BAIC B40 Ragnar

Where the Ragnar’s exterior is rugged, the interior belies a surprising degree of comfort and classiness. Leather upholstery and soft-touch fabric accents provide a touch of gentility to the B40 Ragnar’s edge. Add to this a 10-inch infotainment system, dual-zone climate controls, power-adjustable front seats, and 220V docking / charging outlets all make for an excellent combination of rugged functionality and modern comfort.

The BAIC B40 Ragnar cuts quite a powerful figure with its robust front fascia, ample LED head and backlights, and 220 mm of ground clearance. The overall look of the Ragnar definitely lives up to its namesake. It’s rugged, imposing, and no-nonsense. 

While other SUVs might try to throw in a little bit of elegance in the exterior, the B40 opts for pure functionality, to the point that it looks more like a military vehicle or a tank than an SUV. The only thing that differentiates the B40 Ragnar from a standard military-issue vehicle is its bright red paint job – an odd choice, but perhaps a welcome one considering everything else about it is geared up for proverbial combat. 

Due to its relatively new presence in the market, there is little data to be gleaned on the ride and handling of the BAIC B40 Ragnar. One can safely assume, however, that its body-on-frame chassis will make the ride more akin to driving a truck – forceful, direct, no-frills – rather than the ride of a typical car with an eye towards precision. The framework, body, and wheels may likewise contribute to some bulkiness, although these are issues that a good suspension and an experienced driver can easily navigate. Overall, the Ragnar is designed as an off-roader first, and an on-road vehicle last. 

The B40 Ragnar keeps things no-nonsense with a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine with 1,999 cc of displacement. This provides 161 horsepower and anywhere between 320 to 350 Nm of torque. 

The Ragnar also comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a specially designed powertrain that allows for the perfect balance of off-road capability and comfortable on-road driving. The 8-speed option improves its overall versatility, allowing for optimal power delivery for every possible scenario while simultaneously improving fuel efficiency by keeping the engine at optimal rpm range.

The BAIC B40 Rangar comes with all the standard safety features – including, but not limited to an anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), electronic stability and traction control systems (ESC and TCS), and hill-start and downhill assist controls (HAC and DAC). The interior is likewise equipped with all the conventional safety features.

It should be noted that the B40 Ragnar’s body-on-frame construction might not provide as great a degree of protection in the event of direct impact, especially when compared to vehicles with a unibody construction; but the addition of side impact beams does help to provide some degree of reinforcement in the event of side collisions. 

Although an intriguing new offering with a very distinctive appeal, the BAIC B40 Ragnar’s steep price tag, its lack of value-for-money features, and its highly off-road-centric construction might not appeal to everyone. But if you have the money to splurge, and are looking for a good off-road vehicle to go on daring adventures with, this one just might fit the bill.