On April 20, the Beijing 81 and the City Hunter SUVs made their official debut. The Beijing 81, a heavily modified version of the BJ80, is a hardcore SUV developed through user co-creation and equipped with professional off-road gear. It will be showcased at the upcoming Beijing Auto Show, where “blind orders” will officially open. The model is scheduled for a formal market launch in Nanchang on August 1. Positioned as a “Tactical Box,” the Beijing 81 leverages Beijing Off-Road’s long-standing military heritage. Meanwhile, the Beijing City Hunter is positioned as a “High-Stance SUV,” targeting the mid-to-high-end SUV market to capture new growth.
The Beijing 81 carries the brand’s classic design DNA. It features a signature five-slot front grille, with each slot housing a red LED light cluster, creating a striking visual impact when illuminated. The headlights follow the “Square and Round” design philosophy, blending a rectangular housing with a circular lens to harmonize traditional aesthetics with a rugged off-road character. Inside the headlight units, five intermittent curved LED daytime running lights mirror the five-slot grille design.
The hood features functional air vents to emphasize its off-road prowess. The exterior maintains a retro style with flared wheel arches and sharp, angular body lines that project a stable and powerful stance. The newly designed dual seven-spoke wheels are finished in gunmetal gray and house high-performance red brake calipers. The vehicle is also equipped with practical off-road features such as a roof rack and side steps. The Beijing 81 sits on wide 305-series tires, supported by a high-performance braking system featuring six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers.
At the rear, the rugged theme continues. Five intermittent high-mounted brake lights are integrated into the roofline, reinforcing the “five-element” design motif. The tailgate utilizes a classic barn-door (dual-opening) design, which is more practical for off-road scenarios than a traditional single-opening door. Notably, based on user feedback, the “2.0 Co-creation Edition” replaces the external spare tire with an external storage box. This maintains the hardcore look while providing extra space for off-road tools and outdoor gear.
The rear lights feature four square units, complementing the “Square and Round” headlight concept. The rear bumper is thicker and more robust than the previous version, improving the vehicle’s departure angle and visual weight. It also comes equipped with a practical tow hook for recovery and camping needs.
The Beijing City Hunter also debuted at the event as a larger, premium SUV designed to balance urban commuting with weekend getaways. Following a design philosophy of “Hard on the outside, soft on the inside,” the City Hunter aims to meet the “5+2+7” lifestyle needs: 5 days of city driving, 2 days of suburban trips, and 7 days of long-distance touring.
The City Hunter offers two exterior styles: a blacked-out “Sport” version and a chrome-heavy “Business” version. The front end features a large multi-slat grille flanked by square headlights with semi-circular internal lenses. Metal accents on the front fenders and large black wheels (or retro “dish” wheels) enhance its premium feel. The SUV also features a floating roof design, short front and rear overhangs, a long wheelbase, and a high ground clearance. Inside, the cabin focuses on meaningful technology rather than just “screen stacking.”
As a model built on user co-creation, the Beijing 81 2.0 Co-creation Edition retains its hardcore off-road core while refining details to meet actual user demands. The “Tactical Box” moniker perfectly encapsulates its rugged and practical positioning. Meanwhile, the City Hunter opens a new market segment for the brand, helping to elevate its premium status.
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