A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Phantom has a modest catalogue-index lead, while B30 remains close.
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
B30
Phantom
Maximum Power
B30138 kW
Phantom420 kW @ 5000 rpm
Maximum Torque
B30305 Nm
Phantom900 Nm @ 1700 rpm
Engine Size
B301498 cc
Phantom6749 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
B3012.41 km/l
Phantom6.29 km/l
Ground Clearance
B30215 mm
Phantom136 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
BAIC B30
B30 Elite Adventure
Hagalu editorial rating
4.1/5★★★★★★★★★★
Desk research · Exact variant
Hagalu Editorial Team ·
Editorial assessment, not a customer rating. Not road-tested for this review.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
B30
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Specification evidence leader
Phantom
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
B30
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Phantom
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
B30
Phantom
Model Introduced Year
2025
2018
Generation
Current first-generation BAIC B30 for South Africa, introduced locally for the 2025 model year with petrol and self-charging HEV derivatives.
Eighth-generation Phantom in standard-wheelbase Series II form
Facelift History
The B30 was unveiled locally in August 2025 and launched in November 2025 as the first South African version; no later local facelift has been announced.
The eighth-generation Phantom was presented globally in 2017, introduced in South Africa in 2018 and received its light-touch Series II evolution in 2022
Facelift Launched Since
2025
2022
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Five-door mid-size SUV
Four-door luxury saloon
Model Year
2025
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Mid-size SUV
Full-size super-luxury saloon
Vehicle Type
SUV
Internal-combustion passenger car
Spec
B30
Phantom
Length
4730 mm
5762 mm
Width
1910 mm
2018 mm
Height
1790 mm
1646 mm
Wheelbase
2820 mm
3552 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
215 mm
136 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
Not Officially Disclosed
136 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
90 l
Boot/Cargo Space
Not Officially Disclosed
530 l
Kerb Weight
1575 kg
2560 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2034 kg
3235 kg
Payload Capacity
459 kg
675 kg
Towing Capacity
1500 kg
0 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
4 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
Not Officially Disclosed
6.55 m
Front Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
1046 mm
Rear Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
978 mm
Front Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
1041 mm
Rear Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
1105 mm
Spec
B30
Phantom
Engine
1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine
6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol
Engine Code
A156T2H
N74B68A
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1498 cc
6749 cc
Cylinders
4
12
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
V
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
48
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Twin Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
10.0:1
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
89 mm
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
90.4 mm
Maximum Power
138 kW
420 kW @ 5000 rpm
Maximum Torque
305 Nm
900 Nm @ 1700 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
RWD
Transmission
7-Speed DCT
8-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
250 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
5.3 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Standard, Sport, Economy, Snow
Low
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
164.1 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
351.6 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
B30
Phantom
Gearbox
7DCT
8-speed ZF automatic
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Front-engine, rear-wheel drive with all-wheel steering
LSD Available
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Officially Disclosed
No lockable differential
Paddle Shifters
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Final Drive Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
2.81:1
Number of Gears
7
8
Transmission Type
7-speed dual-clutch transmission
8-speed ZF automatic
Clutch Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Gear Shift Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Satellite Aided automatic gear selection
Drivetrain
Front-wheel drive
Rear-wheel drive
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Front Differential Lock
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Dual-clutch
8-speed ZF automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
No
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Front-wheel drive
Rear-wheel-drive power delivery with active rear-axle steering
Rear Differential Lock
Not Officially Disclosed
No lockable differential
Transmission Speeds
7
8
Spec
B30
Phantom
Claimed Mileage
12.41 km/l
6.29 km/l
City Mileage
Not Officially Disclosed
5.10 km/l
Highway Mileage
Not Officially Disclosed
8.08 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
90 l
Emission Standard
Euro VI
Euro 6e (B6e)
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Officially Disclosed
Automatic start/stop: No
Real-world Mileage
12.41 km/l
6.29 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
60
90
Combined Driving Range
Not Officially Disclosed
566-581 km (calculated from 90 L and 15.5-15.9 l/100 km WLTP)
Electric Consumption
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Range Real World Mixed
Not Officially Disclosed
608 km
Spec
B30
Phantom
Airbags
6
8
ABS
Standard
Four-channel Anti-lock Braking System
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Dynamic Stability Control
Traction Control
Standard
Dynamic Traction Control
Hill Descent Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Rear child-safety locks
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
ISOFIX child-seat mounts
Brake Assist
Standard
Dynamic Brake Control
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Low tyre-pressure warning
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Engine immobiliser
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Front driver and passenger seatbelt warning sensors
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Park Distance Control, front and rear
AEB
Standard
Collision Warning with Brake Function; pedestrian/bike warning with brake function
BA
Standard
Dynamic Brake Control
Brake Override System
Standard
-
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Front Head Protection System
Driver Airbag
Standard
Driver airbag
EBD
Standard
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Engine immobiliser
Hill Hold
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Front-passenger airbag
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Front and rear three-point pretensioning seatbelts; front force limiters
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Front driver and passenger seatbelt warning sensors
Side Airbags
Standard
Front side-impact airbags
Stability Control
Standard
Dynamic Stability Control
TCS
Standard
Dynamic Traction Control
Knee Airbag
Not Officially Disclosed
Active front knee protection
ABS EBD
Standard
Four-channel Anti-lock Braking System
Spec
B30
Phantom
Cruise Control
Standard
Dynamic Cruise Control; Active Cruise Control fitted to the referenced current vehicle
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Active Cruise Control
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Lane Departure Warning with Active Return
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Lane Departure Warning with Active Return
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Lane Change Warning with Blind Spot Detection
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Parking Sensors
Standard
Park Distance Control, front and rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Rear View Camera
360 Degree Camera
Standard
Surround View Camera with 3D view
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Collision Warning with Brake Function; pedestrian/bike warning with brake function
Driver Fatigue Alert
Standard
Alertness Assistant
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Officially Disclosed
Speed Limit Information
Auto Highbeam
Standard
High-Beam Assistance
Auto Wipers
Standard
Rain-sensing variable-speed windshield wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Park Distance Control, front and rear
Reverse Camera
Standard
Rear View Camera
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Active Cruise Control
Park Assist
Not Officially Disclosed
Park Assist and Reversing Assistant
Around View Monitor
Standard
Surround View Camera with 3D view
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Lane Change Warning with Blind Spot Detection
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
Collision Warning with Brake Function
Spec
B30
Phantom
Seat Material
Leather
A-grade leather hides with Bespoke alternatives
Heated Seats
Optional
Front and rear
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Front ventilated seats fitted to the referenced exact 2026 vehicle
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Optional
Heated full-leather multifunction steering wheel
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
No
Driver Seat Adjustment
6-way electric
Heated, electronically adjustable front seat with memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
6-way electric
Heated, electronically adjustable front seat with memory
Seat Trim
Leather
Leather seat trim fitted to the referenced exact 2026 vehicle; Bespoke alternatives available
Spec
B30
Phantom
Climate Control
Dual-zone automatic
Automatic four-zone climate control
Power Windows
Standard
Front and rear power windows with one-touch up/down
Keyless Entry
Standard
Comfort Access keyless entry
Push Button Start
Standard
Push Button Start
Wireless Charging
Standard
Wireless smartphone charging
Sunroof
Optional
No
Electric Tailgate
Standard
Power open/close luggage compartment
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Rain-sensing variable-speed windshield wipers
Boot Space Seats Folded
1496 l
-
AC Type
Dual-zone automatic
Automatic four-zone climate control
Spec
B30
Phantom
Infotainment System
BAIC DA head unit with DAB radio
SPIRIT infotainment operated by touch, controller and voice commands
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Apple CarPlay compatibility
Android Auto
Not Officially Disclosed
Android Auto compatibility
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Bluetooth wireless technology
Number of Speakers
8
16
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch LCD instrument cluster
12.3-inch colour TFT display with LED backlighting
USB Ports
USB-A front; USB-C front and rear
USB Type-C ports
Infotainment Screen
14.6-inch central touchscreen
10.25-inch Central Information Display with touchscreen, concealed behind retractable veneer when not in use
Touchscreen
14.6-inch central touchscreen
10.25-inch Central Information Display with touchscreen, concealed behind retractable veneer when not in use
Spec
B30
Phantom
LED Headlamps
Standard
Rolls-Royce LED headlights
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Daytime-running lights
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Front fog lamps
Roof Rails
Optional
No; vehicle not approved for roof loads
Exterior Colour Options
Mint Green, Blue, White, Light Grey, Matte Grey, Grey, Black
Bespoke and two-tone exterior paint commissions
Headlights
Standard
Rolls-Royce LED headlights
Panoramic Sunroof
Optional
No
Spec
B30
Phantom
Approach Angle
25 deg
-
Departure Angle
30 deg
-
Wading Depth
450 mm
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Officially Disclosed
No lockable differential
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
21 deg
-
Spec
B30
Phantom
Tyre Size
235/65 R18
255/50 R21 109H M+S all-round; 255/45 R22 107Y front and 285/40 R22 110Y rear; 255/50 R21 109Y front and 285/45 R21 113Y rear
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Power-assisted ventilated disc brakes
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Power-assisted ventilated disc brakes
Spare Wheel Type
Non-full-size space-saver spare wheel
No spare wheel
Wheel Rim Size
18-inch
21- and 22-inch approved fitments
Handbrake Type
Electric parking brake
Electromechanical parking brake acting on rear discs
Towing Unbraked Kg
750 kg
-
Spec
B30
Phantom
Front Suspension
MacPherson independent suspension
Double-wishbone front axle with self-levelling air suspension
Rear Suspension
Multi-link independent suspension
Five-link rear axle with self-levelling air suspension
Spec
B30
Phantom
CO2 Emissions
Not Officially Disclosed
361 g/km
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
95 RON; minimum 91 RON
Spec
B30
Phantom
Service Plan
7 Years / 90 000 km
4 years / unlimited km
Spec
B30
Phantom
Ownership Role
Private buyer ownership with BAIC South Africa warranty and service support
Flagship saloon balancing owner driving with formal rear-passenger use
Price Zar
519900 ZAR
-
Pricing Role
Current ex-showroom price
Price on application
Starting Price
519900
-
Starting Price Zar
519900
-
Spec
B30
Phantom
Warranty
7 Years / 200 000 km; 7-year unlimited-mileage roadside assistance
4 years; regional conditions apply
In depth: how these cars differ
This B30 and Phantom comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: B30 59 vs Phantom 96.
Efficiency index: B30 51 vs Phantom 29.
Safety-equipment index: B30 92 vs Phantom 95.
Practicality index: B30 61 vs Phantom 67.
Ownership-cover index: B30 not separately scored vs Phantom not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
B30 and Phantom image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
Phantom leads by 9 points
Phantom has a modest catalogue-index lead, while B30 remains close.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Phantom
Performance
96/100
Efficiency
29/100
Safety
95/100
Practicality
67/100
B30
Performance
59/100
Efficiency
51/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
61/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexRolls-Royce Phantom
leads the specification evidence index with 75 pts
vs 66 pts for B30
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Phantom leads. However, B30 may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
Compare
Request dealer offers
Let's discuss your next car
Share your interest so Hagalu can follow up about quotations and available discounts. The dealer confirms stock, price and terms.
✓
We've Got Your Details!
Your enquiry has reached Hagalu for follow-up. Any dealer offer will be confirmed separately by the seller.
