BAIC BJ40 Plus

The BAIC BJ40 Plus is a compact, rugged 4x4 SUV introduced under the Beijing Off-road marque by BAIC Group, serving as a mid-life facelift for the BJ40 lineup. First launched in 2018, the BJ40 Plus has since received multiple model-year updates and variant additions, spawning dedicated editions such as the City Hunter Edition and Taklimakan Rally Champion Edition. Positioned as a hardcore SUV that balances genuine off-road capability with urban ride comfort, it caters primarily to lifestyle buyers seeking distinct individuality and off-road thrills. Priced between RM159,800 and RM189,800, its key competitors in the Chinese domestic market include rugged off-roaders like the TANK 300 and HAVAL H9.

Design Language

The BJ40 Plus retains its signature boxy, rugged silhouette, characterised by clean-cut lines and a muscular stance. Up front, it features BAIC's hallmark five-slot front grille complemented by squared or circular LED headlamp clusters. Restyled front and rear bumpers now feature prominent chrome garnishes for a more upscale look. In terms of dimensions, the vehicle measures 4,645 mm in length, 1,925 mm in width, and 1,871 mm in height, with a 2,745 mm wheelbase (2,750 mm on select earlier variants). Fully laden ground clearance is rated at 220 mm.

Inside, the BJ40 Plus breaks away from the spartan, utilitarian cabin typical of traditional off-roaders. Soft-touch materials are applied generously across the dashboard and door cards, with dual-tone colour themes such as red and black on offer. A 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch floating infotainment touchscreen (upgraded to 12.8 inches on range-topping variants) come standard across the range. Higher-spec variants further gain a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an electronic gear selector, a digital streaming rear-view mirror, 256-colour ambient lighting, and a modular removable hardtop.

Powertrain & Performance

The BJ40 Plus has been offered with multiple powertrain configurations. Earlier models featured 2.0T and 2.3T turbocharged petrol engines developed with legacy Saab technology. The 2.0T unit produces 150 kW (204 PS) and 280 Nm of torque, while the 2.3T powerplant churns out 184 kW (250 PS) and 350 Nm of torque. Later models transitioned to a modern 2.0T + 8AT powertrain setup. For instance, the 2025 2.0T model develops 165 kW (224 PS) and 380 Nm of torque, alongside a higher-output 2.0T tune that delivers 180 kW and 395 Nm. Transmission options initially comprised a 5-speed manual for early 2.0T variants and a 6-speed torque-converter automatic for 2.3T variants, before making way for an 8-speed automatic on updated 2.0T models. A front-engine four-wheel-drive layout is standard across the board. In performance testing, the 2.3T variant completed the 0-100 km/h sprint in 9.97 seconds. The combined fuel consumption under the WLTC cycle is around 10 L/100 km, with fuel held in a 75-litre tank.

Chassis & Handling

Chassis engineering lies at the heart of the BJ40 Plus's off-road prowess. Built on a traditional ladder-frame chassis, it features an independent double-wishbone front suspension with coil springs and a five-link live-axle rear suspension, also on coil springs. Compared to its predecessor, suspension damping has been tuned towards road comfort; shock absorbers have been repositioned outboard of the chassis rails, and front wheel travel is extended by 55 mm to better isolate bumps and enhance overall ride quality. Steering is handled by a rack-and-pinion setup without electric assistance, delivering decent road feel albeit with typical off-roader steering play. Braking is handled by ventilated discs up front and solid discs at the rear, delivering a tested 100-0 km/h stopping distance of 47.87 metres.

Cabin & Equipment

In the cockpit, all variants come standard with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch infotainment display (12.8-inch on flagship trims). Flagship variants boast a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chipset running the Beijing OS infotainment system, complete with full-vehicle over-the-air (OTA) updates. The system integrates 4G telematics, dual-screen navigation mapping, and iFlytek voice command functionality. Leatherette upholstery is fitted across all variants except the entry-level spec, with the driver getting 10-way power adjustability; 2.3T models add three-level front seat heating. High-spec models upgrade to 12-way power adjustment, ventilation, heating, and massage functions for the front seats. An upscale 12-speaker audio setup is also reserved for high-spec variants. Boot capacity measures between 532 and 965 litres.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety-wise, the BJ40 Plus is engineered with a high-rigidity safety cell, boasting a maximum yield strength exceeding 1,350 MPa and ultimate tensile strength above 1,500 MPa. An electronic parking brake (EPB), reverse parking sensors, and a reverse camera are fitted as standard across the range. A tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is standard on all but the base trim, while 2.3T variants exclusively receive a full active safety suite including Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Traction Control (TCS), and Hill Descent Control (HDC). Higher-spec grades feature over 30 advanced driver assistance and safety systems, including Roll Movement Intervention (RMI), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Door Open Warning (DOW). On the advanced driver assistance front, top-spec variants achieve Level 2.5 autonomy, equipped with Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Automated Parking Assist (APA), Lane Centring Assist (LCA), Active Lane Change Assist, and Navigation-Assisted Pilot. A 540° transparent chassis camera system (360° surround-view monitor with a 180° underfloor view) is standard on higher grades.

Market Performance & Verdict

The BJ40 serves as the primary sales driver for the Beijing Off-road brand. In 2025, Beijing Off-road recorded over 200,000 unit sales, with its boxy SUV portfolio contributing 147,499 deliveries—a 72% year-on-year surge that cemented the core BJ40 as the segment leader. In 2024, the BJ40 registered total sales of 33,059 units. The momentum carried into Q1 2026, with retail deliveries surpassing 43,200 units, up around 67% year-on-year. Since its introduction, the BJ40 Plus has consistently ranked as the best-selling off-road SUV among domestic Chinese marques.

Key selling points of the BJ40 Plus include genuine off-road capability courtesy of its ladder-frame chassis and part-time 4WD system, distinct boxy exterior styling, a tech-laden cabin powered by dual 12.8-inch screens and the Qualcomm 8155 processor, and a highly competitive entry price of RM159,800. However, trade-offs are noticeable: on-road refinement and handling naturally lag behind monocoque urban crossovers due to its body-on-frame setup; emergency braking performance is lacklustre (47.87 metres); early iterations only offered dual front airbags; engine noise intrudes under load; and overall fit, finish, and cabin plushness leave room for improvement. On balance, the BJ40 Plus leverages its distinct "hardcore off-roader meets smart comfort" proposition to maintain strong market relevance and brand equity in the competitive RM150,000 to RM200,000 enthusiast 4x4 segment.