Iconic Chinese off-roader closes in on Australia: 2025 Beijing BJ40 to launch in Hong Kong as brand looks to expand into new markets, could we be next for the GWM Tank 300 and Jeep Wrangler rival?

2025 Beijing BJ40 RHD (Credit: AutoHome)

One of China’s most recognisable off-roaders has been revealed in right-hand drive for the Hong Kong market, opening the door for more international markets such as Australia.

At the 2025 Hong Kong Auto Show, the Beijing BJ40 was shown off in right-hook in preparation for a launch in Hong Kong. The model falls under the ‘Beijing’ brand under the umbrella of BAIC Group, a business which currently doesn’t have a presence in Australia.

The car shown was a facelifted first-generation version of the BJ40, rather than the second-gen hybrid which was launched in 2023 in China. The first-gen BJ40 bears more resemblance to the Jeep Wrangler than its successor.

This is the Beijing BJ40 off-road SUV and it's coming for the Jeep Wrangler and GWM Tank 300

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It’s not unusual for a Chinese brand to sell multiple generations or versions of a model simultaneously, especially across different markets. In this case, it may be that the Wrangler-alike first-gen BJ40 is more off-road focused than the second generation plug-in hybrid version.

The BJ40 in right-hand drive is fitted with a 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, making 165kW and 380Nm and sending that to the wheels via a part-time 4WD system.

There’s little information for more right-hand markets than just Hong Kong, though a statement from BAIC regarding the right-hand drive models shown at the auto show hints at more expansion to come.

“Internationalization is one of BAIC Group's core strategies,” the brand said ahead of the Hong Kong show.

Second-generation Beijing BJ40

“BAIC INTL comprehensively coordinates the overseas business… [and] has expanded to more than 50 countries, established nearly 300 sales networks, and set up eight KD (knock-down; assembly) plants - including one wholly owned overseas production base.”