Beijing BJ80

   The Beijing BJ80, sometimes designated as B80, is a Chinese clone of a highly successful Mercedes-Benz G-class. This vehicle was developed by a state-owned Beijing Auto Works (BAW) both for military and civil customers. The BJ80 was first introduced in 2012. Its production reportedly commenced in 2014. This vehicle was adopted by the Chinese military in around 2016 and is used in relatively small numbers. Currently the most widely used 4x4 vehicle in the Chinese army is a Beijing BJ2022, produced by the same BAW company. However the BJ2022 turned out to be much larger and heavier than first intended, leaving the gap for a smaller vehicle in the Chinese army's lineup. This gap is being filled by the BJ80. Both the BJ2022 and the BJ80 are labeled as "Yongshi" or brave warriors. This vehicle is being proposed for export customers.

   The Beijing BJ80 strongly resembles the Mercedes-Benz G-class of the first generation. However this vehicle is actually based on Beijing Qishi S12, a rebadged Jeep Cherokee. Interestingly the Beijing Auto Works company is a subsidiary of Beijing Automotive Industry Holding (BAIC). Though BAIC has another subsidiary, a Beijing Benz joint venture, which produces and sells Mercedes-branded cars.

   The BJ80 was designed for tough terrain conditions. It has a body-on-frame design, which results in good off-road mobility. This vehicle can travel over difficult terrain.

   The Beijing BJ80 is available in various body styles. It is available with 2- or 4-door versions with hard or open tops. There is even a pickup version and an open-top version for special forces. There is even an armored version, which provides some degree of protection for the passengers against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters.

   The 2-door version accommodates driver plus 7 passengers, while the 4-door version accommodates driver plus 4 passengers.

   The payload capacity of the Beijing BJ80 is around 500-750 kg, depending on the model. This vehicle can also tow light trailers or light artillery pieces. This vehicle can be used as a troop and cargo transport, or command vehicle.

   Power comes from a 2-liter diesel engine, developing 122 hp, or 2.2-liter diesel, developing 144 hp. Both of these engines are based on old units from Nissan. Engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

   There are a number of versions of this vehicle. Only some of them are listed below.

Variants

   BJ80J is a baseline military version.

   CTL-151A is a military designation of the vehicle. It has 5 doors and accommodates driver plus 4 passengers.

   CTL-151B is a 3-door version with a raised roofline. It accommodates driver plus 7 passengers.

   Open-top special forces vehicle.

   SVOS S80 is a Czech light utility vehicle. Essentially it is a rebadged version of the BJ80, developed by the BAW in cooperation with SVOS. This vehicle is fitted with new SVOS rolling chassis, manufactured in Czech Republic. This vehicle is powered by a 2.8-liter diesel engine, developing 118 hp, mated to a ZF automatic gearbox.