Chinese automotive company Beijing Auto is preparing to launch an all-new SUV based on the Mercedes-Benz GL-class in China. To be called the BJ90, the new SUV will become the largest offering from the automobile manufacturer in the country. Previewed as the Beijing Auto B90 concept at the Beijing motor show 2010, the production SUV shares little with the concept.
The overall styling of the SUV is boxy with many upright and squared-off elements on the body. The SUV gets an upright grille with vertical chrome slats, squared off headlamps, a prominent air dam and chrome inserts around the air vents on the lower bumpers. At the back, the styling bears resemblance to the Range Rover's with the upright tail-lamps though the tailgate is more upright as on the GL-class while on the sides, the model bears some resemblance to the GL-class.
The BJ90 will be powered by Mercedes’ 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 and 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engines developing 328bhp and 415bhp mated to Mercedes’ seven-speed automatic gearbox and 4Matic all-wheel drive system, as per the technology sharing agreement between the two companies.
Another vehicle under development from Beijing Auto is the Senova C90L sedan which will be based on the current China-specific E-class long wheelbase.
At present, Daimler-Benz owns a 12 percent stake in BAIC Motor, the parent company of the Beijing Auto brand and run a joint venture under the name of Beijing Benz.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
