Chinese pickup BAW 212: a mix of Defender and FJ40 enters the European market
Indimo Automotive, a German importer, decided to fill the gap left by Land Rover by not releasing a pickup based on the modern Defender. They are bringing the Chinese pickup BAW 212 to Europe, which is positioned as a vehicle for “customers who need high off-road capability, reliable technology, and everyday convenience.”
The model’s appearance strongly resembles the previous generation Land Rover Defender pickup: the body and cab shape are almost identical. However, the BAW 212 has Jeep-style wheel arch extensions and a front end that mimics the classic Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40.
The design is far from original, but the vehicle is equipped with round LED headlights and rain sensors. Buyers will also receive side steps and 18-inch alloy wheels. The package includes round rear lights and a cargo bed with a length of 5.1 feet (1555 mm).
Vehicle dimensions: 5469 mm in length, 1950 mm in width, and 1970 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3488 mm. This is significantly larger than the old Defender 110 and 130 Double Cab pickups, but only 69 mm shorter than the Jeep Gladiator.
Well-equipped interior
If the exterior is a mix of different SUVs, the interior looks quite unique. The driver sits behind a three-spoke steering wheel and sees a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, as well as a 12.3-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The European version is well-equipped: heated and ventilated front seats with 10-way power adjustment on the driver’s side. They are upholstered in faux leather, while the steering wheel is wrapped in genuine leather.
Other features include: wireless smartphone charging, an eight-speaker audio system, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Also noticeable are metal accents and plenty of physical buttons.
Turbo diesel and genuine off-road capability
Under the hood is a 2.3-liter turbo diesel engine producing 188 hp (140 kW / 190 hp) and 500 Nm of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system. This allows the pickup to accelerate to 160 km/h.
While the powertrain is not impressive, buyers can expect serious off-road capabilities. The BAW 212 features a ladder frame and rigid axles, as well as locking front, center, and rear differentials. Ground clearance is 250 mm, which is more than the Ford Ranger Wildtrak.
Customers will find numerous driving modes: “Standard, Eco, Sport, Snow, Sand, Rocks, Mud, Wading, Mountains, and Potholes.” Other features include cruise control, parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system.
The price in Germany starts at €41,995 ($49,200 USD), including 19% VAT. This is significantly cheaper than the Ford Ranger Double Cab, which starts at €46,590 ($54,590 USD) excluding VAT. The model also outperforms the Toyota Hilux, which starts at €46,386.20 ($54,351 USD) including VAT.
The arrival of the BAW 212 on the European market is an interesting signal. On one hand, it shows that Chinese automakers are increasingly exploring niche segments, offering competitive prices and equipment. On the other hand, the model is clearly inspired by iconic SUVs of the past, which may attract buyers who nostalgic for classic Defenders or FJ40s but do not want to pay a premium for them. Given its aggressive pricing and rich features, the BAW 212 could become a serious player in the affordable off-road pickup segment, challenging veterans like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. However, whether it can compete with them in terms of quality, reliability, and service support remains to be seen.