When it comes to Chinese boxy off-road SUVs, consumers immediately think of the Tank 300 and Equation Leopard Ti7. Yet Beijing Off-Road stands as an iconic domestic marque that cannot be overlooked. Its legendary models including the BJ40 and 212 remain active in the market to this day. This August, Beijing Off-Road will roll out two brand-new boxy SUV variants with separate 5-seater and 6-seater layouts to cater to diverse buyer demands.
Chinese "G-Wagen": Beijing BJ81VJ
First up is the domestic counterpart to the Mercedes G-Class, the Beijing BJ81VJ, priced closely to mainstream Tank 300 trims. The suffix VJ derives from Victory Journey, echoing the brand’s profound military heritage and embodying the gallant spirit of a force forged for victory. Classified as a midsize SUV, the BJ81VJ boasts larger dimensions than the Tank 300 and offers a 2+2+2 six-seater configuration, ideal for groups of friends embarking on self-drive trips.
Visually, the BJ81VJ bears a striking resemblance to the Mercedes G-Class. Retaining the classic boxy silhouette, its front fascia adopts Beijing Off-Road’s signature five-slot grille integrated with an LED light strip, flanked by round headlights for a minimalist, tech-forward aesthetic. Fine details include blacked-out wheels paired with red brake calipers, plus a traditional side-hinged split tailgate fitted with an external storage box, delivering outstanding road presence and recognizability.
The BJ81VJ measures 4,845mm × 2,050mm × 1,980mm with a wheelbase of 2,810mm. Its moderately sized footprint is engineered to preserve capable off-road geometry: a 30° approach angle, 23° departure angle and 230mm ground clearance, outperforming conventional urban SUVs in rough terrain. The boxy profile also guarantees ample interior passenger space.
Power comes from a 1.5T extended-range electric system. The range-extender generates a peak output of 138kW, paired with CATL ternary lithium batteries. It delivers a WLTC pure electric range of 145km and a top speed of 170km/h. The current configuration prioritizes urban family mobility; enthusiasts may anticipate a more off-road-focused combustion variant in the future.
Huawei-Powered Boxy SUV: Tantal 700
Huawei’s automotive technology enters the boxy off-road segment with the Beijing Off-Road Tantal 700, slated for launch this August and equipped with Huawei Qiankun ADS 5. Positioned as a premium midsize SUV with a five-seater layout, it sits above the BJ81VJ and leans heavily toward outdoor adventure. It features a body-on-frame construction, widely known as a ladder frame among off-road fans.
Its styling inherits core design cues from the BJ60. The iconic five-slot front grille is elevated with refined chrome trim, while multi-spoke wheels, front/rear bumpers and the rear spare tire carrier feature accent highlights. A two-tone paint scheme further enhances its upscale appeal.
Dimension-wise, the Tantal 700 stretches 5,040mm × 1,959mm × 1,926mm with a 2,820mm wheelbase, noticeably larger than the BJ81VJ. The five-seater layout translates to enhanced passenger comfort. The rich equipment roster includes a front passenger entertainment screen, overhead rear display, ANC active noise cancellation, vehicle refrigerator, onboard oxygen generator and satellite communication, satisfying demand for high-end long-distance travel.
It adopts the same 1.5T extended-range powertrain, matched with a 49.4kWh CATL ternary lithium battery delivering a CLTC pure electric range of 220km. The system generates a combined power output of 391kW and total torque of 625N·m. Hardware includes front and rear differential locks, an intelligent electric central lock, plus 8-stage adjustable compression and rebound nitrogen shock absorbers for formidable off-road escape capability. The fitted Qiankun ADS 5 intelligent driving system covers urban roads, highways and full off-road terrain scenarios, significantly mitigating blind spots despite the vehicle’s large size.
Closing Thoughts
Competition within the boxy SUV segment continues to intensify, yet Beijing Off-Road’s well-established legacy secures its influential position in this niche. The two upcoming August models each bring distinct strengths: the retro, heritage-driven BJ81VJ and the smart, luxury-focused Tantal 700. Now the question arises: which of these two new boxy SUVs from Beijing Off-Road has greater potential to become a bestseller?
