BAIC Off-road BJ60 Thunder-Hybrid REEV

The exterior of the BJ60 Thunder Edition looks much better than the regular version, with a really good presence. It fits the image of an off-road vehicle we're used to, and the design is very harmonious.

The fully-equipped trim level has basically all the features you can think of. It even has rear seat massage, a 220V outlet, and plenty of phone charging ports¡ªyou don't have to worry about the configurations at all.

As for space, I'm a bit disappointed. The car is over 5 meters long, but the interior space isn't particularly spacious, even in the 5-seat version. This is related to its off-road positioning; the large battery and dual motors take up extra space. The same goes for the lateral space¡ªit's¹»Óà (g¨°uy¨°ng - enough), but not exactly roomy.

The interior looks really nice. The layout with the big screen is similar to Li Auto's, and the materials are good for the price. However, the×ö¹¤, materials, and fit and finish of the rear air vents still don't feel as refined as in sedans. The infotainment screen responds quickly enough, but voice recognition is noticeably different from new energy brands.

Off-road capability is solid. On professional off-road tracks,Éæˮ (sh¨¨shu¨« - water fording), Åڵ¯¿Ó (p¨¤od¨¤nk¨¥ng - bomb craters), muddy roads, etc., are all handled very easily. There's plenty of power, and when two wheels lose traction, the power distribution is relatively quick, so you feel quite confident driving on these roads.

This car has a large battery of over 40 kWh, with an official pure electric range of 125 km, and the real-world range is basically similar. Just to add: the last two rows of the 7-seat version can't fold completely flat; the second row has a slight angle. But the 5-seat version is fine¡ªit folds completely flat, offering a lot of expandable space.

BAIC'sÌصã (t¨¨di¨£n - characteristic) is that it offers a lot of car for the price, with a large size and plenty of features. There are definitely some details that could be improved.

Regarding the car's color, there are actually too few color options available on the market (in Shenzhen and surrounding cities, there are basically only black, white, and gray). Ordering other colors requires a long wait, said to be due to production scheduling, taking at least two to three months!
[Space Performance]
The interior space is larger than expected. It would be better if the height of the trunk could be lowered a bit more, so that getting in and out when camping outdoors wouldn't be so strenuous¡ªclimbing up and down is tiring! The third-row space is suitable for people with small builds; it's okay for emergencies but tiring for long-term rides. Regarding the third row, getting in and out is inconvenient (even when adjusting the second-row seats forward, it's still not easy to get in), and since the second-row seats are manual, adjusting them every time feels very laborious.

[Charging Time]
Fast charging can reach over 80% in half an hour, which is very fast. After exceeding 80%, the current gradually decreases and the charging speed slows down. This is understandable as it's to protect the battery.

¡¾Driving Experience¡¿
The BJ60 Thunder is a new energy extended-range off-road vehicle. I was invited to test drive it and would like to share my personal feelings.
1. Exterior: It belongs to the boxy off-road vehicle category and has off-road blood in its bones.
2. Space and seat layout: The vehicle dimensions are 5,040¡Á1,955¡Á1,925mm with a wheelbase of 2820mm, classifying it as a medium-to-large SUV. The test drive model was a 5-seater, with sufficient space in both the front and rear rows, especially the rear row. In addition, the rear seats can be folded down; if it is a 7-seater, they can be fully flattened, turning the back into a 2-meter bed.
3. Power: Equipped with dual motors and a 1.5T range extender, the Thunder delivers a combined power output of 403kW and a peak torque of 655N¡¤m. It offers ample acceleration at high speeds while maintaining excellent cabin noise insulation.
4. Core Off-Road Capabilities: This test drive was conducted at a professional off-road proving ground, focusing on three key challenges. First, the step bridge obstacle tested torque distribution and chassis articulation. The vehicle cleared it effortlessly even when the undercarriage made contact. Second, the 800mm water wading test involved intentional 15-minute submersion before exiting ¨C both underwater traversal and sealing performance proved satisfactory. Third, the side slope test positioned one front and one rear wheel uphill with only the left rear wheel on level ground, concentrating the entire vehicle's weight on that single wheel to rigorously evaluate chassis flexibility. The doors and tailgate operated smoothly throughout, showcasing the BJ60 Thunder's "Tai Chi" adaptive chassis system.
5. Cross-country performance: The off-road section this time was actually still under development. Particularly with recent frequent rainfall, there were areas with landslides and muddy roads. We utilized the off-road mode and switched to rock mode for passage. On steep inclines and declines, the front visibility was essentially a blind spot, but with the assistance of 360-degree panoramic imaging, traversal became significantly easier. On off-road terrain like gravel slopes, the BJ60 Thunder's power performance ensured competent off-road capability. I consider both its power and off-road performance to be satisfactory.
New energy off-road vehicles typically feature automatic transmissions, with adjustable off-road modes. Additionally, throughout the entire driving experience, the BJ60 Thunder's steering felt relatively light, which somewhat diminished the traditional off-road driving feel.
Overall, the BJ60 Thunder represents a well-considered effort by BAIC. Finally, they've introduced their own new energy off-road vehicle. Its power, handling, space, and off-road capabilities are all commendable. Even off-road beginners can complete standard off-road driving with minimal training and practice.
Additionally, the official announcement highlights ultra-low fuel consumption and an ultra-long range: a combined fuel efficiency of 1.3L/100km and an impressive combined range of 1200km. These features couldn't be tested this time, but I hope to have the chance to verify them personally next time.