Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
We Filipinos are friendly, family-oriented and pet-loving people. We always like to be with our family, friends and pets. And most of all, we like to go places together with our family, our friends, and our pets, if they’re allowed. Thus, we love vehicles that can accommodate all our family members, our pets and our friends in one go, such as big SUVs and long passenger vans. But our roads are becoming too congested to drive these large vehicles around, so we turn to mid-sized multipurpose vehicles or MPVs. But with the growing demand, the prices of some popular MPVs are becoming out-of-reach for most Filipinos.
2019 BAIC M50S Luxury variant
If you’re like most of us and you have a meager budget, Bayan Automotive Industries Corporation or Bayan Auto, the Philippine distributor of BAIC, may have the perfect mid-sized MPV for you: the 2019 BAIC M50S. Available in Luxury and Ultra Luxury variants and in 7– and 8-seat configurations, this front engine/rear-wheel drive MPV offers room and vroom in an attractive and spacious yet affordable and compact package.
2019 BAIC M50S Luxury variant
Room with a View
Compared to other vehicles in its class, the M50S features the longest wheelbase at 2,790 millimeters. BAIC engineers utilized the space between the front and rear wheel axles to design a comfortable interior with ample legroom and elbowroom for all three rows, a tall headroom, and large windows. Then, they improved the ergonomics for all the occupants and added an infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen display, AM/FM radio, MP5 player, USB port, SD card slot, Bluetooth accessibility, and 4 speakers to make each trip inside the M50S a real pleasure.
The M50S offers the longest wheelbase in its class. Large windows allow occupants to enjoy the view.
Three-spoke steering wheel, easy-to-reach controls, legible instrumentation and 9-inch touchscreen display makes driving a breeze.
Three-row seating with ample legroom, elbowroom and headroom.
There’s easy access to the third-row seats.
Tall tailgate allows easy access to rear cargo area.
Third row folds to increase cargo space to carry more stuff or big pets.
Great Travelling Companion
We were able to drive the M50S several times in a variety of roads and traffic conditions. We crawled in heavy Metro Manila traffic, flew on the tollways, scaled the steep inclines and mountain roads around Baguio City, joined a thousand-vehicle convoy through a 120-kilometer auto fun run, covered a media event, cruised around North Luzon, and endured a monsoon downpour. Through it all, the M50S never missed a beat and ran exceptionally well, even better than expected.
Covering the JSK Auto Fun Run 8 from SM City North Edsa in Metro Manila…
… to Fontana Leisure Park in Clark, Pampanga.
Its svelte dimensions and 5.5-meter turning radius makes easy work of driving around our narrow streets. Its long wheelbase, wide front and rear track conspire with the McPherson independent front suspension and five-link rear suspension to provide improved stability, confidence-inspiring road handling, and a relatively smooth ride.
Long wheelbase provides a smooth ride.
The M50S proves to be agile and easily maneuverable.
Wide track and svelte dimensions makes it easy to drive in tight traffic.
Safety, Comfort and Efficiency in an Affordable Package
Under the hood, the M50S is propelled by an efficient 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine with double overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves and a Dual Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) valvetrain system. It churns out 114 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 150 Newton-meters of peak torque between 4,300 and 4,500 rpm. This Euro 5-compliant MPV can reach a claimed top speed of 150 kph and return 14.7 kilometers per liter while transporting family, friends and pets, plus some stuff safely, comfortably, and efficiently.
Fuel-efficient 114hp DAM15DL is hidden underneath those plastic covers.
Family and friends will likewise be surprised with the M50S’s suggested retail price. At only P638,000 for the Luxury variant and P668,000 for the Ultra Luxury version, it will surely put a smile on everyone’s faces, and, yes, perhaps even on your pets’ faces. Its affordability, reliability and fuel efficiency mean less expenses and no worries, and more time and money for travel and fun with our loved ones. Now, isn’t that what life is really all about?
Time to park a BAIC M50S in your garage.
If you want to impress your family and friends, and perhaps your pets, too, book a test drive with your nearest BAIC dealer or go to baicphilippines.com.
2019 BAIC M50S Ultra Luxury variant
SPECIFICATIONS
Vehicle Type : Front-engine, RWD, 5-door MPV
Price : P6380,000 (Luxury) P668,000 (Ultra Luxury)
Engine : 1.5-liter inline-4 DOHC 16V DVVT
Transmission : 5-speed manual
Power : 114hp@6000rpm
Torque : 150Nm@4300-4500rpm
Wheelbase : 2970 mm
Length : 4525 mm
Width : 1700 mm
Height : 1818 mm
Curb Weight : 1270 kg
Ground Clearance : 145 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity : 50 liters
Front Suspension : Independent, McPherson struts
Rear Suspension : Five-link live axle
Front Brakes : Ventilated discs
Rear Brakes : Drums
Steering System : Power Steering
Emissions Standards : Euro 5
Ave. Fuel Mileage : 14.7 km/liter (claimed)
CONTACT DETAILS
Bayan Automotive Industries Corporation
2232 Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City, 1200
Tel. No.: (02) 810-0151
Website: www.baicph.com
Social Media: BAIC Philippines
How about the after market parts and repairs, just in case.
Is there a place or a shop for it?
Thanks, I want to own one M50S.
Hi David,
Yes, BAIC dealership also has their service shop and parts available.