Back in December 2024, BAIC opened the order books for the new BJ40 Magic Core Electric Drive Edition (BJ40e), a range-extended electric vehicle (EREV) version of its off-road SUV. The BAIC BJ40e will first go on sale in China, with estimated prices ranging from 224,800 (30,770 USD) to 244,800 yuan (33,500 USD).

Electrificed powertrain that offers performance and fuel efficiency

Compared to the regular BJ40, the ‘e’ suffix signifies an electrified powertrain. At its core, the BJ40e features a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine producing 185 hp, paired with two electric motors—one on each axle.

Unlike other hybrids where the engine works with electric motors to drive the wheels, a range-extender’s petrol engine serves as a generator to charge the batteries. There is no power transfer between the petrol engine and the wheels.

The BJ40e boasts a combined system output of 403 kW (540 hp) and 655 Nm of torque, enabling the 2,640 kg SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds. Despite its power, the electrification, through a range-extender system, also enhances fuel efficiency.

BAIC claims a WLTC-rated combined fuel consumption of just 1.39 L/100 km. The EREV system enables a CLTC-rated total driving range of 1,200 km, with a pure electric range of 152 km. These figures are achieved thanks to a 40.3 kWh ternary lithium battery pack, which supports DC fast charging, allowing a 30% to 80% recharge in just 30 minutes.

The BAIC BJ40e is visually similar to the regular petrol BJ40

Mechanical bits aside, the rest of the BAIC BJ40s are almost identical to the regular petrol variants.

The exterior design closely resembles the second-generation BJ40, which debuted in late 2023. True to its off-road nature, the BJ40e retains a boxy silhouette with angular elements throughout, including the headlights, taillights, front grille, and fenders.

Inside, like many modern Chinese vehicles, the cabin features large digital displays. The driver gets a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, while the center console houses dual 12.8-inch screens—one for infotainment and the other for the front passenger. These displays are powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 system-on-chip (SoC), which also supports an AI voice assistant.

How big is the BJ40e?

In terms of size, the BAIC BJ40e measures 4790/1940/1964 mm, with a wheelbase of 2,760 mm. For context, it is similar in dimensions to the Mazda CX-50 (4785/1920/1,638 mm, with a 2,815 mm wheelbase).