Beijing BJ80

Development of the BJ80 was reported as early as November 28, 2011 when spy shot photos revealed a concept vehicle, initially known as the BJ80V.[4] The patent for the vehicle was revealed on February 15, 2012.[5]

At the time, the BJ80VJ's engines were taken from Nissan-made 2.0/2.2 engines.[6] These were made with manual-only transmissions.[7]

Chinese media announced that development of the BJ80 started in 2012 with the BJ80V being made for the civilian market with the BJ80VJ made for the People's Liberation Army and other government agencies with the initial price set at 200,000 Yuan.[8][7] The BJ80V debuted in April 2012 at the Beijing Auto Show as a concept vehicle.[9]

The PLA announced that the BJ80 would be deployed in a variety of roles, including command, utility and scout roles.[10]

On November 4, 2013, the PLA was said to be developed an airborne assault vehicle based on the SUV's chassis.[11] Deliveries of the military-based SUV were reported to have started in early 2016 with Yongshi (勇士, Brave Warrior) markings at the rear SUV door.[12]

In December 30, 2013, there were rumors that the BJ80 could have a Saab-based 2.0 turbo engine.[13] It was later confirmed that it would a Saab 2.3 turbo petrol engine.[2]

The SUV, now known as the BJ80, was unveiled as another concept vehicle for the 2014 Beijing Auto Show in April for production.[14] BAIC mentioned that it would be known as the BJ80C during the BAS event.[15] The price was announced at 300,000 Yuan.[15]

The use of the 2.8-liter engine instead of the 3.2-liter diesel engine was finalized by BAIC,[11] but the former would be used for PLA vehicles.[16] During the show, BAIC representatives claimed that the display vehicle was using a 4.0 V8 engine with an automatic transmission system in place.[17]

The BJ80C vehicle was unveiled at the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show.[18] A BJ80C Safari vehicle was also unveiled in the show.[18]

On November 22, 2016 at the Guangzhou Auto Show, BAIC unveiled a version of the BJ80 meant for riot control duties, only available on special orders.[19] It was made in cooperation with Transamerican Auto Parts, an American aftermarket-parts manufacturer that market parts for Jeeps and other off-road cars.[20]

On April 20 2017, Protean Electric has unveiled a prototype BJ80 PHEV vehicle at the Auto Shanghai 2017 convention to demonstrate its feasibility as an electric vehicle for potential buyers.[21]

Military variants of the SUV are equipped with a Cummins 2.8 liter four-cylinder diesel engine, having a max output on 160hp and 360nm.[22] They're equipped with BeiDou Navigation Satellite System as a standard feature.[23]

1st Generation (2016-2019)

Beijing BJ80 rear view

On February 16, 2016, the BJ80D was reported to be seen on the road of China, being made with a diesel engine only.[24] The BJ80 is marketed with either 2.8-liter turbodiesel with 163 HP and a 6-speed manual gearbox or a gasoline engine 2.3 T (250 HP) with either a manual or automatic transmission, both 6-speed.[25] The manual and automatic transmission has the Reverse gear on the upper left with a dial-type switch to change from high to low gear on the lower right side of the gearstick.[2][3]

The BJ80 was subsequently launched by BAIC on November 3, 2016 without the C included in the name.[3]

On December 26, 2016, BAIC released a luxury version of the BJ80 with new front and rear bumpers, new alloys, red brakes, a new bonnet with an air scoop and two individual rear seats instead of the 3-seat bench.[26]

The BJ80 is a contention of controversy since it looks like the G-Class Wagon by Mercedes Benz, which was pointed out by Mercedes-Benz spokesperson Toby Mueller via Instagram.[36] An update was released on June 2020 with a 3.0 TT V6 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission.[1]

In 2015, rumors were abound that Daimler were not pleased with BAIC copying the look of the G-Class Wagon with plans to force the company to kill the marketing of the vehicle.[15]

While the G-Wagon has influenced it, aspect of the vehicle was also based on Beijing Qishi S12, a Beijing-made Jeep Cherokee.[5]

In 2018, the BJ80 was put in a test against the G-Wagon in Yongding, Anhui Province under PLA supervision.[37] Critics have accused the PLA of conducting the tests in favor of the BJ80 due to them supervising and evaluating the two SUVs since Mercedes has more experience and history in manufacturing and marketing the G-Wagon.[37]

• BJ80C: Old name for the BJ80 (C meaning civilian), now defunct.
• BJ80D: BJ80 with a diesel-only engine.
• BJ80V: Concept SUV for civilian use,[38] now defunct for the BJ80C name.
• BJ80VJ: Concept SUV for the People's Liberation Army with Nissan 2.0/2.2 engines.[6]
• BJ80J: The basic military version of the BJ80. It was made available with soft/hard top covers, two-door hardtop with pickup and heightened roofs.[10][39]
  • CTL-151A: A five-door version of the BJ80 with a seating capacity of four passengers plus driver.[40]
  • CTL-151B: A three-door version of the BJ80 with a seating capacity of seven passengers plus and a raised roof.[40]
• SVOS 80: A Czech-made version of the BJ80 made under a joint venture between BAIC and SVOS with a Cummins engine.[28]
• Armored vehicle with steel and kevlar plating.[19] It is known as Riot Control Car.[20]

As of 2019, around 568 BJ80s were sold in China.[41]

• Mercedes-Benz G-class - The vehicle that inspired the BJ80
• Force Motors Trax - a very similar Indian SUV
• Force Motors Gurkha - SUV based on G-Class chassis