Yes, the BAIC BJ40 Plus does look like a Jeep. There’s no hiding that fact. Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. Ltd., or BAIC for short, has introduced the Jeep-inspired BJ40 Plus off-road SUV in Malaysia. It is anticipated that its price will amount to between RM18X,XXX and RM19X,XXX. Note that the model that went on sale is the first-generation BJ40 Plus’ arrival in Malaysia, not the second-generation.
The dimensions of the BJ40 Plus are 4,645 mm x 1,925 mm x 1,871 mm, with a wheelbase of 2,745 mm, and it sits on a ladder frame chassis. It doesn’t matter how long and hard you look at it — the BJ40 was designed for heavy-duty off-road use.
In order to do that, the SUV, according to BAIC, must have a minimum ground clearance of 210 mm, an approach angle of 37°, and a departure angle of 31°. Additionally, it has a maximum trench-crossing width of 500 mm and a maximum fording depth of over 600 mm.
The car’s standard exterior equipment includes in Malaysia includes automatic LED headlights, LED taillights, LED foglights, 17-inch dual-ton, alloy wheels, side steps, towing hook and electric adjustable side-view mirrors with heating function
A 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 224 hpand 380 Nm powers the BJ40 Plus in Malaysia. Power is distributed to all four wheels with the brand’s part-time 4-wheel drive (4WD) system when paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. A central differential lock is another feature that the SUV has to facilitate off-roading.
Inside the car, the BJ40 Plus retains its macho looks but adds a bit of subtlety and class at the same time. Standard equipment it gets here includes leather seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment head unit.
As far as safety goes, the BJ40 Plus in Malaysia is equipped with standard safety features such as ABS and EBD, Auto Hold, Hill Assist Control (HAC), and Hill Descent Control (HDC). Also included are the reverse camera and cruise control, among other features.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
This is a good-looking SUV—even though it screams of Jeep. We could go into the details of that supposed ‘copy,’ but we will leave that appraisal for anouther day. To recap, the BJ40 Plus has made its debut in Malaysia at a price that appears to be reasonable on the outset. Expect a competitive range and pricing of around RM18X,XXX to RM19X,XXX.