BAIC Enters Kazakhstan with 7 Models and Local Assembly in Kostanay

BAIC has officially entered the Kazakh market. The brand has launched sales of seven models at once, while vehicle assembly has already been established at the Allur plant in Kostanay, DKNews.kz reports.

The official presentation of the full model lineup and the start of sales took place on August 13, 2026. Kazakh buyers are being offered one sedan, three crossovers and three SUVs — from the urban U5 Plus to the larger BJ-series models.

BAIC launches with seven models at once

The brand has not chosen to test the Kazakh market with just one or two vehicles.

The entry-level part of the lineup is represented by the U5 Plus sedan, designed primarily for everyday urban driving.

The crossover range includes the X35, X55 and X7, covering different needs from compact city use to more spacious family travel.

A separate focus has been placed on SUVs: BJ30, BJ40 PRO and BJ60. These models are positioned for travel, active leisure and use beyond paved roads.

This means BAIC is entering several market segments from the very beginning rather than waiting to expand its lineup later.

BAIC vehicles are assembled at the Allur plant

The most significant detail of the launch is not in the showrooms, but in Kostanay.

BAIC vehicles are being assembled at the production facilities of Allur.

This means the brand’s presence in Kazakhstan is not limited to importing and selling finished vehicles. BAIC is entering the market with a direct link to local automotive production.

The company says the vehicles are adapted to Kazakhstan’s climate and real operating conditions. However, the launch materials do not provide separate technical details on what exactly that adaptation includes.

Six of the seven models are crossovers or SUVs

Most of BAIC’s initial lineup in Kazakhstan consists of crossovers and SUVs.

The X35, X55 and X7 cover the crossover segment, while the BJ30, BJ40 PRO and BJ60 form the off-road-oriented range.

The U5 Plus is currently the only sedan in the lineup.

Kazakh prices and detailed trim specifications were not included in the launch materials. Those two factors will largely determine which brands and models BAIC will compete against most directly in each segment.

Sales start in seven cities

BAIC vehicles are already available through official dealers.

Sales have started in Almaty, Atyrau, Karaganda, Kostanay, Kokshetau, Semey and Petropavl.

By the end of the year, the brand plans to expand its dealer network in Kazakhstan to 10 dealerships.

The geography is notable: BAIC is not relying only on the largest cities, but is entering western, central and northern regions from the start.

Kazakhstan’s auto industry gains another international brand

BAIC’s arrival further expands the range of brands connected to Kazakhstan’s automotive production sector.

Allur is one of the country’s major vehicle manufacturing platforms, producing cars for several international brands. BAIC now joins that portfolio.

By entering Kazakhstan with seven models from day one, the brand is trying to cover several customer segments at the same time.

DKNews.kz previously reported on the development of Kazakhstan’s automotive industry and the role of the Allur production site in Kostanay.

The next test will come from the market itself: how Kazakh buyers respond to a lineup ranging from the city-focused U5 Plus to the larger BJ60.