China’s BAIC has launched the new BJ60, the latest addition to its rich SUV lineup that sports a hybrid powertrain combining a conspicuously Jeep-like face (even if it avoids using a 7-slotted grille) with a very Toyota Land Cruiser-styled body. BAIC’s ladder-frame SUV that was previewed in a series of official sketches a few months ago will compete against the similarly-sized Tank 500 in China.
In terms of footprint, the BJ60 measures
5,020 mm long, 1,925 mm wide, and 1,955 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,820 mm. Those figures make it
slightly longer than the Toyota Land Cruiser Series 300, although the latter
still prevails in terms of the wheelbase by a tiny margin. In BAIC’s own SUV range,
the BJ60 outgrows the BJ80 but it is smaller than the BJ90 which is based on
the previous-generation Mercedes-Benz GLS.
The BJ60 combines
elements from several brands. The illuminated grille merging with the LED
headlights is reminiscent of Jeep, the toned fenders and window line are
clearly inspired by the Toyota Land Cruiser, while the taillights have a touch
of Ford Explorer in them. For the press photos, BAIC chose a light blue
exterior paint combined with matte silver accents on the skid plates, roof
rails, and window frame, plus a set of two-tone 20-inch wheels.
Inside, we can see three rows of seats
upholstered in white perforated leather, while the SUV will also be available
in five-seater variants. On the dashboard, there is a digital instrument
cluster, a 12-inch free-standing infotainment touchscreen, and pixel-like
graphics on the passenger’s side. Other features include a head-up display, a
premium audio system, ambient lighting, heated seats, and a panoramic roof.
BAIC hasn’t revealed detailed specs for
the BJ60 but said that its hybrid powertrain will offer a range of 1,000 km and a 0-100 km/h sprint in 6 seconds. According to
Autohome, the ladder-frame SUV will come with AWD, differential locks, and
plenty of off-road-focused systems improving its capability off the beaten
track.
Pricing has yet to be announced but we
expect it to closely match rivals like the Tank 500. We also don’t know whether
BAIC is interested in exporting the BJ60 to other markets where demand for
large and rugged ICE-powered SUVs is strong.


