The Beijing BJ60 Thunder is a mid-to-large-size range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) rugged SUV launched by the Beijing Off-Road brand under Beijing Automotive Group Co., Ltd. (BAIC Group), serving as the Magic Core Electric Drive version of the BJ60 lineup. On 20 August 2024, the BJ60 Thunder made its official market debut with 3 variants, with official pricing ranging between RM259,800 and RM285,800. As the flagship implementation model of Beijing Off-Road's "Magic Core Electric Drive" electrification roadmap, the model is dubbed "Thunder" (Leiting), signifying a paradigm shift that balances hardcore off-road capability with electric efficiency and performance. In April 2025, the lineup was further expanded with a new range-topping Everest Edition, available in five-seater Standard and Advanced trims priced at RM301,800 and RM304,800, respectively.
Marketed as a "Prestige-Class Luxury Electric Drive SUV", the new vehicle is underpinned by BAIC's Magic Core Electric Drive 3X3 powertrain architecture, specifically tailored for buyers who demand low running costs during daily urban commutes without compromising on long-distance overland expedition capability. Within its segment, the BJ60 Thunder primarily locks horns with rivals such as the Fangchengbao Bao 5 and Tank 400 Hi4-T.
In terms of exterior styling, the BJ60 Thunder retains the upright, muscular silhouette of the petrol-powered BJ60 while infusing distinctive electrified design cues. The front fascia is headlined by the brand's signature "Five-Palace Star Ring" illuminated grille, where a full-width LED daytime running light bar traces the five-slot grille frame, complemented by boomerang-style DRL signatures within the vertical lighting clusters for a blend of rugged stance and modern tech. The front bumper incorporates a dual-tier lower intake with a more enclosed profile than the petrol model, underscoring its new energy vehicle (NEV) identity. Down the flanks, it retains the classic boxy 4x4 proportions with clean, taut character lines, riding on redesigned 20-inch alloy wheels shod with 275/55 R20 tyres. Blacked-out lower door mouldings and wheel arch claddings further reinforce its robust, go-anywhere aesthetic.
At the rear, the boxy, purposeful design continues with a tailgate-mounted full-size spare tyre carrier and a side-hinged tailgate, framed by vertical split LED tail lamps that mirror the front lighting signature. A silver underbody skid plate and an integrated tow hitch receiver are built into the rear bumper, granting a factory-rated 2.5-tonne braked towing capacity. Dimensionally, the SUV measures 5,040 mm in length, 1,955 mm in width, and 1,925 mm in height, with a generous 2,820 mm wheelbase, squarely positioning it in the mid-to-large SUV segment. Seven landscape-inspired exterior paint options are offered, including Mohe Polar Night Black, Yulong Snow Mountain White, Chaka Salt Lake Blue, and Shunan Bamboo Sea Green.
Step inside, and the BJ60 Thunder reveals a thoroughly reimagined, wrap-around luxury cockpit. Standard equipment includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, dual 12.8-inch floating screens integrating the central infotainment display and front passenger entertainment monitor, a 1.92-inch push-start button touchscreen, a 9-inch digital streaming rear-view mirror, and a head-up display (HUD), forming an immersive multi-screen command centre. The dashboard and door cards feature extensive soft-touch upholstery and premium leather trim, elevated by wood grain inlays and brushed metallic accents for an upscale ambience. Interior themes are available in Camel Yellow and Spring River Blue.
Propelling the BJ60 Thunder is BAIC's Magic Core Electric Drive range-extender system, pairing a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with front and rear dual permanent magnet synchronous electric motors. The longitudinally mounted 1.5T engine produces 138 kW (188 PS) and operates strictly as an on-board generator without delivering direct mechanical drive to the wheels. The front electric motor churns out 153 kW while the rear motor puts out 250 kW, delivering a formidable combined system output of 403 kW (approx. 548 PS) and 655 Nm of peak torque. Power is managed via a single-speed dedicated EV reduction gearbox and an electric intelligent on-demand 4WD system. The 0-100 km/h sprint is completed in a brisk 5.8 seconds towards an electronically governed top speed of 180 km/h, comfortably outmuscling conventional petrol SUVs in its class.
Energy storage comes courtesy of a 40.3 kWh ternary lithium (NMC) battery pack supplied by CALB, delivering a CLTC-rated pure electric range of 152 km. With a full tank of fuel and a fully charged battery, total combined cruising range exceeds 1,200 km. DC fast charging capability juices the battery from 30% to 80% state of charge (SoC) in around 30 minutes. In terms of efficiency, it returns a WLTC combined fuel consumption of 1.3 L/100 km, while depleted-battery (charge-sustaining) consumption is rated at around 8.75 L/100 km; its 82-litre fuel tank accepts standard RON 92 petrol. Crucially, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external discharge capability comes standard with a peak output of 15 kW, supporting a 2.2 kW AC power outlet in the boot as well as V2L/V2V discharge at up to 6 kW, effortlessly powering high-draw camping appliances and field equipment.
The BJ60 Thunder sits on a rugged ladder-frame chassis (body-on-frame construction), with high-strength steel making up 96% of the frame structure to ensure superior torsional rigidity under punishing trail conditions while forming a rigid safety cage around the battery pack. Ride and handling are managed by a front double-wishbone independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent setup, striking a fine balance between on-road pliancy and off-road articulation. Braking is handled by four-wheel ventilated disc brakes alongside an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). It rides on 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 275/55 R20 all-terrain-friendly rubber.
Off-road credentials are solid, featuring an approach angle of 30°, a departure angle of 24°, a ramp breakover angle of 23°, a fully laden ground clearance of 215 mm, an 800 mm maximum water wading depth, and a maximum gradeability of 100% (45°). The electric 4WD system incorporates an intelligent electronic centre differential lock and an electronically controlled mechanical dog-clutch rear axle differential lock, compensating for the cross-axle limitations of decoupled dual-motor architectures during technical off-road recoveries. Drivers can toggle through BAIC's intelligent All-Terrain Control System (ATS) offering 11 terrain modes, including 6 off-road/overland settings (Rock, Snow, Sand, Mud, Overland, Wading), 4 on-road commuting profiles (Eco, Sport, Comfort, One-Pedal), and a dedicated High-Speed Track mode. Advanced trail aids like a 12-speed crawl control system and tactical tank turn (U-turn) further ease low-speed technical manoeuvres.
The BJ60 Thunder receives substantial upgrades in infotainment technology and passenger comfort. The digital cockpit centres around the 10.25-inch instrument cluster and dual 12.8-inch centre/passenger screens, powered by the Huawei App Store with 5G connectivity, supporting voice command control, smartphone integration, Wi-Fi hotspot, telematics remote control, and over-the-air (OTA) system updates. The 1.92-inch push-start display button allows customisable graphics and text, while the digital rear-view mirror and head-up display ensure comprehensive driving telemetry at a glance.
Comfort features are thoroughly upscale, with all seats wrapped in ergonomic genuine leather. The driver's seat boasts 12-way power adjustment with memory and welcome functions, while both front seats are equipped with extendable leg rests and aviation-style headrests. Ventilation, heating, and massage functions are fitted to both front and rear outboard seats, ensuring first-class comfort across both rows. Audio is delivered via an Infinity premium sound system (reconfigured to a 9-speaker setup with a standalone amplifier on the Everest Edition) complete with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Additional cabin amenities include a 0.82-square-metre panoramic glass sunroof, 256-colour ambient lighting, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and tri-zone automatic climate control with rear AC vents. Available in five- and seven-seater configurations, the second and third rows fold down 100% flat (0°), opening up an enormous 1,836 litres of cargo capacity for camping setups and bulky adventure gear.
On the safety front, the BJ60 Thunder combines its high-strength steel ladder-frame chassis with a proprietary "Taiji Flexible Off-Road Chassis" layout, suspending the traction battery within the longitudinal chassis rails via four heavy-duty rubber isolation mounts to shield it from chassis twisting stresses and direct terrain impacts. The battery pack achieves an IP68 dust and waterproof rating and is protected by reinforced underbody armour against scrapes, vibrations, and punctures. Passive safety is anchored by six SRS airbags as standard, comprising dual front airbags, front side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags.
Driver assistance is comprehensive, courtesy of a Level 2.5 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) supported by a suite of millimetre-wave radars and ultrasonic sensors. Active safety features include Full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Door Open Warning (DOW), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Braking (RCTA/RCTB), Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA), Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK), Intelligent Cruise Assist (ICA), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), and Smart Evasion Assist. Parking is made effortless thanks to front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree surround-view camera, Auto Park Assist (APA), Remote Parking Assist (RPA), and Reversing Track Assist.
The arrival of the BJ60 Thunder represents a pivotal milestone in Beijing Off-Road's new energy transition, successfully fusing hardcore 4x4 capability with the refined, low-emission efficiency of a range-extended electric powertrain. At launch, the vehicle was rolled out with eight ownership incentives, including an RM10,000 outdoor lifestyle gear package, complimentary home wallbox charger installation, trade-in rebates of up to RM10,000, a 5-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/150,000 km high-voltage EV powertrain warranty, 5 free scheduled maintenance services over 5 years, and 5 years of complimentary 24/7 roadside assistance.
In terms of market traction, since its debut in August 2024, the BJ60 Thunder has resolved the prohibitive fuel consumption drawbacks historically associated with ladder-frame 4x4s, carving out decent attention in the electrified rugged SUV niche. Nevertheless, its commercial volume still trails established segment heavyweights; in February 2026, the entire BJ60 series registered 255 units, lagging behind rivals such as the Tank 500, which consistently record multi-thousand monthly tallies. Automotive industry observers note that lingering gaps in brand equity, limited word-of-mouth momentum, and a comparatively measured product lifecycle update pace remain key hurdles to expanding its market footprint.
From an owner feedback standpoint, early adopters widely commend the BJ60 Thunder for its dramatic leap in cabin luxury and ride comfort, singling out class-above features like heated/ventilated/massaging seats for all main passengers, punchy 5.8-second century acceleration, a dependable 1,200+ km combined range, and versatile outdoor utility enabled by V2L discharge. Conversely, criticism centres on the electric 4WD setup's sustained wheel-slip recovery in extreme articulation falling slightly shy of traditional mechanical locking 4x4 systems, the de-contenting of select comfort amenities on the Everest Edition (such as the HUD, front seat ventilation/massage, and ANC), and an after-sales service network that remains less extensive than mainstream competitors. Overall, the BJ60 Thunder stands as an impressively engineered, high-value transition for Beijing Off-Road into the NEV era, though sustaining long-term commercial success in this fiercely contested segment will hinge on rapid product refinements, stronger brand marketing, and the ongoing expansion of its retail and service network.
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