BAIC revealed official pictures of the second-gen BJ40, a body-on-frame ICE-powered compact SUV designed as a direct competitor to the favored Tank 300.

Whereas the unique BAIC BJ40 that debuted in 2013 regarded like a Jeep Wrangler ripoff with a Vary Rover face, the brand new era adopts a extra trendy styling method, impressed by the bigger three-row BJ60. Clearly, there are nonetheless a couple of references to off-roaders by different automakers however these are much more discreet. One other massive change is the truth that the brand new era has a single bodystyle, not like the earlier mannequin that got here in two-door, four-door, and pickup variants.

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The brand new face combines boxy LEDs with an illuminated three-piece grille and a rugged off-road bumper. The heavy dose of plastic cladding, all-terrain tires, and beneficiant floor clearance make it clear that this isn’t your typical road-focused SUV, as with the boxy proportions. The identical applies to the full-size spare wheel that’s mounted on the flat tailgate, harking back to basic off-roaders.

Inside, the BJ40 represents a big step up when it comes to design and expertise. The dashboard combines a digital instrument cluster with a big panel housing the central infotainment display screen and one other one for the entrance passenger. Different highlights embrace the analog clock between the local weather vents, the aluminum-style trim across the dashboard, and the huge heart tunnel housing a rotating dial for the 4WD system.

BAIC didn’t reveal the specs of the brand new BJ40 however we already know them due to China’s Ministry of Trade and Expertise Info. The SUV measures 4,790 mm (188.6 inches) lengthy, 1,940 mm (76.4 inches) huge, and 1,895 mm (74.6 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of two,760 mm (108.7 inches). This implies it’s 160 mm (6.3 inches) longer than the five-door variant of the earlier era and incrementally longer than a Jeep Wrangler.

The identical supply reveals that the BJ40 comes fitted with a turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol engine producing 241 hp (180 kW / 245 PS) and 385 Nm (284 lb-ft) of torque. These specs make it considerably extra highly effective in comparison with its predecessor, surpassing the rival Tank 300 a minimum of on paper. Energy is transmitted to all 4 wheels completely by way of an 8-speed computerized gearbox with the assistance of a 4WD system.

Pre-sales of the BAIC BJ40 in China will begin on August 25, when the SUV makes its public premiere on the Chengdu Auto Present. Pricing has but to be introduced however Automotive Information China expects it to be someplace between the ¥200,000-300,000 ($28,000-41,600) vary. It stays to be seen if the brand new BAIC BJ40 will observe the instance of its predecessor and be bought to export markets like Italy below the Ickx model.

Photograph Credit score: BAIC / Weibo