The Chinese automaker BAIC has officially launched its new hybrid SUV, the BJ60, in the global market. The launch event, dubbed “Xide of Delight”, took place at Kempinski The Palm in Dubai on December 15, 2023. The event attracted over 150 guests, including representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Dubai, local dealers, media, and potential customers.
The BJ60 is the largest and most advanced off-road vehicle ever developed by BAIC. It combines a Jeep-like front fascia with a Land Cruiser-inspired body, and offers a spacious three-row cabin with plenty of tech features. The SUV also boasts a hybrid powertrain that delivers a range of 1,000 kilometers and a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 6 seconds.
BAIC claims that the BJ60 is a new benchmark for the SUV segment, and aims to compete with established rivals like the Toyota Land Cruiser Series 300 and the Tank 500. The company also hopes to expand its presence and influence in the Middle East market, where demand for large and rugged SUVs is high.
BJ60: A hybrid SUV with a body-on-frame chassis
The BJ60 is based on a ladder-frame chassis that provides strength and durability for off-road performance. The SUV also features independent suspension at all four corners, three locking differentials, and an All-Terrain four-wheel-drive system. The BJ60 can tackle various terrains and conditions, such as sand, mud, snow, and rocks.
The SUV is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The hybrid system consists of a belt-driven starter-generator, a battery pack, and an electric motor. The system can provide additional torque and power, as well as improve fuel efficiency and emissions. The powertrain is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels.
The BJ60 has a length of 5,020 mm, a width of 1,925 mm, and a height of 1,955 mm, making it slightly longer than the Land Cruiser Series 300. The wheelbase is 2,820 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Land Cruiser’s. The SUV has a ground clearance of 220 mm, a wading depth of 700 mm, and a towing capacity of 3,500 kg.
BJ60: A tech-laden SUV with a luxurious interior
The BJ60 offers a premium and comfortable interior that can accommodate up to seven passengers. The seats are upholstered in perforated leather, and the front seats are heated and ventilated. The second row seats can slide and recline, while the third row seats can fold flat to increase the cargo space. The SUV also has a panoramic roof that can be opened or closed electronically.
The dashboard of the BJ60 is dominated by three screens: a digital instrument cluster, a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a pixel-like display on the passenger’s side. The infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and BAIC’s own Xide app. The system also provides navigation, climate control, and entertainment functions. The SUV also has a head-up display, a wireless charging pad, a premium audio system, and ambient lighting.
The BJ60 is equipped with a range of safety and driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, 360-degree camera, parking sensors, and collision warning. The SUV also has a smart key, a push-button start, a remote start, and a gesture-controlled tailgate.
BJ60: A competitive SUV with an attractive price
The BJ60 is currently available in China, where it was launched in May 2022. The SUV has a starting price of 249,800 yuan (about $38,500), which is significantly lower than the Land Cruiser Series 300 and the Tank 500. The SUV is expected to have a similar price advantage in other markets, where it will be offered in different variants and configurations.
BAIC plans to export the BJ60 to more than 20 countries and regions, including the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. The company also intends to establish local production and assembly facilities in some of these markets, to reduce costs and increase localization. The company hopes that the BJ60 will help it achieve its global sales target of 500,000 units by 2025.
The BJ60 is a new hybrid SUV that rivals the Land Cruiser in size, performance, and features. The SUV also has a competitive price that makes it more affordable and accessible to a wider range of customers. The SUV is expected to boost BAIC’s brand image and market share in the global SUV segment.
