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This is the Beijing BJ40 off-road SUV and it's coming for the Jeep Wrangler and GWM Tank 300

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The cheekily named BJ40 shares its badge with an early 40 Series LandCruiser designation.
Chris Thompson
Journalist
22 Aug 2023
2 min read
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The latest in a run of SUV models out of China that appear to be taking some heavy inspiration from established rivals is this, the second-gen BAIC Beijing BJ40.

The new Beijing BJ40, which has already existed in a slightly more rugged-looking form for a few years, has been revealed via official images along with information published on the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology database.

The mid-size SUV scores a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that makes 180kW and drives power to all four wheels, as an off-roader should, but it's the styling (and even its name) that makes the BJ40 noteworthy. After all, it's probably not going to touch down in Australia.

Of course, the BJ40 name was once applied to a generation of 40 Series LandCruiser, though it's been several decades since.

At the front, the BJ40 bears a passing resemblance to its compatriot, the GWM Tank 300, while from the side it strikes a balance of 'baby Land Rover Defender' crossed with some Jeep Wrangler - particularly with the rear window surrounds for the former.

It's a similar story at the rear, with a set of tail-lights that look like a mix of Defender and Wrangler.

It's a similar story at the rear, with a set of tail-lights that look like a mix of Defender and Wrangler.
It's a similar story at the rear, with a set of tail-lights that look like a mix of Defender and Wrangler.

Inside, photos taken by Chinese media show a triple-screen setup with one for instrument panels, one for the usual multimedia, and one specifically for the front passenger.

It is available with an optional panoramic sunroof or luggage rack, different wheels, or a surround-view camera and front radar.

The information published to the MIIT database also states the BJ40 has a 2500kg braked towing capacity.

Again, don't expect this to be relevant to the Australian market, as the Beijing brand has no presence in Australia.

Chris Thompson
Journalist
Racing video games, car-spotting on road trips, and helping wash the family VL Calais Turbo as a kid were all early indicators that an interest in cars would stay present in Chris’ life, but loading up his 1990 VW Golf GTI Mk2 and moving from hometown Brisbane to work in automotive publishing in Melbourne ensured cars would be a constant. With a few years as MOTOR Magazine’s first digital journalist under his belt, followed by a stint as a staff journalist for Wheels Magazine, Chris’ career already speaks to a passion for anything with four wheels, especially the 1989 Mazda MX-5 he currently owns. From spending entire weeks dissecting the dynamic abilities of sports cars to weighing up the practical options for car buyers from all walks of life, Chris’ love for writing and talking about cars means if you’ve got a motoring question, he can give you an answer.
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