- The BJ81 replaces the BJ80 and arrives with a new design.
- A 1.5-liter engine works as a range extender for the hybrid system.
- Its styling closely echoes the Mercedes G-Class and Jeep Wrangler.
If you cannot beat them, you might as well borrow a few ideas. That seems to be the approach behind BAIC’s latest off-roader, the BJ81. The Chinese automaker has clearly looked to Jeep and Mercedes-Benz for inspiration, blending familiar cues from both brands into its own boxy, trail-ready SUV. The result is a vehicle that feels instantly recognizable, and perhaps a little too familiar. It is set to make its public debut at April’s Beijing Auto Show.
We were given our first glimpse of the BJ81 in early December through a series of grainy, low-resolution photos, but this is our first time seeing it in official images released by the company. While it may look like a cross between a G-Class and a Wrangler, it doesn’t have a powertrain to rival either of them.
Read: BAIC’s New Off-Roader Has Mercedes Fans Doing A Double Take
A five-slat grille dominates the front of the off-roader and is accompanied by a set of circular headlights with subtle DRLs. There’s also a rugged bumper perfect for off-roading.
Looking A Little Too Familiar…
The Mercedes influence is particularly obvious from the side, thanks to the flared front and rear wheel arches, silver wheels, and red brake calipers. BAIC has also designed the off-roader with prominent side steps and mud flaps. The rear features a split tailgate, a large spare wheel carrier, taillights like a Land Rover Defender, and a tow hitch.
Although the 81 looks quite beefy, it doesn’t appear to have the performance to back up its design. Autohome reports it will come fitted with a compact 1.5-liter four-cylinder, serving as a range-extender for the hybrid system.
There’s no final word on how much power the latest BAIC product will pack, but here’s hoping it will be at least good enough for some decent off-roading – or else it will be a case of all show and no go.
