Do the BJ80 and the G-Class share the same engine?
2 Answers
No, they do not share the same engine. The differences between the BJ80 and the G-Class are as follows: 1. Exterior differences: For the headlights, the BJ80 swaps the positions of the yellow turn signals and the white lights. Additionally, the front grille design differs. The most noticeable side difference is the fuel tank cap location—the BJ80's is on the left rear, while the G-Class's is on the right rear. The exhaust pipe positions also differ; the BJ80 has a conventional rear-mounted exhaust tip, whereas the G-Class's is on the side. 2. Interior differences: The G-Class features two connected 12.3-inch screens, which stand out prominently. The air vent designs, button layouts, and overall luxury feel are significantly upgraded compared to the relatively simpler BJ80 interior.
I have driven the BJ80 myself and also test-driven the Big G (Mercedes-Benz G-Class). From an engine perspective, they are completely different. The BJ80 is typically equipped with domestically produced engines, such as Beijing Automotive's 2.0T or Shenyang Mitsubishi's 2.3T. While the design inspiration may draw from Mercedes-Benz, the overall performance leans more towards fuel efficiency and smoothness, with horsepower generally around 200 HP. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known as the Big G, exclusively features Mercedes' own V8 or high-efficiency turbocharged engines, delivering outputs of 400 HP or more, paired with more advanced transmissions and electronic control systems. For daily driving, the BJ80 is sufficient for city commutes, but the Big G clearly outperforms in off-road capability and acceleration. So, when buying a car, don’t just focus on the similar exterior—core technology gaps are significant and affect driving experience and long-term maintenance costs. Beijing Automotive positions itself as affordable, while Mercedes-Benz represents top-tier luxury, and this is most evident in their engine choices.
