The Chinese automaker BAIC has introduced a new SUV called the BJ60. This vehicle adopts a frame-based architecture and is positioned to take on a fellow Chinese off-roader, the Tank 500, in markets that include Canada and the United States. The BJ60’s name is likely to change before any wide release, but its current identity has already sparked conversation about its place in BAIC’s lineup and how it compares to established global rivals.
Measured at 5020mm in length, 1925mm in width, and 1955mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2820mm, the BJ60 sits in a size class that surprised some observers by exceeding the footprint of the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 in overall length. Within BAIC’s own range, the model is not the largest offering, as the BJ90 sits above it in terms of size and is based on the previous-gen Mercedes-Benz GLS. This positioning hints at BAIC’s strategy to offerA a broad spectrum of body styles and dimensions to meet varied American and Canadian owner needs, from rugged overlanding to family duties.
On the design front, the BJ60 blends cues borrowed from several well-known models. The illuminated grille that flows into the LED headlights echoes a Jeep-like silhouette, though the number of grille slots is fewer. The silhouette of the fenders and the window line nods to the rugged Toyota Land Cruiser, while the taillights bear a resemblance to Ford Explorer styling. This mix-and-match approach shows BAIC’s intent to create a distinctive but familiar appearance that could resonate with buyers who value both heritage and modern flair in an SUV that is expected to perform off road in tough conditions as well as handle daily driving with composure.
Inside, the BJ60 offers a practical and upscale environment. Buyers can choose between three rows of seating, finished in white perforated leather, or opt for a five-seat configuration. The interior features include a digital instrument cluster, a 12-inch freestanding infotainment screen, a head-up display projected onto the windshield, a premium audio system, and ambient interior lighting. Comfort-focused amenities such as heated seats and a panoramic sunroof are also listed, all contributing to a cabin that aims to balance premium feel with everyday practicality for Canadian winters and American road trips alike.
Under the skin, the BJ60 is equipped with a hybrid powertrain designed to maximize efficiency and cruising range. The claimed capability of traveling up to a full tank’s distance without a refill suggests a substantial fuel economy advantage for extended journeys, while the performance numbers indicate brisk acceleration for an SUV of its size. The drive is augmented by a robust four-wheel-drive system, a limited-slip differential, and a suite of off-road technologies that are designed to inspire confidence when traversing rough terrain or inclement weather common to regional road conditions. In this class, such features are often as important as on-road comfort, and BAIC’s approach appears to be to deliver a well-rounded package that can handle both daily commuting and adventurous excursions with equal aplomb.
The exact pricing for BAIC BJ60 has not been disclosed, and there is no official confirmation about whether the model will follow BAIC’s strategy beyond China into markets such as Russia or North America. Given the current global context, many automakers evaluate expansion plans against regional demand, import tariffs, and local dealer networks. The potential for the BJ60 to reach North American shores hinges on factors like regulatory approval, homologation, and consumer responsiveness to a frame-based, hybrid SUV with a bold, multi-brand-inspired design language. For shoppers in Canada and the United States who keep an eye on new entrants in the highly capable SUV and off-road segment, the BJ60 represents a candidate to watch, especially if BAIC broadens its international footprint and aligns pricing with competitive offerings in these markets.