BAIC's Latest Off-Roader Is Making Mercedes Fans Look Twice | Carscoops

      The new BJ81 SUV doesn't shy away from showcasing its combination of design elements inspired by Jeep, Land Rover, and Mercedes, right down to its proportions.

      BAIC’s BJ81 incorporates design features from Jeep, Land Rover, and Mercedes.

      This SUV is set to succeed the BJ80 and is scheduled for release in China in late 2026.

      It will be powered by 2.3L four-cylinder and 3.0L six-cylinder turbo engines.

      BAIC has been producing some noteworthy vehicles in China, both through its Arxfox sub-brand and its joint venture with Hyundai. Alongside these collaborations, the company also creates a selection of its own BAIC-branded vehicles.

      The latest of these, named the BJ81, has recently surfaced in a new set of images. It appears that BAIC drew inspiration from the design teams of the Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover Defender, and the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, then cleverly assembled the features into their own design.

      The new model will take the place of the current BJ80, which was recently showcased in a military-spec variant in China. Local reports indicate that BAIC plans to officially unveil the BJ81 in the third quarter of 2026. While that may seem far off, several images have already surfaced online, providing a sneak peek of what’s ahead.

      In general, the BJ81 closely resembles the BJ80, but seems a bit more polished and slightly less like an outright imitation of the Mercedes G-Wagen.

      Presented as a design model with a blacked-out aesthetic and heavily tinted windows, the BJ81 includes a black grille and revised circular LED headlights that closely mimic Stuttgart’s well-known boxy SUV. It also features a new front bumper that fits the overall design.

      From the side, the BJ81 bears a strong resemblance to the older BJ80, featuring flared front and rear wheel arches, side steps, and robust door handles. At the back, there is a spare wheel carrier, a split tailgate, and square taillights. This showcase model is also equipped with Brembo brakes and cross-drilled rotors.

      The new BJ81 is expected to retain the same powertrain options as its predecessor, offering a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6.

      The smaller engine currently generates 231 hp and 254 lb-ft (345 Nm) of torque, while the 3.0-liter variant boosts power to 280 hp and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm). Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission in the BJ80, which is likely to remain unchanged in the BJ81.

      At this point, it is uncertain whether BAIC intends to export the BJ81 outside of China. Given current trends and market positioning, it appears that this off-roader will primarily remain in domestic showrooms, at least during its initial launch.