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BAIC Motors is a subsidiary of Chinese state-owned automobile company BAIC Group. Beijing Motors also known as BAIC Motors came into being in 2010 and since then producing vehicles in multiple segments like sedans, crossovers and SUV's . "BJ" suffix short for BeiJing is typically used by the company for their Sports Utility vehicle with concentration towards the off-road capabilities & number of vehicles are available from the brand.
BAIC and BJ names will not be new for you in Pakistan because Sazgar Engineering have the exclusive rights to assemble BAIC models in Pakistan. Yes! Sazgar Engineering is the same company who is producing Haval ( Great Wall Motors) crossover models in Pakistan. Its interesting to note that BAIC and Great Wall Motors compete each other in China . Sazgar Engineering have introduced just one model as of now in the shape of local assembled BJ-40 and commercial sales are active since October 2021. Please be aware that BJ40 has nothing to do with Toyota BJ40 series , an iconic SUV.
The first generation of BJ40 went into production in 2013 and since then multiple variants were launched. The model is available in 2 door or 4 door variants known as BJ40L configuration. BJ40 got a facelift in 2019 and the BJ40L name was changed to BJ40 Plus. Beside China and Pakistan, BJ40 is also available in Middle Eastern , African and limited European markets like Italy.
Back in China, BJ40 was having good share of market especially among off-roading enthusiasts but with introduction of models from competitors, it was losing its hype. The model is almost a decade old and although it got some styling updates in & out over the years, BAIC started working on replacement. The news became official recently when the company released the images for the upcoming 2nd generation of BJ40 and its a complete departure from the first gen. BAIC has not yet released any technical details , features and equipment beside images.
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The exterior of the first generation BJ40 seems to be a copy paste interpretation of Jeep Wrangler, but that definition will change now as the the replacement model is an all new and revolutionary. The model has adopted a a rectangular approach on front with flat hood with horizontal shut line above upright grill. There is a slim rectangular slated front grill which carries the equally spaced vertical lines creating section. There are dual slim LED headlight modules while the entire grill parameter edge has segmented DRL.
The front bumper design is also a rectangular profile with slim section with integrated LED fog lights and a skid plate. With squarish body panels on the side profile , a semi rounded but horizontally aligned charter line can be seen on the upper portion of doors which continues from front to rear . Doors are now without exposed hinges as seen on previous generation and now also uses standard pull-type door handles. Wide and pultruding wheel arches with plastic cladding with LED lights , bigger side view mirrors give it a true off-road character.
There will be frame-less doors while the D-pillar glass panel gets a satin silver trim around it. The rear gets the new vertical rectangular LED taillight with two square segments. The tailgate is divided in two portions with glass panel open upwards while the lower solid portion swing outwards with spare wheel attached in a typical fashion.
There are newly designed alloy wheels and depending upon trim, the wheel sizes can be 265/65R17, 265/65R18 or 275/50R20 with all terrain tires . The 2nd generation is 4790mm long, 1940mm wide and have a wheelbase of 2760mm. This makes it approx. 145mm longer, 15mm wider and 15mm longer in wheelbase. Overall, the exterior is for sure pleasing & attractive with modern styling although reader might find some land Rover Defender vibes in it.
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Like exterior, the interior is also revamped. While the exterior of previous generation was influenced from Jeep Wrangler, the interior took design clues from Mercedes Benz. The new dashboard layout on the 2nd gen looks modern and sophisticated with a aluminum type trim around the dashboard which is horizontal , flat & rectangularly shaped like the front.
There is fully digital driver cockpit , a new steering wheel which seems impressed from Mercedes G-Wagon especially the steering wheel controls. The most striking element on the interior is a huge panoramic floating infotainment screen in two sections which continues all the way to the passenger side. Big grab handles on the A-pillar and large AC vents gives an impression of a typical off-roader.
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The new model will continue to keep its body on frame chassis like the first generation. All details are not available, but it is expected that it is same chassis with improvements and upgrades which includes improved stiffness and torsional rigidity . The model will carry over double wishbone coil spring independent suspension on front while multilink (5 link ) independent coil spring setup on the rear. Electric power steering is expected instead of hydraulic for the new model.
As per available information, the upcoming model will be available with a new 2.0L (1967cc) turbocharged petrol engine with engine code HY4C20C. This engine is rated at 241HP and 385NM of torque. This makes it more powerful and torquey comparing the previous generation 2.0L turbo or even the 2.3L turbo variant. The first generation was using a decade old engine technology from SAAB, a discontinued European brand & it was not very fuel efficient. The new engine is expected to overcome the shortcomings.
Because BJ40 is designed for an off-road adventure, the model will be equipped with 4WD setup with differential lock. Driver selectable terrain mode will be available with multiple settings which can be changed with the help of rotary dial on the central console. The new model will also be equipped with a new 8 speed automatic transmission. ABS, EPB, Tire pressure monitoring, hill start and decent control will be some of the available features. The model will also be capable of towing approx. 2.5 Tons of trailer.
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BAIC will be releasing the new model on 25th August in China and at that point we will cover it again with more details including feature, options , safety features and equipment .
I am sure the next question will be when we will have this model in Pakistan. Well, like always we should not expect replacement in our country very soon. Our current PK model went into production only 2 years ago and it has still some life left in our domestic market . The company invested heavily to produce the current model for Pakistani market and changing over to the new generation require time , resources, and investment. The current poor economic crisis with high interest & exchange rates in the country only adds to the equation. We hope things recover and our auto industry goes back to normal.
[ f-w@ PakWheels.com ]
