The Beijing BJ90 is a full-size flagship luxury SUV launched under BAIC Group's Beijing Off-Road brand, sitting at the very pinnacle of the marque's "Off-Road Family" model lineup. First introduced in 2016 and updated through several model-year revisions, the 2021 model was priced between RM998,000 and RM1,288,000, successfully breaking into the million-Ringgit bracket for Chinese domestic SUVs. In 2023, Beijing Off-Road launched the BJ90 Shanhe Classic Edition, with official pricing revised to between RM698,000 and RM998,000.
Engineered heavily on Mercedes-Benz technical architecture, the BJ90 utilizes the previous-generation Mercedes-Benz GL-Class platform, with key components such as the powertrain, chassis structure, and transfer case all supplied by the German marque. Developed on this proven platform, the BJ90 stands as the highest-tier "rebadged" model among Chinese domestic SUVs, representing the zenith of technical collaboration between BAIC Group and Mercedes-Benz.
In terms of exterior styling, the BJ90 retains Beijing Off-Road's signature rugged design language, projecting an imposing and muscular presence. Up front, it features the brand's trademark five-slot chrome grille flanked by large LED headlight clusters, which together with the upright, blocky front profile deliver an aggressive and commanding road stance. While retaining the signature five-slot grille, the 2023 Shanhe Classic Edition adds an optional sporty body kit. Along the sides, a pronounced high shoulder line paired with a flat roofline emphasizes its robust stature, complemented by distinctive C-pillar quarter glass styling and 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels that lend a stately yet refined look. The rear profile is clean and well-proportioned, accentuated by a full-width chrome trim connecting the tail lights and dual exhaust outlets that further amplify its muscular aesthetic.
Dimension-wise, the BJ90 measures 5,171 mm in length, 1,995 mm in width, and 1,902 mm in height, riding on an expansive 3,100 mm wheelbase—making it a bona fide full-size SUV. Suspension duties are handled by double wishbones at the front and a matching double wishbone independent setup at the rear.
Inside, the 2023 Shanhe Classic Edition comes furnished with plush leather seats, featuring 8-way electric adjustment with 4-way lumbar and headrest support for the driver. The door cards and dashboard are generously trimmed in soft-touch slush-moulded plastics and leather upholstery, accented with genuine woodgrain inserts.
Under the bonnet, the entire BJ90 range features a longitudinal engine configuration, powered by Mercedes-Benz-sourced powertrains: the M276 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 and the M278 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. Both powerplants run on RON 95 petrol and comply with China VI emission standards.
The 3.0T V6 variant delivers 245 kW (approx. 333 PS) and 480 Nm of torque across a broad band of 1,600 to 4,000 rpm, whereas the flagship 4.0T V8 puts out 310 kW (approx. 422 PS) and a hefty 600 Nm of torque. Transmission duties were initially handled by a 7-speed automatic transmission (7AT), later upgraded to a ZF 9-speed automatic transmission (9AT) boasting best-in-class gear ratios. Power is sent to all four wheels via a four-wheel-drive system; the 3.0T sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds towards a top speed of 245 km/h, while the 4.0T model completes the century sprint in roughly 6.5 seconds. In terms of fuel economy, the 3.0T records a WLTC combined consumption of 12.0 L/100 km (10.1 L/100 km under NEDC), while the 4.0T achieves 11.6 L/100 km under NEDC testing.
Underneath, the BJ90 carries over the complete chassis architecture of the older Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, featuring front and rear double wishbone independent suspension along with an active air suspension system. The setup automatically modulates ride height according to drive modes or payload conditions, striking a fine balance between off-road clearance and on-road ride comfort. The primary suspension control arms are forged from lightweight aluminium alloy to reduce unsprung weight and sharpen handling dynamics. Stopping power comes courtesy of ventilated brake discs all around, paired with an electronic parking brake (EPB). It rolls on 275/50 R20 tyres accompanied by a space-saver spare wheel. Furthermore, approach and departure angles are engineered to handle moderate to demanding off-road trails with ease.
For traction, the BJ90 is fitted with a permanent full-time four-wheel-drive (4WD) system featuring an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch centre differential, low-range transfer gear for torque multiplication, and four-wheel electronic traction control, ensuring dependable recovery performance in challenging terrain.
Cabin technology and comfort amenities received a significant boost on the 2023 Shanhe Classic Edition as well as the million-Ringgit flagship variants. Both 2021 and 2023 model-year units come standard with a 10.4-inch high-definition central touchscreen infotainment system integrating multimedia, GPS navigation, and vehicle telemetry. An 8-speaker surround sound system is standard, with upgraded premium audio packages available on higher trims. While physical buttons and switchgear are thoughtfully retained on the steering wheel and dashboard for tactile, distraction-free operation, the touchscreen's interface resolution and UI fluidity admittedly lag behind the latest new-energy vehicle (NEV) benchmarks.
Seating-wise, the BJ90 is upholstered in high-grade leather, with the driver's seat offering 8-way powered adjustment alongside 4-way lumbar and headrest adjustments. The executive 4-seater version adds individually power-adjustable rear seats and backrests, a "boss button" behind the front passenger seat, and four-zone automatic climate control to deliver an authentic chauffeur-driven luxury experience.
On the active safety front, the BJ90 is comprehensively equipped with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA/EBA), Traction Control System (TCS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESP) across the entire range. Passive safety is well-covered with front airbags, front side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags. A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), seatbelt reminders, and ISOFIX child seat anchors are likewise standard. However, due to its older GL-derived platform architecture, its sensor suite exhibits a generational lag compared to modern rivals, lacking a 360-degree surround-view monitor in favour of a conventional reverse camera and rear parking sensors.
In terms of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), specification details vary slightly across sources. Official spec sheets list Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and standard cruise control as standard equipment; however, several industry publications note that selected variants also benefit from Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) for enhanced driving safety and convenience. In reality, the availability of advanced ADAS features appears to vary significantly across different production batches and model years.
The BJ90 is among the very few Chinese flagship SUVs to feature a fully imported, large-displacement internal combustion powertrain, boasting Mercedes-Benz-supplied mechanicals across its chassis, engine, and transmission, leading to its popular nickname as a "rebadged Chinese Mercedes-Benz GLS". However, this flagship vehicle, despite carrying the brand's upmarket ambitions, fell significantly short of market expectations.
The BJ90 suffered from minimal market visibility, with sales figures consistently subdued. Official data shows that only 486 units were registered in the first nine months of 2024, with September recording just 10 deliveries; total sales in 2023 similarly stalled at under 500 units. Under mounting inventory pressure, several dealerships resorted to desperate clearance measures—slashing prices by up to 50% and driving real-world transaction prices down to the RM300,000 mark—yet consumer uptake remained lukewarm.
Industry analysts attribute the BJ90's poor market reception to several factors. Primarily, BAIC lacked the brand equity required at this lofty price point, as buyers in the near-million-Ringgit segment overwhelmingly favoured established imported luxury contenders such as the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS, and Land Rover Range Rover. Secondly, generational lag proved costly: the underlying platform dates back to the 2012–2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. While mechanically robust, its cabin technology, driver assistance systems, and lack of over-the-air (OTA) update capabilities felt archaic to mid-2020s tech-savvy buyers. Lastly, quality and reliability concerns—sparked by sporadic early online reports of steering and braking glitches—deterred prospective customers. Among owners and reviewers, the BJ90 drew praise for its cavernous 3,100 mm wheelbase, silky-smooth 3.0T/4.0T power delivery, refined air-suspended ride quality, and solid German mechanical hardware; however, criticism was heavily aimed at its dated infotainment interface, analogue instrument cluster styling, rudimentary ADAS features, overly conservative interior styling, limited service network, and in-car digital tech that failed to match its million-Ringgit price tag.
In summary, the BJ90 was an ambitious, bold gamble by a Chinese automaker to challenge the ultra-luxury full-size SUV echelon, backed by genuine world-class mechanical foundations and immense cabin space. Yet, hampered by brand perception, outdated digital tech, and intense market competition, the BJ90 never gained commercial traction, remaining a fascinating and much-discussed curio rather than a sales success in the annals of Chinese automotive history.
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