BAIC BJ40

BAIC BJ40 is a body-on-frame hard-core off-road SUV independently developed by BAIC Motor (Beijing Off-road). As a pioneer in China's local hard-core off-road vehicle market, this series is not only a symbol of BAIC's off-road heritage but also the flagship model driving Chinese-brand hard-core SUVs into the global market.

Vehicle Overview 

BAIC BJ40 is positioned as a hard-core off-road mid-size/compact SUV. In the process of automotive industry development, it has been endowed with historical labels of "Chinese Off-road Popularizer" and "Dakar Rally Off-road Technology Carrier". Its core selling points lie in the rigid professional off-road body-on-frame body (ladder frame), detachable roof (some model years), part-time/full-time four-wheel drive systems, and optional "three locks" (front and rear axle differential locks + center locking function). This series primarily targets heavy off-road enthusiasts, long-distance self-drive travelers, and urban individuality consumers pursuing the hard "boxy" shape.

Development History 

The birth of BAIC BJ40 inherited more than half a century of off-road vehicle manufacturing heritage from the BAIC Group. The first generation model (BJ40 Classic) was officially launched in December 2013. Initially provided in a two-door version, using part-time four-wheel drive and high-rigidity suspension, it quickly broke the monopoly of foreign brands on the domestic hard-core off-road market. In 2016, the four-door version BJ40L with extended wheelbase was launched, greatly improving family practicality, subsequently evolving into vertical sub-series such as "Urban Hunter" and "Tarim Rally Champion".

In August 2023, BJ40 welcomed a complete model replacement, officially launching the second generation model. The new car not only strengthened hard-core off-road parameters but also introduced frameless doors, panoramic sunroof, and multi-screen smart cockpit for the first time, achieving the leap from a pure tool vehicle to a "trendy off-road" SUV. In April 2025, the series welcomed a key milestone for new energyization — the extended-range electric version (BJ40e / Extended Range Version) was officially launched. Entering 2026, the series matrix further expanded. Not only did it launch the BJ40 Extended Range Long Range Version (pre-sale price 214,800 RMB) at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, but also synchronized the upgraded 2026 fuel vehicle versions (starting price 126,900 RMB), completing a multi-dimensional layout of fuel, diesel, and extended range multi-power. Historical cumulative sales have successfully broken through 300,000 vehicles.

Market Performance 

BAIC BJ40 shows strong resilience in both domestic and overseas hard-core off-road sub-markets. Domestically, data from 2025 to early 2026 indicates that with Beijing Off-road's deepening in the new energy segment, BJ40 Extended Range Version performed brightly, once achieving consecutive 9 months staying in the top sales in the extended-range hard-core off-road sub-market. In overseas markets, BAIC BJ40 achieves consistent high volume in Middle East, Eastern Europe, South America, and South Africa due to high reliability and outstanding off-road geometric parameters. Overseas terminal prices generally range from $25,000 to $35,000. In the hard-core off-road enthusiast circles in Chile and Saudi Arabia, it has become a cost-effective practical choice to replace traditional high-priced Japanese off-road vehicles.

Core Technology 

In terms of body specifications, the second generation BJ40 shows a standard mid-size hard-core SUV volume. Its length, width, and height are 4790 mm, 1940 mm, 1929 mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 2760 mm. Off-road geometric parameters are extremely hard-core: Approach angle 37° to 38°, Departure angle 31° to 37°, Breakover angle 23° to 24°, maximum wading depth up to 750 mm, minimum ground clearance over 210 mm.

Powertrain and transmission architecture cover three technology stacks:

2.0T Gas/Diesel Version: Gas version equipped with 2.0T turbocharged engine, maximum power output 180 kW (approx. 245 hp), peak torque 395 Nm, matching ZF 8-speed automatic transmission; Diesel version provides more abundant low-torque output and upgraded full-time four-wheel drive system. 

Super Extended Range Version (BJ40e): Equipped with electric four-wheel drive system composed of 1.5T turbocharged engine (138 kW generator) and front-rear dual electric motors. Front motor 153 kW, rear motor 250 kW, system total maximum power up to 403 kW (approx. 548 hp), comprehensive torque as high as 655 Nm. 0-100 km/h acceleration takes only 5.5 seconds. It is equipped with 40.3 kWh battery pack, pure electric range 152 km, full fuel and full electricity comprehensive range breaks through 1200 km. 

In terms of chassis, the vehicle adopts Body-on-frame structure. Front suspension is double wishbone independent suspension, rear suspension is multi-link non-independent suspension (solid axle). On safety technology, the vehicle is built-in world-first embedded roll cage (extending from A-pillar to roof), its hot-formed steel application proportion reaches 79.8%, and equipped with All-Terrain Intelligent ATSS Control System (supporting up to 11 terrain modes) and Level 2 intelligent driving assistance system.

Future Plans 

With the establishment of off-road new energyization and high-order intelligence trends, BAIC BJ40 will continue to deepen technology around the "Super Extended Range" platform. Future core plans include further optimizing the powertrain calibration and anti-corrosion compliance modifications for overseas right-hand drive extended range models, and gradually covering high-order intelligent driving functions such as high-speed NOA (Navigate on Autopilot) to more medium-to-high export models. At the same time, Beijing Automotive plans to rely on the existing full series, expand the entry and export of factory hard-core off-road kits (such as "Mount Everest Edition" etc. official kits) in the international market, thereby deepening its brand appeal in the global hard-core "trendy off-road" sub-field.