Jakarta. BAIC’s BJ80, an SUV that closely resembles the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class, will soon be available in Indonesia, distributed by JIO Distribusi Indonesia (JDI). The vehicle's striking similarity to the G-Class has raised questions about whether BAIC has copied the legendary German design or if a collaboration between the two automakers is behind the look.

The launch was confirmed through a test drive invitation received by Beritasatu.com on Tuesday, though the exact date has yet to be announced. This will mark the third BAIC vehicle to enter the Indonesian market, following the BJ40 Plus and X55 II models.

First launched in China in 2016 by BAIC’s subsidiary BAW, the BJ80’s design closely mirrors the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, with the most notable differences being the grille and interior, both crafted by BAIC.

In terms of dimensions, the BAIC BJ80 measures 4,765 mm in length, 1,955 mm in width, 1,985 mm in height, with a 2,800 mm wheelbase and a 215 mm ground clearance. The SUV is available with several engine options, including a 2.3-liter four-cylinder, a 3.0-liter V6 turbo, and a 2.8-liter turbo diesel.

For the domestic Chinese market, the BJ80 is offered in three variants: Ranger, Supreme, and Everest. Globally, BAIC offers three models: Universal, High-Temperature, and RHD. The price for the BJ80 starts at 298,000 yuan (around Rp 659 million), significantly more affordable than the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which can cost upwards of Rp 6.58 billion for the G 63 AMG variant.

The resemblance between the BAIC BJ80 and the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has sparked curiosity, with some speculating that it stems from a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and BAIC. According to Carguide, the two automakers partnered to facilitate Mercedes-Benz’s entry into the Chinese market, allowing them to share technology and design elements.

However, the similarities have not gone unnoticed, with Mercedes-Benz executive Toby Mueller reportedly expressing disappointment over BAIC's decision to closely imitate the G-Class design.