This pioneering BJ90 SUV will be sharing a powertrain with the petrol Mercedes Benz GL class vehicle and is the largest car from the manufacturer yet.

Beijing Auto, the noted Chinese company is now set to launch a new SUV based on the iconic Mercedes Benz GL-class in its home market. This will be known as the BJ90 and will be the largest such offering from the company here. This was previewed as the Beijing Auto B90 concept at the 2010 Beijing motor show and the production SUV is completely dissimilar to the concept car.

The SUV gets attractive boxy design touches along with squared off and upright elements on its body. The SUV also comes with an upright grille with squared off headlamps, vertical chrome slats and a prominent air dam. Chrome inserts laced around the air vents on lower bumpers add to the rugged look. The styling at the back is a little similar to the Range Rover with the tail lamps looking quite upright and smart but the GL Class influence is felt here too. The BJ90 will come with the Mercedes Benz 3.0 litre V6 twin turbo and V8 4.0 litre twin turbo petrol engines. They will be dishing out 328 and 415 BHP of power respectively and will be coupled with Mercedes’ acclaimed seven speed automatic gearbox. The 4Matic all wheel drive system will be integrated on the basis of the technology exchange agreement between Mercedes and Beijing Auto.

Beijing Auto is currently developing another landmark Senova C90L sedan which is influenced by and based on the current Mercedes Benz long wheelbase E class sedan being sold in China. Daimler-Benz owns around 12% currently in BAIC Motor which is the parent company of the Beijing Auto brand. A joint ventured called Beijing Benz is also run by the twain.