BAIC, the Chinese automotive manufacturer, plans to bring a refreshed version of the BJ40 SUV to the Russian market in the spring of 2024, according to statements from the BAIC press service reported by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
Following closely, BAIC is also preparing to introduce the BJ60 SUV in Russia during the summer of 2024. Detailed specifications for the new BJ40 variant have not yet been disclosed, but industry expectations point to a diesel-powered option with a two-liter displacement delivering around 163 horsepower, paired with an automatic transmission. This aligns with BAIC’s strategy to broaden its all-wheel drive lineup in the region, offering a balance of capability, efficiency, and refined performance for rugged road conditions.
Currently, the BAIC BJ40 is available in Russia in a single configuration. It features a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 225 horsepower and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission supplied by the German manufacturer ZF. The SUV is equipped with an all-wheel drive system that includes a rigidly connected front axle and a reduction gear, designed to enhance traction and off-road performance in challenging terrains common to the region.
There has also been chatter within the industry about a separate initiative to assemble Lada vehicles in Africa, a project that had been discussed in development circles. This development underscores BAIC’s broader approach to expanding its production footprint and regional diversification in the global market.