BAIC is in the process of refreshing its SUV lineup in China and the next in line is the BJ30. The new generation of the boxy compact SUV appeared in China’s Ministry of Industry and Technology a few months before its debut in the local market, revealing its overhauled exterior that distances itself from the Jeep-inspired looks of its predecessor.
The outgoing BAIC BJ30 debuted in 2020 looking like a mixture of a Jeep and a Range Rover, but it was actually a major facelift of the BAIC BJ20 that has been around since 2015. Almost a decade later, it was time for a clean-sheet design, in order to better compete with more recent rivals.
The 2024 BAIC BJ30 adopts the automaker’s new styling language that was recently introduced by the slightly larger BJ40 although with a softer style. The boxy LED headlights and the covered grille are integrated within the same panel, resembling a pair of glasses. The unpainted bumpers with skid plates are combined with glossy black fenders and side skirts for an off-road appearance. As for the greenhouse, it references the previous generation, although it is noticeably longer, with a black trim piece on the body-colored C-pillar creating a floating roof effect. Finally, the vertically-stacked LED taillights wouldn’t look out of place in a model from the rival brand Tank.
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Photo: MIIT
We don’t have photos of the interior, but spy shots from China suggest that the five-seater cabin of the BAIC BJ30 will feature a quite large free-standing display for the infotainment, a digital instrument cluster, and a generously sized center console with plenty of storage space.
The new BAIC BJ30 has grown in size, getting well into the territory of compact SUVs. The new model measures 4,730 mm (186.2 inches) long, 1,910 mm (75.2 inches) wide, and 1,757 mm (69.2 inches) tall with a wheelbase of 2,820 mm (111 inches). This makes it a full 225 mm (8.9 inches) longer compared to its predecessor, and only 60 mm (2.4 inches) shorter than the new BAIC BJ40. According to the documents, under the bonnet lies a non-electrified turbocharged 1.5-liter petrol engine producing 185 hp (138 kW / 188 PS) which represents a healthy power boost from the model it replaces.
BAIC has yet to announce the debut date of the new BJ30 but chances are it will arrive in China in 2024. The current generation is priced between ¥105,800-125,800 yuan ($14,464-17,199) although we wouldn’t be surprised if the new model was slightly more expensive due to the larger footprint, more powerful engine, and potentially richer equipment.
