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 (197.6 inches) long, 1,925 mm (75.7 inches) wide, and 1,955 mm (76.9 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,820 mm (110 inches). 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.
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As you can tell, 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 (621 miles) and a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) 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.