A new set of Spy Shots of the Beijing Auto BJ90, the new flagship SUV for the Beijing Auto brand. One green example was seen on the back of a flatbed truck riding the roads of the capital.  The BJ90 will debut on the Beijing Auto Show in April and launch on the Chinese car market in March.

The BJ90, formerly known as the B90, debuted as the Beijing Auto B90 Concept on the 2010 Beijing Auto Show, and production was confirmed in early 2013.

The BJ90 is based on the X166 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. Beijing Auto can use the platform and engines under a technology-transfer agreement with Mercedes-Benz, in the same way as the upcoming Senova C90L sedan will be based on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class L.

Beijing Auto and Daimler-Benz are very close; they have the successful Beijing-Benz joint venture and Daimler owns a 12% stake in BAIC Motor, the parent company of the Beijing Auto brand.

The relationship isn’t always very smooth however; Daimler-Benz is reportedly still very pissed off about the Beijing Auto BJ80, a G-Class clone that was developed without any permission or support of the Germans.

The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is presently sold in China as an import with price ranging from 1.03 million yuan to 1.52 million yuan, but the new GLS is on the way and will arrive in Q1 2016. Price for the BJ90 will start around 800.000 yuan or 125.000 USD.

The Beijing Auto BJ90 will be manufactured by Beijing Auto Works, just like the Beijing Auto BJ40. It will be sold via the Beijing Auto dealer network, alongside the Senova range. It is by far the largest passenger car Beijing Auto has ever made.

The drivetrain of the BJ90 is completely Mercedes; it will be available with two engines: a 3.0 twin-turbo V6 with 333hp and 480nm (GL400), and a 4.0 twin-turbo V8 with 421hp and 600nm (GL500). Transmission is the MB seven-speed automatic, sending power to all four wheels via the MB 4matic four-wheel drive system.

The Beijing Auto BJ90 will compete directly with the upcoming Hongqi LS5 SUV, which will be powered by a  4.0 twin-turbo V8 with 381hp and 530nm, mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Sometime later the BJ90 arrived at its destination. Sadly I do not recognize the building, otherwise I would be on my way right now. Wheels look very good but they seem a bit narrow, especially at the rear, Windows are darkened. Roof rails are big and very usable.

Earlier spy shot of the front, with loads of shine and mean looking lights.

Earlier spy shot of the inside. Beijing Auto kept some Benz and added some of their own, like the giant touch screen and the wood bits. Analogue clocks between the air vents. Seats in light brown leather. Wide center tunnel with techy buttons and dials.