Dubai gets a new challenger: The 212 T01 rolls in

212 T01
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Chinese car maker BAW rolled out its 212 T01 SUV in Dubai last week, teaming with Legend Motors for a UAE entry. The launch event highlighted a rig aimed at UAE’s sand bashers, starting at AED 120,000 for the Adventure trim. It slots into a field led by pricier icons like the the LandRover Defender and the Jeep Wrangler, offering solid specs for less cash.

212 T01 specs

Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, pumping 248 horsepower and 410 Nm of torque. That setup delivers quick pulls for overtakes and steady grunt on inclines, with fuel efficiency around 8 liters per 100 km in mixed driving. Paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, shifts stay smooth across modes, from highway cruise to low-range crawl. The gearbox handles heat well, a plus in Gulf summers.

Styling Elements

Styling leans hard into classic boxy off-roader cues: boxy silhouette, seven-slot grille, and round headlights that echo military roots. Exposed hinges and flat panels give it a tough, no-frills look without gimmicks. The T01 dwarfs urban crossovers but fits tight garages. Paint options include matte earth tones suited for desert fades.

Interior Quality

The cabin keeps it premium on a budget: Ventilated leather seats, a heated wheel, and dual-zone AC fight 50-degree blasts.
212 T01
A touchscreen infotainment system, flanked by an impressive driver display handles a range of voice commands.

Off-Road Capability

Off-road chops shine through part-time four-wheel drive and five-link independent suspension front and rear. Approach angle measures 40.3 degrees, departure 31 degrees, with 220 mm ground clearance to clear dunes and rocks.

Rock crawl mode locks diffs and tunes throttle for slippery terrain, while over a million test kilometers—from Gobi freezes to Taklamakan blasts—back its durability claims.

It’s safety kit covers cruise control and 360 cameras for easy off-roading.

Brand new in the UAE, 212 T01 notes reliable pulls and quiet cabins that punch above the price. With Chinese 4x4s like JetourT2 gaining fans, the T01 could snag adventure buyers seeking value over badge.

A smart play if you ask me would be to test drive the new 212 T01 at Legend Motors.
Juan Manuel
the authorJuan Manuel
Track racing, competing, it's in my blood. It's part of me, it's part of my life; I have been doing it all my life and it stands out above everything else.