BAW 212 Explorer 01 Diesel Pickup Debuts at Guangzhou 2025
BAW 212 Explorer 01 pickup unveiled at the 2025 Guangzhou Auto Show
BAW 212 Explorer 01 Diesel Pickup Debuts at Guangzhou 2025
Meet the BAW 212 Explorer 01 pickup: a rugged redesign debuting at the 2025 Guangzhou Auto Show, with a 2.3-liter 190 hp turbodiesel and an updated T01 platform.
2025-11-22T13:03:50+03:00
2025-11-22T13:03:50+03:00
2025-11-22T13:03:50+03:00
At the 2025 Guangzhou Auto Show, BAW unveiled one of the year’s most anticipated newcomers—the 212 Explorer 01 in pickup form. Built on the updated BAW 212 T01 platform, it arrives with its own design language, a reworked exterior, and a different technical package. The result reads as a modern rethink of the legendary military Beijing BJ212 that shaped more than one generation of Chinese drivers, and right on the stand it comes across as a confident statement.One of the Explorer 01’s headline changes is a completely original front end. While the overall look recalls the classic BJ212 and even nods to the Toyota Land Cruiser J40, BAW’s engineers created a unique grille that visually wraps around the round lighting units. A large “212” badge anchors the center, and the new chunky bumper features chrome “tusks” with integrated fog lamps. The treatment feels purposeful rather than retro for retro’s sake.In profile, the pickup channels classic utilitarian icons—especially early generations of the Land Rover Defender. Straight-edged doors, square mirrors with 212 badging, and a high glass line emphasize its rugged character. At the back, a big tailgate proudly wearing “212” draws the eye, while the redesigned rear bumper adds a step and a recess for the license plate. The proportions read clean and functional, with an honesty that suits the concept.The pickup’s dimensions are substantial: 5,469 mm long, 1,955 mm wide, and 1,970 mm high, riding on a 3,488 mm wheelbase. Curb weight is 2,500 kg. These numbers promise a commanding stance on the road.The bigger intrigue lies in the hardware. Unlike the base BAW 212 T01, the Explorer 01 adopts a new engine from Dongfeng: a 2.3-liter DDi23-500B turbodiesel rated at 190 hp and developed with Delphi Technologies. It’s the same unit used in the Chery Rely R08. Top speed is 160 km/h, matching the diesel version of the 212 T01—a pragmatic setup that fits the truck’s utilitarian brief.
BAW 212 Explorer 01, pickup, Guangzhou Auto Show 2025, BJ212, Beijing BJ212, 2.3-liter turbodiesel, 190 hp, Dongfeng DDi23-500B, Delphi Technologies, T01 platform, design, specs
2025
Michael Powers
news
BAW 212 Explorer 01 pickup unveiled at the 2025 Guangzhou Auto Show
Meet the BAW 212 Explorer 01 pickup: a rugged redesign debuting at the 2025 Guangzhou Auto Show, with a 2.3-liter 190 hp turbodiesel and an updated T01 platform.
Michael Powers, Editor
At the 2025 Guangzhou Auto Show, BAW unveiled one of the year’s most anticipated newcomers—the 212 Explorer 01 in pickup form. Built on the updated BAW 212 T01 platform, it arrives with its own design language, a reworked exterior, and a different technical package. The result reads as a modern rethink of the legendary military Beijing BJ212 that shaped more than one generation of Chinese drivers, and right on the stand it comes across as a confident statement.
One of the Explorer 01’s headline changes is a completely original front end. While the overall look recalls the classic BJ212 and even nods to the Toyota Land Cruiser J40, BAW’s engineers created a unique grille that visually wraps around the round lighting units. A large “212” badge anchors the center, and the new chunky bumper features chrome “tusks” with integrated fog lamps. The treatment feels purposeful rather than retro for retro’s sake.
In profile, the pickup channels classic utilitarian icons—especially early generations of the Land Rover Defender. Straight-edged doors, square mirrors with 212 badging, and a high glass line emphasize its rugged character. At the back, a big tailgate proudly wearing “212” draws the eye, while the redesigned rear bumper adds a step and a recess for the license plate. The proportions read clean and functional, with an honesty that suits the concept.
The pickup’s dimensions are substantial: 5,469 mm long, 1,955 mm wide, and 1,970 mm high, riding on a 3,488 mm wheelbase. Curb weight is 2,500 kg. These numbers promise a commanding stance on the road.
The bigger intrigue lies in the hardware. Unlike the base BAW 212 T01, the Explorer 01 adopts a new engine from Dongfeng: a 2.3-liter DDi23-500B turbodiesel rated at 190 hp and developed with Delphi Technologies. It’s the same unit used in the Chery Rely R08. Top speed is 160 km/h, matching the diesel version of the 212 T01—a pragmatic setup that fits the truck’s utilitarian brief.
