BAIC BJ40 Black 2026: specs, battery range and price in China

© A. Krivonosov / SPEEDME

At the Chengdu Auto Show, a SPEEDME.RU correspondent photographed one of the more unusual versions of the familiar BAIC BJ40 — the BJ40 Black, a body-on-frame SUV with a series hybrid powertrain, two electric motors and an enlarged traction battery.

The Chinese version differs markedly from the gasoline-only BJ40 sold elsewhere. Under the hood sits a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, but its main job is generating electricity. The wheels are driven by two electric motors rated at 170 and 221 kW, with combined output reaching 391 kW — roughly 532 hp — and 625 N·m of torque.

The headline upgrade of the Long Range version is the battery. The 201 Max and 201 Max+ trims get a 41.7 kWh pack good for up to 201 km on the CLTC cycle in EV mode alone. The range-topping 252 Ultra gets a 49.4 kWh CATL battery, stretching electric-only range to 252 km and combined range to 1,300 km. Charging from 30% to 80% takes 13.9–15 minutes.

BAIC didn't try to turn the BJ40 into an ordinary crossover. It keeps its body-on-frame construction, independent double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear. Ground clearance is 215 mm, approach angle is 38 degrees, departure angle is 37 degrees, and claimed wading depth is 750 mm.

Off-road hardware is comprehensive. The SUV has an electronic center locking differential and mechanical axle locks, and a two-speed electric drive activates 4L low range for extra torque. Terrain modes include snow, mud, sand, rock, wading and more.

Dimensions come in at 4,720/4,790x1,940x1,964 mm, with a 2,760 mm wheelbase. Curb weight reaches roughly 2.7 tonnes. Photos from Chengdu also show the BJ40's signature spare wheel mounted on the tailgate, pronounced plastic fender flares, large side steps and nearly vertical body sides.

The cabin no longer looks like a utilitarian off-roader. A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster sits ahead of the driver, flanked by two 15.6-inch center displays running on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip. Depending on trim, buyers can get ventilated, heated and massaging seats, a “zero-gravity” front passenger seat, an Infinity audio system and a full suite of driver-assistance features.

In China, the BJ40 Long Range is offered in three main trims. Official prices are 179,800, 204,800 and 209,800 yuan — roughly $25,000–$29,300. At launch, BAIC also announced introductory prices ranging from 169,800 to 199,800 yuan, about $23,600–$27,800.

The series hybrid layout makes particular sense for the BJ40. The truck keeps its frame, generous ground clearance and serious drivetrain hardware, while gaining the ability to cover most daily driving without ever firing up the combustion engine. For an owner who uses the SUV both in the city and for long trips, that combination looks far more practical than a conventional high-output gasoline engine.