides a much more viable family-oriented alternative to carry the badge forward.