BAIC BJ40 Range Extender

Model Overview

The BAIC BJ40 Range Extender is the extended-range electric vehicle (REEV) variant of BAIC Off-road's classic rugged 4x4 SUV, the BJ40 series. Officially launched on 7 April 2025, it is positioned as a "super range-extended intelligent-driving rugged SUV", guided by the brand's core philosophy of maintaining authentic off-road capability while elevating both urban comfort and rugged prowess to solve the classic pain points of high fuel consumption and short driving range in traditional 4x4s. On 21 May 2026, BAIC Off-road launched the BJ40 Range Extender Long Range Edition at the Tianjin TEDA Aircraft Carrier Theme Park, bringing further upgrades to its driving range and smart features across three variants: Max, Max+, and Ultra, with official retail pricing ranging from RM179,800 to RM209,800, and trade-in promotional prices starting from as low as RM169,800 after national subsidies and manufacturer trade-in support. The model is aimed at diverse buyers seeking a blend of hardcore off-road capability and daily urban running economy.

Design Language

The BJ40 Range Extender retains the signature boxy silhouette iconic to the BJ40 family. Up front, it features the distinctive five-slot grille, while the sculpted bonnet edge enhances forward visibility with a class-leading 7.9° downward sight angle. With a near 1:1 width-to-height ratio, the SUV commands an assertive and rugged stance. In terms of dimensions, it measures 4,790 mm long, 1,940 mm wide, and 1,964 mm tall, with a 2,760 mm wheelbase. Frameless doors and removable roof and door panels are retained to preserve its adventurous, open-air off-roading appeal. At the rear, an external utility gear carrier is mounted to store recovery traction boards, camping gear, and other essentials. The Long Range Edition carries forward these classic styling cues while incorporating dedicated NEV badging and "Five-Gorge Star Ring" circular LED headlamps.

Inside, the BJ40 Range Extender completely dispels the notion that rugged off-roaders must have bare-bones, spartan cabins. The Long Range Edition features a sophisticated triple-screen setup comprising a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch central infotainment touchscreen, and a 15.6-inch front passenger entertainment display. The system is powered by a flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chipset, supporting AI-driven voice interaction and full-scenario "see-and-say" voice control. Tactile physical switchgear is retained for straightforward operation during off-road manoeuvres. The front passenger enjoys a zero-gravity seat, while both front seats feature heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Extensive premium leather upholstery elevates the cabin's overall tactile feel. Folding the rear seats down flat creates a 1.7-metre-long level cargo bed, expanding boot capacity up to 965 litres.

Powertrain & Performance

The BJ40 Range Extender is powered by an extended-range hybrid powertrain pairing a 1.5-litre turbocharged range extender with front and rear dual electric motors. The 1.5T engine produces a maximum power of 138 kW solely to generate electricity, never directly driving the wheels. Total system output reaches an impressive 403 kW (548 PS) and 655 Nm of torque. The Long Range Edition completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 5.1 seconds.

On the battery front, the Long Range Edition packs CATL's Freevoy off-road dedicated battery pack. The entry-level Max variant gets a 41.7 kWh pack delivering 201 km of pure electric range (CLTC), while the range-topping Ultra features a 49.4 kWh battery boasting a CLTC EV range of 252 km and an overall combined range of 1,300 km. For DC fast charging, replenishment from 30% to 80% state of charge (SoC) takes just 13.9 minutes. The range extender achieves a peak generating efficiency of 97.5%, with a peak electrical generation output of 115 kW and a continuous output of 90 kW. Under battery-depleted conditions, its fuel consumption is rated at 8.3 L/100 km under the WLTC test cycle.

Chassis & Handling

The BJ40 Range Extender stays true to a rugged body-on-frame chassis, utilizing a robust two-longitudinal and eight-crossmember integrated ladder frame. Suspension is handled by a front double-wishbone independent setup and a rear multi-link independent setup. Traction is delivered via a dual-motor full-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. For off-roading, it is armed with three differential locks: a front diff lock, a mechanical rear diff lock, and an intelligent electronic centre diff lock (virtual energy centre lock). In low-range 4WD mode, wheel-end torque is multiplied by 1.8 times, exceeding 11,000 Nm. It also comes equipped with a 12-speed adjustable crawl control mode and a tactical tank-turn U-turn function.

Off-road geometry credentials include an approach angle of 38°, a departure angle of 37°, a ground clearance of 215 mm, and a factory water wading depth of 750 mm. A total of 11 All-Terrain System (ATS) driving modes are available. Compared to traditional mechanical 4WD setups, the electric AWD system reacts in milliseconds, distributing power across challenging terrain far more rapidly.

Cabin & Equipment

In terms of cabin tech, the Long Range Edition is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, with the infotainment system supporting wireless Apple CarPlay. On the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) front, it features the Yuanjing Intelligent Driving system backed by the Horizon Journey 6M processor (128 TOPS computing power), complete with 11 high-definition cameras, 6th-generation rear corner radars, and three high-precision millimetre-wave radars. Supported features include Highway Navigation on Autopilot (HNOA), traffic light recognition, remote surround-view monitoring, and parking spot push notifications.

Comfort-wise, front zero-gravity seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions are fitted as standard across the range. Audio duties on the Max+ and Ultra variants are handled by a premium Infinity sound system. Dual-zone automatic climate control is also standard.

Safety & Intelligent Driving

Safety is anchored by BAIC's four-fold "Mobile Safety Fortress" protection architecture. The first layer is the integrated two-longitudinal and eight-crossmember ladder frame that bolsters chassis torsional rigidity; the second is a military-grade safety cage featuring 13 interlocking high-rigidity structural rings; the third is a factory-integrated seamless hydroformed metal roll cage capable of withstanding a top crush load of 130,000 N; and the fourth is the CATL Freevoy off-road battery reinforced with Xuanwu Armour underbody plating, engineered against severe impacts, vibration, and extreme temperature variations. High-strength steel is extensively utilized throughout the vehicle's body structure.

BAIC provides a lifetime warranty on the core electric powertrain alongside a 5-year/150,000 km manufacturer vehicle warranty, backed by a 1-to-1 replacement pledge in the event of spontaneous battery combustion. For passive safety, front dual airbags, front side airbags, and curtain airbags are fitted as standard.

Market Performance & Reception

The BJ40 Range Extender has enjoyed robust market performance since its debut, racking up 38,000 sales in its first eight months following its April 2025 launch; by its one-year anniversary, customer deliveries hit 53,000 units, averaging one new owner every 10 minutes. The SUV captured the NEV rugged off-roader sales crown for seven consecutive months and led China's overall off-road SUV sales charts for eight straight months. As of April 2026, cumulative deliveries of the BJ40 Range Extender lineup have surpassed 40,000 units.

In reviews from owners and motoring media, the BJ40 Range Extender is praised for striking an ideal balance between everyday urban commuting and weekend overlanding adventures—a 252 km pure EV range comfortably covers city driving, while the 1,300 km total range dispels any long-distance range anxiety; hardcore mechanical credentials such as triple differential locks and a ladder-frame chassis preserve the true off-road pedigree of the BJ40 nameplate; and its tech-laden cabin with triple screens and the Snapdragon 8155 chip has been widely lauded for redefining interior standards in the rugged 4x4 segment. All in all, with its winning formula of range-extended electric drive, a ladder-frame chassis, three differential locks, and long-range endurance, the BJ40 Range Extender carves out a highly competitive and distinctive niche in the electrified rugged SUV segment starting from just RM179,800.