BAIC Beijing Off-Road BJ80

The most controversial aspect of the BAIC Beijing Off-Road BJ80 is its exterior resembling the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which I don't encourage, so I deducted points for appearance. In terms of configuration, I only gave a passing score because the in-car infotainment system lacks features; for example, mobile navigation works better than the car's. Handling was a pleasant surprise with minimal steering play, better than traditional off-roaders, though the non-load-bearing body still feels boat-like. Comfort is good in urban driving, especially the front seats. The interior is average, with some modern upgrades but not comparable to same-priced models. Space is excellent, with large rear seats and a spacious trunk, but the rear seats can't be fully folded flat, though the new door limiter aids坡道 loading. The domestic V6 engine meets the BJ80's positioning except for the unsatisfactory sound. The ZF 8AT is smooth. For 4WD, the stock highway tires hinder off-road performance with poor grip, even in 4L mode, so I recommend owners prepare off-road tires.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a dream for off-road enthusiasts but its over 2 million yuan price is prohibitive, so the BAIC Beijing Off-Road BJ80 meets the demand for a rugged SUV look. As a domestic mid-large SUV, its boxy design is very masculine but the high similarity to the G-Class has sparked controversy. However, as a hardcore off-roader, its off-road capability is a strong response. It comes standard with four-wheel drive and a non-load-bearing body; the low-end model has a 2.3T engine, and the high-end one is upgraded to 3.0T V6, which is more powerful than the G-Class's 2.0T. Its four-wheel drive system, though without a central differential, has a rear Eaton self-locking differential, allowing it to handle mainstream off-road environments, easily climbing 36/40° slopes and passing three consecutive humps with brute power. But fuel economy is poor, over 15L/100km. Dynamically, issues like suspension travel, turning radius, and ground clearance reduce driving confidence, making it hesitant to take on difficult challenges and affecting on-road comfort with obvious vibration over speed bumps. Also, the lack of driving assistance systems and LED headlights across the range is unacceptable, but comfort features like front and rear seat heating are a pleasant surprise for northern consumers.

As an experienced auto mechanic who has repaired various brands, I've found BAIC vehicles generally reliable with mostly minor issues. Take the Beijing BJ80: an off-road enthusiast brought it in due to a left front wheel noise. Lifting the vehicle revealed a "clunking" sound from the wheel-half shaft connection. Initial inspection found the CV joint's outer dust cover oil-covered with cracks; cleaning and repairing didn't fix it. Further拆解 showed insufficient lubrication on the CV joint balls causing increased friction. Applying molybdenum disulfide lubricant resolved the issue. The BJ80 has a 2.3T turbo engine; official maintenance includes 7,500km oil/filter changes, 15,000km AC and fuel filter cleaning, and major servicing at 42,500km (replacing filters, brake fluid, and power steering fluid). It retains a rugged design with added subtle touches, and the upgraded chassis offers better ride comfort than older models.