2nd-gen Beijing BJ40 bows in China

BAIC Group has lifted the veil over the next-generation Beijing BJ40 SUV.

The new version is 145 mm longer, 15 mm wider and 24 mm taller than the old one at 4,790 x 1,940 x 1,895 millimeters. It has 2,760 mm between the axles and retains its body-on-frame design complete with per-wheel suspension at the front and a solid beam at the back. The exterior, on the other hand, no longer resembles that of the Jeep Wrangler and looks quite original.

The bodywork of the SUV in the photos is all-metal: it remains to be seen whether a removable hard top will be offered in the new generation. The roof has a panoramic section, and the tailgate is divided in two parts – one swinging open upwards and the other one to the side.

The interior houses as many as three displays: a digital dashboard and two multimedia screens, one of them installed in front of the passenger seat. The two-zone climate control system still offers a classic button pad instead of a touchscreen. Shifting gears can be done via dedicated rockers or a rotary knob on the transmission tunnel. The standard trim level includes a surround-view camera set, ventilated seats and other premium options.

Only one engine has been announced so far. It’s a 2.0-liter turbo mill producing 234 PS (231 hp / 172 kW) in tandem with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Like before, the part-time AWD system has a reduction gear and interaxle diff locks at both ends.

The final reveal of the new Beijing BJ40 will take place at the upcoming Chengdu Motor Show, with the production set to begin next month.