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While European brands are focused on electric cars, the Chinese auto industry has decided to strike a blow in the segment dominated by the "old school". The Indimo Automotive company announced the start of sales in Europe of the new BAW 212 pickup. This is a real "iron" all-terrain vehicle that fills the niche left by the discontinuation of the classic Land Rover Defender Pickup, but offers much more comfort for less money.
Nostalgic design
The appearance of the BAW 212 is a mix of iconic off-road looks. The silhouette of the Land Rover Defender is easily guessed in the profile, the front part with round LED headlights refers to the immortal Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40, and the arch extensions remind the aggressive style of Jeep. This is not just styling: the pickup has a considerable length of the loading platform (1,555 mm) and solid dimensions (5,469 mm in length), which puts it on a par with the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux.
A real off-road arsenal: a frame and three locks
The main trump card of the novelty is technology. This is a no-compromise frame pickup, created for harsh off-road:
- Engine: 2.3-liter turbodiesel (188 hp, 500 Nm).
- Transmission: Reliable 8-speed automatic.
- All-wheel drive: Rigid axles and three forced locking differentials (front, center and rear) - such a set is a rarity today, even for premium SUVs.
- Ground clearance: An impressive 250 mm, which is more than the Ford Ranger Wildtrak.
- Driving modes: 10 settings are available to the driver for any type of surface — from sand and dirt (Mud) to rocks (Rocks) and snow.
Interior: Retro on the outside, technology on the inside
Despite the austere exterior, the pickup cabin meets 2026 standards. The owner receives a digital instrument panel (10.25"), a large multimedia screen (12.3") with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The European version already in the "base" is equipped with ventilation and seat heating, dual-zone climate control and 360° all-round view cameras, which makes daily use in the city quite comfortable.
Price is the question
The most painful blow to competitors is cost. In Germany, the price of the BAW 212 starts at 41,995 euros. For comparison, it is much cheaper than the base versions of Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger Double Cab in similar equipment.
If the BAW 212 proves its endurance in practice, we will have an ideal blank for an expedition car. The combination of a frame structure, a 500 Nm turbodiesel and an affordable price make it perhaps the most interesting novelty of the year for those who are not afraid of dirt.
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