The Chinese keep their reputation of being able to build the world’s best imitations in any domain. And the car industry makes no difference. This year’s Shanghai Motor Show is a solid proof. The BAIC BJ80 is a G-Class copycat.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class with a Chinese approach and a much more convenient price. This is what is displayed at this year’s Shanghai Motor Show.
Viewed from outside, it would be easily mistaken for a genuine G by those who are not exactly familiar with the original model. The Chinese variant features round headlights, an upright radiator grille, angular shapes and prominent wheel arches.
The radiator grille is though something unfamiliar for the model’s enthusiasts and the turn indicators have been cut off from their usual position up on the hood.
And even the spare wheel is mounted at the rear in a similar position, while the Asian car maker fitted the off-roader with exposed door hinges.
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What seems bizarre though are the tow hooks located inside the faux exhaust tips. Because there was not enough time to copy the interior of the current G, the Chinese settled for the second best, the previous generation. The handle in the dashboard is missing.
An independent suspension on the front axle and a rigid axle at the rear would make it quite easy to handle on and off the road, but the three lock differentials are missing.
The car is set in motion by a 3.0-liter V8 and is equipped with four-wheel drive.
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What makes the result of the car maker even stranger is that BAIC is actually Daimler’s partner and is interested in buying 5% of the company.
