Despite the long-standing partnership between BAIC Group and Daimler AG, the Chinese corporation doesn’t shun from blatantly copying designs of its German partner. The BAIC BJ80 featured in the video here is an almost complete clone of the previous-gen Mercedes-Benz G-Class, yet it is alive and well – and even getting a special edition soon.
The BJ80 70th Anniversary Edition is dedicated to 70 years since the foundation of the People’s Republic of China. On the outside, it comes painted bright red (the red of the Chinese national flag) and boasts stylish black accents, electric running boards and 20-inch wheels. Inside, there is a luxed-up trim alongside anniversary emblems.
That bit notwithstanding, the clone does not really come close to the original in anything except looks. It packs on-demand AWD, a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine (Saab gasoline or diesel, max. 250 hp / 186 kW), and a six-speed transmission (manual or automatic).
On a plus side, the BAIC boasts independent front axle suspension, something that its source of inspiration does not have.
The BAIC BJ80 70th Anniversary will be revealed in greater detail on October 8, 2019. The production run will consist of 700 copies.