BEIJING Automotive Industry Corp (BAIC) shocked Malaysians last month with the sudden announcement it was bringing in the X55 and the BJ40 Plus.
Between them, the rugged off-road BJ40 Plus caught this writer's attention almost immediately.
Maybe it's because such sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are few and far between in today's market, with the manly-machismo feel instantly giving that "call of the wild" vibe.
The surprise didn't stop there either. While its off-road capabilities are pretty telling based on the design, how this modern day jeep drives is also an eye-opener.
EXTREME GRADE
The BJ40 Plus, which is built for extreme terrains, is only available as a single variant.
Its exterior is defined by a signature five-hole grille, under bumper guards, four off-road towing hooks, LED front headlights and daytime running lights as well as LED combination tail lights, and almost retro-squarish shape reminisce of off-roader SUVs from the late 1980s and 1990s.
The model boasts a 60 per cent climbing grade, a 37-degree approach angle, a 31-degree departure angle, and a 23-degree ramp angle. It also has a ground clearance of 210mm.
To drive home its heavy duty credentials, the model features a BorgWarner part-time 4WD system (with selectable 2H/2L/4L modes), a classic body-on-frame structure with a roll-cage frame design, frontal double wishbone suspension with coil spring, a rear live axle with five-link suspension, a superior brake system tuned by Mitsubishi, and Bosch 9.1 ESP.
Both front and rear roofs can be disassembled and put back together while the windshield can be flipped open, all adding up to its rugged design to suit different conditions.
The cabin has a 12.3-inch LCD instrument panel, a 10-inch central touchscreen display, leather seats, four-way powered driver's seat, two USB ports, a six-speaker audio system, reverse camera, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone air-conditioning and ambient lighting.
The rear trunk offers 532 litres of cargo space that can be expanded to 965 litres with the rear seats folded down.
It has a height of 1,871mm, width of 1,925mm and length of 4,645mm, as well as a wheelbase of 2,745mm.
The model features a turbocharged 2.0L petrol engine paired with a German-developed ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox to deliver 224PS and 380Nm of torque.
It is available in seven exterior colours: Red, Black, Green, White, Blue, Matte Blue and Golden.
The BJ40 Plus doesn't have an official pricing at the time of writing and will only be revealed next month. However, it is estimated to be priced from RM180,000.
Delivery is set to take place in the fourth quarter, with the vehicles to be assembled by EP Manufacturing (EPMB) at its Melaka plant.
SPRINTING ENFORCER
Beauty truly lies in the eye of the beholder when it comes to the BJ40 Plus, you either hate or like it.
You're either going to love the heavy duty rugged look or dislike how its look isn't as modern as the competition.
As it plays up its tough exterior, what is less obvious is the unprecedented agility and power it holds.
The BJ40 is large for sure but it does not feel sluggish or cumbersome.
Being easy to steer is definitely a bonus.
The cabin is quite comfortable with a design mix seen in 4x4 off-roaders and a certain continental brand. Again, this is another good surprise as passenger comfort isn't always a 4x4's strong suit.
The powertrain of the BJ40 Plus needs to be commended for delivering smooth acceleration and gear change in accordance to vehicle speed and pedal pressure.
A jerk reaction does come about during hard or sudden braking or acceleration but otherwise, there is no 4x4 in this price range that handles drive performance so seamlessly.
It is also the only rugged 4x4 with decent power below the RM200,000 mark.
Unlike the BJ40 Plus, pickup trucks are heavy, bulky and most people don't even need them. All that power from their engines are also focused on the weight and less on dexterity. This is why BAIC's SUV is just a wonder.
Minor concerns with the model is the complicated process to detach and put back the roof parts, and the doors that need to be slammed shut for it to register proper closing.
VERDICT
This writer was surprised by how appealing BAIC's BJ40 Plus turned out to be, quickly becoming one of my year's favourite cars.
The SUV is a real mobile fortress in disguise. It is deceptively one track in its looks while it springs a host of extra goods that only present themselves when one experiences a drive with the vehicle.
If we are to believe in the given estimated price, then the model is also perfect for those looking around for a practical off-roader below the RM200,000 mark that isn't a pickup truck.
It is also a lot more practical in use when compared to pickup trucks, unless you're ferrying a lot cargo daily.
If there was one Chinese model that 4x4 fans should at least try out, then the BJ40 Plus offers many surprises from the start.