Powered by Saab, est. price at RM 185k, here's a closer look at the BAIC BJ40 Plus - A Chinese Wrangler

BAIC (Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. Ltd.) is the newest Chinese brand to launch in Malaysia. BAIC is China’s state-owned car manufacturer, with the capital city of Beijing as its owner. This is as close as you can get to a Chinese ‘national car.’

Outside of China, BAIC is pronounced as ‘baik,’ but in China, locals refer to it simply as ‘Beijing.’

BAIC is the local partner for Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai in China.

We say ‘launch’ in Malaysia in a loose manner, because BAIC’s Foton-badged commercial vehicles have been present in Malaysia for good part of a decade already, with Tan Chong group’s subsidiary Angka Tan Motor as its distributor.

What’s new however, is the launch of BAIC-badged passenger vehicles in Malaysia. The brand will be represented by Edaran Otomobil Elektrik (EOE), a subsidiary of construction company Propadu Holdings.

Two models will be launched before the year ends, the Jeep Wrangler-lookalike BAIC BJ40 Plus, and the BAIC X55 II, aimed at the Honda CR-V.

BAIC has also contracted electric scooter (Blueshark) manufacturer EP Manufacturing as its contract assembler. The two BAIC SUVs will be built at EPMB’s plant in Pegoh, Melaka.

Production will start in Q3 2024, according to EPMB’s filing with Bursa Malaysia.

This post will focus on the BAIC BJ40 Plus. Prices are estimated to range from RM 180,000 to RM 190,000. As you can see from the photos, the BJ40 is heavily ‘inspired’ by the Jeep Wrangler. It's name however, is clearly taken from Toyota's Jeep BJ - the origin of the Land Cruiser name.

The BJ40 model that we are getting in Malaysia is not the latest model though. The BJ40 is already in its second generation in China, but it’s not available in right-hand drive.

Although there’s a new generation 2024 BJ40, the old BJ40 is still sold concurrently in China, at lower prices, of course.

The ‘Plus’ in the BJ40 Plus refers to its long wheelbase body (it’s also available as a 3-door model in China).

Like the Wrangler, it rides on a ladder-frame chassis, with ‘old school’ style chunky live axle, controlled by a pair of coil springs and a torsion beam.

It has a 210 mm ground clearance, 37-degree approach angle, and 31-degree departure angle.

Like a Wrangler, the entire roof can be detached with simple tools, though it’s best done with two person as its rather heavy.

Which is why when you climb into the BJ40, you need to be careful to not knock your head on the thick tubular frame surrounding the cabin.

Behind, the BJ40 has a split-opening tailgate. The rear glass flips upwards, while the tailgate opens sideways, with the spare wheel. In theory, it’s supposed to be a practical feature for use in tight parking spaces but with the spare wheel in the way, you can’t lift the rear glass without first opening the tailgate sideways.

Yes, the Jeep Wrangler has the same problem. Not the old Honda CR-V though.

When it’s launched later this year, the BAIC BJ40 Plus will go up against the Toyota Fortuner. Yes, the Fortuner is a 7-seater D-segment SUV that sits one class above the C-segment 5-seater BJ40, but it’s the BJ40’s closest rival here, until the Suzuki Jimny 5-door is launched.

There is however one problem for the BJ40 – It only comes with a petrol engine, no diesel. Few off-roaders in this part of the world want a 4x4 with a petrol engine. There is a good reason why almost all off-road vehicles are diesels – because diesel engines have no spark plugs to get wet, thus making them more robust for river crossings.

This means that potential customers of the BAIC BJ40 Plus will have to come from casual lifestyle image-conscious buyers, rather than genuine off-roaders.

The BJ40 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol DOHC 4-cylinder B-series Saab engine. Yes, it’s that Saab from Sweden. When Saab filed for bankruptcy, BAIC purchased Trollhattan company’s intellectual properties.

The engine makes 221 hp and 380 Nm. Drive is channeled via a shift-on-the-fly Part-Time 4x4 system (with differential lock), with an American BorgWagner transfer case, an 8-speed automatic gearbox from Germany’s ZF.

Creature comforts include a 6-speaker audio system with a 10-inch screen (no Android Auto / Apple CarPlay), 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, dual-zone air-conditioning in front, rear air-con vents, power-adjusting front seats, and leather seats.

Typical of such cars, the BJ40 comes with only two airbags, with advanced driving assistance (ADAS) functions, but there is regular cruise control, electric parking brake, tyre pressure monitoring system, auto hill-hold and hill descent functions.

The BAIC BJ40 Plus is currently available for viewing in only one location, EOE's showroom at Wisma Consplant 1 in Subang Jaya, Selangor.