The Beijing Auto BJ80 SUV is a clone of the old
Mercedes-Benz G-Class. In 2013 Mercedes-Benz launched the G63 AMG 6×6, and now
Beijing Auto has cloned that one as well. They have called it the BJ80 6×6.
The monstrous machine was seen as it arrived at the
exhibition hall for the 2018 Beijing Auto Show, where it will officially debut
on Wednesday. And do not think for one minute that Mercedes-Benz is going to
drag Beijing Auto into into court. They can’t. They need to stay good friends
with Beijing Auto because it is their partner in the Beijing-Benz joint
venture.
The BJ80 6×6 is powered by a Saab 2.3 turbo four,
now good for 250 Hp and 350 Nm, mated to a six-speed manual or a six-speed
automatic, sending power to all four wheels.
Beijing Auto Industrial Corporation (BAIC), the
owner of Beijing Auto, bought the rights to the Saab 2.0 turbo and Saab 2.3
turbo from GM in 2009, along with the rights to the platforms of the Saab 9-3
and first generation Saab 9-5.
Interior design didn’t change compared to the
standard car, but the wood trim and leather seem a bit nicer.
The BJ80 6×6 is likely a prototype at this time, but
is is equally likely that Beijing Auto will make a small series of it. Just
remember the crazy BJ80 Riot Control concept of the 2016 Guangzhou Auto Show.
It is in production.
