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This Is China's Version Of The Ford Bronco
March 25, 2022
by Nikesh Kooverjee Off-Road / 7 Comments
BAIC teases rugged 4x4 with hybrid power.
BAIC is not a well-known company here in the USA but like many Chinese manufacturers, it is slowly increasing local market share. This Beijing-based brand still focuses on budget hatchbacks and SUVs with the added advantage of having access to the Mercedes-Benz parts bin. Looking at this new set of sketches though, it looks like the automotive company may be looking at adding a premium flare to its offerings.
The proposed product is set to be called the B60V. It will not be the flagship of the company as that position is occupied by the BJ80 which is coincidentally a Mercedes-Benz G-Class imitation. The BJ60 will be more in line with the Ford Bronco and as per early claimed figures, it may even be an impressively capable offering. In its local market, we can expect this to be a direct competitor to the Tank 500 currently being built by GWM.
BAIC plans to offer the B60V in both five- and seven-seater configurations utilizing a boxy body that measures 197.6 inches long, 77 inches wide, and 75.8 inches tall with a wheelbase of 110.2 inches. It will be built on a ladder frame construction with front and rear independent suspension to balance comfort and capability levels. With the off-road-minded body, you can expect approach and departure angles of 30 and 24 degrees, respectively.
Interestingly, the BAIC B60V will be available with three powertrains that adhere to the current Euro 6 legislation. This includes a base turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline unit available with or without a 48-volt mild-hybrid motor. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel model can only be had as a mild-hybrid.
All models will employ an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission, which will divvy power out to an intelligent electronically controlled all-wheel drive system.
For the sake of daily comfort, BAIC plans to fill the B60V's cabin with crucial creature comforts consisting of a multi-function steering wheel, LCD digital instrument cluster, and a prominent floating touchscreen infotainment system. Enhancing its utilitarian capabilities, the rear seats will also be designed to fold completely flat.
There's no clear indication as to when we can expect to see an official reveal of what may become China's Ford Bronco. BAIC goes on to state that it has plans to introduce a range extender for the gasoline model in the hopes of giving it a total range of 621 miles, based on China's extremely conservative consumption testing.
