by New BAIC BJ81 Off-Roader Debuts at Beijing Auto Show
The Chinese automaker BAIC has released official images of the new BJ81 off-roader, which will succeed the BJ80 model. The car, reminiscent in design of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Jeep Wrangler, is set to debut at the Beijing Auto Show in April.
The main features of the new off-roader are:
Design Inspired by Competitors
The first blurry photos of the car appeared back in December, but now its exterior can be appreciated in more detail. Despite the obvious borrowing of stylistic solutions, the car looks quite impressive.
If you can’t beat them, join them. It seems the Chinese company BAIC did just that by creating its own off-roader, “borrowing” ideas from the design departments of Jeep and Mercedes-Benz.
The front is adorned with a radiator grille with five horizontal slats, round headlights with daytime running lights, and a sturdy bumper ready for off-road travel.
Resemblance to Mercedes G-Class and Exterior Details
The influence of Mercedes is especially noticeable in profile: flared wheel arches, silver wheels, and red brake calipers. The car is also equipped with prominent side steps and splash guards. The rear features split tailgate doors, a massive spare wheel mount, rear lights similar to those on the Land Rover Defender, and a tow hitch.
Technical Features and Expectations
Despite its powerful appearance, the technical underpinnings of the BJ81 may raise questions. According to the Autohome resource, the heart of the powertrain will be a compact 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which will not directly drive the wheels but will act as a generator to charge the batteries of the hybrid system.
Exact power specifications have not yet been disclosed. One can only hope it will be sufficient for real off-road adventures. Otherwise, the car risks getting the label “all show and no go.”
The presentation of the new model at the Beijing Auto Show should provide answers to all open questions regarding its technical capabilities and future plans for this model. Market success will depend not only on appearance but also on how well the engineers managed to combine the eco-trend of hybridization with the needs of a true off-roader. The Chinese auto industry continues to demonstrate its ability to quickly respond to global trends, creating products that attract attention, even if their design sparks lively debates about originality.
