Why was the BJ20 discontinued?
3 Answers
The main reason for its discontinuation is the low sales volume of this model. Below is a relevant introduction to the BJ20: 1. Exterior: The most satisfying aspect of this car is its exterior. The rugged and boxy body design gives off a strong off-road vehicle vibe, and the iconic split headlights on the front face are highly distinctive. However, the overall design is somewhat too aggressive, so while some people love it, others find it unacceptable. 2. Interior: The interior of the BJ20 is fairly standard. According to feedback from users, the comfort for rear passengers is relatively poor. The seats are not soft enough, and the stiff suspension tuning results in a noticeable bumpy ride. The trunk space is also quite small, though it is sufficient for daily commuting. 3. Performance: The car feels sluggish when starting, lacking some driving excitement. However, the 1.5T engine performs decently once it gets up to speed. The main drawback is the significant wind noise at high speeds, which requires turning up the music volume to mask the noise.
Recently, friends who drive the BJ20 have been discussing why it was discontinued. Having driven this car myself, I find it quite a pity. The main reason is poor sales—compared to other SUVs on the market, like the Haval H6, which offer better value for money and newer configurations, the BJ20 couldn't compete. Its positioning was awkward—neither trendy enough as a city SUV nor practical enough as a hardcore off-roader. I heard its monthly sales often dropped to just a few hundred units, leading the manufacturer to decide it wasn't profitable enough to continue. Additionally, with the new emission regulations coming into effect, the BJ20's outdated engine couldn't meet the China VI standards, and the cost of upgrading was too high compared to launching new models. BAIC is now focusing on the BJ40 and its new electric vehicle series, which align better with current trends. In short, the market changes quickly, and older models that can't keep up get phased out.
As a car enthusiast, I've always kept an eye on the BJ20, and its discontinuation makes perfect sense to me. The SUV market is now fiercely competitive, with younger generations preferring electric or smart vehicles. The BJ20's design is outdated and lacks standout features. Its relatively high fuel consumption, coupled with some user complaints about minor issues, has affected its reputation. A look at the sales data reveals a continuous decline, prompting BAIC to naturally streamline its product line by phasing out less efficient models. The new emission regulations also played a role; the BJ20 couldn't meet the updates and was thus phased out. This trend is pushing automakers toward high-performance or new energy vehicles. The BJ series still offers more options, such as the more off-road-capable BJ40.
