BAIC BJ40 - Niva is no longer needed!

Oh, it’s not for nothing that the BAIC BJ40 is called the Chinese copy of the well-known Jeep Wrangler SUV. Although they tried to “write off” not completely, there are still common features. It only remains for us to find out if it was a good idea to copy the off-road legend, or if another fake is on the agenda.

Briefly about the sizes and volumes

Compared to the Jeep Wrangler, the Chinese competitor is 250mm shorter in length. The wheelbase is also shorter, which means that the cabin is no longer as spacious as we would like. The weight and size parameters of the BJ40 are as follows:

✅ length - 4630 mm
✅ width - 1843 mm
✅ height - 1861 mm
✅ base - 2745 mm
✅ weight - 2115 kg

The luggage compartment in the Chinese SUV is 532 liters. If you fold down the rear seats, you get a total of 965 liters of luggage space. For comparison, in the 5-door Wrangler, the luggage compartment is slightly larger - 587/1044 liters, respectively.

We examine the exterior

Visually, the BAIC BJ40 really resembles its “colleague” from the USA. But still, designers should pay tribute - there are unique features, especially if you do not pay attention to the grille. It is very similar to what we can see in the Jeep. True, not a Wrangler, but a Cherokee.

Very rough body lines form an almost rectangular “box” with bulging wheel arches and massive side mirrors. In the rear part, the plastic roof contrasts, under which the pipes of the power frame are visible. By the way, this part can be quickly dismantled.


Like the Wrangler, a full-size spare tire is located on the tailgate. All handles are made of plastic, as is the black contrasting roof lining. The car is available in several colors, but the most impressive, for obvious reasons, looks like a red body.

The main feature of the exterior of the SUV is the 3D elements inside the front and rear lights. All of them, by the way, are LED - it could not be otherwise, after all, the car is not the cheapest.

Looking into the salon

If there are similarities with the Jeep Wrangler on the outside, then the interior of the BAIC BJ40 is 100% original. At least there was no Chinese copy. There are no frills, but the interior is made quite soundly: spacious, rational, without unnecessary tinsel and decor, but with color contrasts.

Most interior trim elements are made of plastic. Not the cheapest, by the way, so there is no sharp chemical smell inside, according to the testimonies of real car owners.


The digital instrument panel blends seamlessly with the horizontal display of the multimedia system. Under the screen are two large ventilation deflectors and climate control controls. On the right, where cars usually have a glove compartment, there is a massive handle for the passenger.

There is no familiar gearbox selector in the version with an “automatic” - instead, there is a large “washer” in front of a wide tunnel. The handbrake is activated by a key, it is not for nothing that it is electronic here.


The multifunction steering wheel, beveled at the bottom, is regulated only in one plane - not very pleasant. But the interior boasts spaciousness. In the front seats, people of even large stature will not have to endure discomfort. Rear passengers were less fortunate, especially tall ones. Although the model is positioned as a 5-seater, the three of us on the second row will be crowded. But not offended, right?

There is a motor for every taste

BAIC engineers decided to pamper buyers and offered several engine options. In the basic configuration, there is a 2,0-liter turbodiesel unit with a capacity of 163 hp. With. It is complemented by an 8-speed automatic transmission. There is an option with a 6-speed "mechanics".


Turbodiesel, although it “pulls” well, is still inferior to gasoline engines in terms of power. And in the case of the BAIC BJ40, the difference is noticeable. For example, the most popular 2,0-liter turbo engine at its peak develops 224 hp. With. at a torque of 320 N * m.

In general, several options for the power of gasoline engines of 2,0 and 2,3 liters are announced. The list has options for 204, 211, 224 and 250 hp. With. There are two transmission options to choose from - a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 5-speed manual transmission. In almost all configurations, the drive here is full.

Suspension and cross-country ability

The front suspension of the car is an independent "double-lever" with longitudinal torsion bars. A multi-link dependent system with a continuous axle is installed at the back. There is a power steering and an automatic "handbrake". All wheels have disc brakes. They are ventilated at the front.


It is interesting that technically the car is not leaning towards the Wrangler, but towards the “Chinese Gelendvagen” represented by the Beijing BJ80. For example, both machines have the same frame chassis. The front suspension scheme described above is the same as that used in the design of the second generation Mitsubishi Pajero.

From the factory, the SUV is placed on 265/65 R17 tires with alloy wheels. It cannot be said that the tread of regular tires is at least somewhat off-road and “aggressive”. In general, before driving off-road, it will not be superfluous to replace the rubber with something more interesting.


Ground clearance BAIC BJ40 is somewhat less than that of a competitor from Jeep - 220 mm versus 246 mm. Not the most noticeable gap, besides, both parameters are quite enough for trips around Russia. For example, an SUV from the Middle Kingdom easily overcomes a ford with a depth of no more than 75 cm.

Safety and comfort

The equipment of an SUV is determined by its configuration, and there is nothing surprising here. Here is a list of options that are available even in the basic version of the BAIC BJ40:

✅ driver and front passenger airbags
✅ start the engine without a key and remote control of the lock
✅ separate climate control for driver and passenger
✅ electrically adjustable front row seats
✅ built-in GPS navigation and Bluetooth communication support

Of the security systems, we note ABS, brake force distribution (EBD), ESP and TCS, assistance with ascent and descent. There is a rear parking sensors and an assistant during emergency braking.

How much can you buy a BAIC BJ40 for?

The SUV at home in China sells for an average price of 159800 yuan. Yes, there are several trim levels, and they all differ in cost, but it is these numbers that flash in numerous reviews. Therefore, we repel them. At the current exchange rate, this is about 1,77 million rubles.

The top equipment is sold to customers for a price tag of 209900 yuan. We have about 2,315 million rubles in our money. Compared to the Jeep Wrangler, it's more than democratic - it already costs from 4,92 million rubles.

Now the most interesting - the prices in Russia. Officially, the car is not for sale. For now. But on sites with ads there are several copies, including ones that have been removed from publication. For cars manufactured in 2022 with a range of up to 5 thousand kilometers, sellers asked from 3,1 to 3,45 million rubles.


Right now, there is a copy on sale that has not traveled around Russia - the price is exactly 4,5 million rubles. Not so rosy anymore, is it? Especially if you remember that for the same money it is possible to buy the same Wrangler. True, not younger than 2018 and with a mileage of 45 thousand kilometers.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, the BAIC BJ40 is a good and somewhat interesting SUV. But is its price justified in Russia? For a similar price, you can take Haval Dargo from the salon, and our own assembly - crossovers are produced in Tula. Among the competitors there are also cars from the brands Chery, Geely and Changan. In general, you will have to painstakingly compare all the options, so as not to make a mistake with the choice.