BAIC (Beijing Automotive Industry Group), the sixth-largest automobile manufacturing company in China, has announced the second generation of its Baic BJ40 SUV, a compact SUV that relies on an internal combustion engine and directly competes with the popular Tank 300.

Although the Baic BJ40 SUV first appeared in 2013 with a design resembling the Jeep Wrangler and a front fascia inspired by Range Rover, the new generation adopts a more modern design, drawing inspiration from its larger sibling, the Baic BJ60, which comes with three rows of seats. However, there are subtle design touches borrowed from other off-road vehicles made by different companies.

One of the key changes in the 2024 Chinese Baic BJ40 is the adoption of a single-body structure, whereas the previous generation came with either two doors, four doors, or as a pickup truck. The new face of the 2024 Baic BJ40 combines boxy LED headlights and a three-piece illuminated grille with a robust off-road bumper.

As for its interior design, the Baic BJ40 takes a significant step forward in terms of design and technology. It combines the dashboard with a set of digital gauges and a large screen housing a central information and entertainment system. Additionally, there's an analog clock and aluminum trim around the dashboard, among many other additions.

BAIC has not provided specific information about the new BJ40's specifications, but available information suggests it will come with a turbocharged gasoline engine with a displacement of 2 liters, generating 241 horsepower (245 European PS) and 385 Newton-meters of torque. These specifications make it significantly more powerful than the previous generation, and it will come with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel-drive system.

The expected price range for the new BJ40 is between $28,000 and $41,600 USD.