This 4x4 is a mix of a Land Cruiser, Wrangler, and Defender
All-new BAW 212 looks ready for what Mother Nature throws at it
There is just something about boxy 4x4s that makes them appealing to buyers and enthusiasts alike. Whether it's the classics or the retro-modern examples coming out lately, automakers know that boxy SUVs have a certain appeal to them.
Chinese automaker BAW (Beijing Auto Works) seemed to have taken this notion in stride as the brand recently came up with an all-new SUV. Originally part of BAIC but becoming an independent brand on its own in 2020, the 4x4 specialist recently revealed the latest 212 (originally called the BJ212) which first came out in the 1960s.
For its latest iteration, BAW was not shy about borrowing some inspiration from several brands in designing the 212. The front fascia features distinct round headlights with LED illumination and appear to have been inspired by the classic Toyota Land Cruiser 40 Series. Next up is the side profile design which features chunky fender flares, running boards, and grab-style door handles one would normally find on a Jeep Wrangler.
Last but certainly not least, the BAW 212 has a unique-looking rear end that comes with a rear spare tire carrier and vertical LED taillights that seem to be a direct inspiration from the Land Rover Defender. While the 212's design may be a mix of various brands, you still have to hand it to BAW to make all the styling elements work.
Size-wise, the 212 measures 4705mm long, 1895mm wide, and 1936mm tall. It also has rugged alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires and old-school-style square side mirrors. There's even an option to have the roof of the vehicle painted in a different color – resulting in a nice contrast look with the rest of the body.
Despite the vehicle's rugged exterior, BAW was still able to give the 212 a modest-looking cabin. It gets leather seats along with a leather-padded dashboard, faux metal accents on the interior, an automatic climate control panel, and a massive touchscreen infotainment display. There also appears to be a wireless charging pad just in front of the gear selector.
Under the hood, a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine powers the BAW 212. It makes 250 PS and is connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission. True to its form, the 4x4 is fitted with a 4WD system that allows the driver to select 4H (4WD-High), 4L (4WD-Low), and 2H (2WD-High). It also has buttons to lock/unlock the differentials and even disconnect the sway for extra traction & wheel articulation at even the toughest of terrains.
Electrification may be all the rage today but when it comes to going off the beaten path, going for the tried-and-tested boxy 4WD vehicles appear to be the go-to route for most brands. After all, if it wasn't for the classic boxy SUVs of yesteryear, there wouldn't be any retro-modern 4x4s today.
