Beijing Automotive’s (or BAIC Motors)
BJ80, better known in the rest of the world as China’s clone of the
Mercedes-Benz G-Class, will soon receive a three-door variant, new spy shots
have revealed. The three-door example pictured looks largely the same as the
regular five-door models, albeit with two fewer doors (obviously). One
interesting addition is a high roof design aimed at improving headroom but
making the vehicle look rather odd from the outside.
Although the current-generation Mercedes-Benz
G-Class is not sold as a three-door, previous versions that have been offered
with three-doors have featured dramatically shorter wheelbases than their
larger four-door siblings. Due to the angle of these photos, it is difficult to
determine if the Beijing BJ80 has a shorter wheelbase than the four-door.
Either way, it is reported the vehicle
will be equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. This engine was
recently added to the entire BJ80 range and is good for 276 hp and 420
Nm of torque while mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel
drive.
The broader BJ80 range recently benefited
from a host of updates and modifications. For example, there is a new digital
instrument cluster and an enlarged touchscreen infotainment system that has
satellite navigation. Thanks to the G-Class-inspired design, the off-roader has
an approach angle of 39 degrees, a departure angle of 33 degrees and 600 mm of wading depth.
Prices for the updated Beijing BJ80 with the
available 3.0-liter turbo V6 start at 350,000 yuan, or just under US$ 50,000.
Prices for the three-door remain unclear.
