In a world of faux and soft-roaders, the BAIC BJ40 Plus is a rare creature in the sport utility vehicle space. It’s a pure off-road machine from head to toe, with enough functionality and practicality for daily use.

EXTERIOR

The BJ40 Plus is pure traditional off-roader design, boxy and upright. Recently, this visual style has been co-opted by vehicles with lesser capabilities. It would be understandable to include the BAIC in this confusion and ignore it, but don’t be fooled, the BJ40 Plus can handle more than a New Kingston kerb.

A deeper look will reveal a substantial part of the vehicle’s character. The bolts and plastic aren’t there for appearance purposes; they are functional, able to be removed so that the BJ40 Plus can be one with the wilderness of choice.

It starts with the roof, split in two. Then the doors, the entire rear canopy can be left behind, while the windshield folds down, all to provide al fresco driving on a trail.

The spare tyre on the rear isn’t just for show.

INTERIOR

Since the BJ40 Plus is meant for the rugged life, including operating without external vehicular extremities, but has to be able to deal with urban use, the interior is a mix of the requirements of both demands. The cabin design follows upmarket design trends, while using more durable materials where possible. There is more than enough space and storage for everyday use, as well as convenience features powered and automatic to make living with the BJ40 Plus a lot easier than its off-road persona dictates.

Small ergonomic quirks aside, the majority of the important functions can be accessed by buttons on the centre console and the steering wheel. The rest can be found in the 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, with all-digital instrumentation in the 12.3-inch LCD screen.

On the road, the first thing most will notice is its speed. The 2-litre turbocharged motor outputs 221bhp and 280 lb/ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, regardless of which of the four drive modes it’s in. A host of electronic safety systems competently control that speed, allowing the BJ40 Plus to muscle its way through traffic when necessary, or ride along on its low-end power curve in urban settings. Suspension is more than compliant given its massive off-road tyres and 210mm of ground clearance.

Off-road is where the BAIC differentiates itself in the market segment, but at its price point as well. As a true body-on-frame design, the BJ40 Plus has real off-road chops, able to tackle 60 per cent grades, having 37 and 31 degree approach and departure angles, respectively. Breakover angle is 23 degrees, enough to avoid the front and read underguard plates to be put into use in most cases. Even in standard two-wheel the BAIC is more than capable. Engage four-wheel drive, and its abilities climb even further, easing over irregular terrain controlled and confidently.

As the sea of SUVs gets larger, the BJ40 Plus is a bit of a unicorn, a vehicle built for off-road fun. It’s not a commercial vehicle turned into an off-roader; it’s also not a raised car with all-wheel drive muddying the very definition of a sport utility vehicle. For those who constantly seek more adventure than driving onto the sand at the beach, want the rare ability to bare their vehicle to the environment, and yet need the comfort and practicality for daily driving, then the BJ40 Plus scratches all those itches at an unbeatable price to boot.

The BJ40 Plus can handle more than a New Kingston kerb and the occasional water-filled pothole. (Photo: Rory Daley)

The BJ40 Plus can be pulled down to its essentials to provide a higher level of communion with the driving environment. (Photo: Rory Daley)

There’s more than enough space, practicality, and convenience features for daily use inside the BJ40 Plus. (Photo: Rory Daley)

The 2-litre turbocharged motor provides more than enough punch, no matter the situation. (Photo: Rory Daley)