VS
At a Glance
Power
138 kW
140 kW
Torque
305 Nm
255 Nm
Fuel
8.1 l/100km
6.8 l/100km
Engine
1498 cc
1477 cc
Choosing between the BAIC B30 and the Proton X90 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BAIC B30 delivers 138 kW while the Proton X90 produces 140 kW. On fuel, the B30 returns 8.1 l/100km while the X90 uses 6.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R549 900 for the B30 and R679 900 for the X90. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
138 kW
140 kW
Torque
305 Nm
255 Nm
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
1477 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
7
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.1 l/100km
6.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
60 l
CO2 Emissions
181 g/km
156 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4730 mm
4830 mm
Width
1910 mm
1900 mm
Height
1790 mm
1764 mm
Wheelbase
2820 mm
2805 mm
Ground Clearance
215 mm
—
Kerb Weight
1600 Kg
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
6
Load Volume
1496 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7
5
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
Optional
Service Plan Years
7
—
Service Plan Distance
90000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Proton X90
3 / 4 categories
Performance
X90
Fuel Economy
X90
Value
B30
Practicality
X90
Pros & Cons
BAIC B30
Lower starting price (R549 900)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (8.1 l/100km)
Less power than rival (138 kW vs 140 kW)
Proton X90
More powerful engine (140 kW)
Better fuel economy (6.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the B30 or X90?
The B30 uses 8.1 l/100km and the X90 uses 6.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The X90 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the B30 or X90?
The B30 produces 138 kW and 305 Nm of torque while the X90 delivers 140 kW and 255 Nm of torque. The X90 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the B30 and X90?
The B30 starts from R549 900 and the X90 from R679 900. The B30 is cheaper by R130 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the B30 or the X90?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.