[3] Development of the BJ80 was reported as early as November 28, 2011 when spy shot photos revealed a concept vehicle, initially known as the BJ80V.

[16] During the show, BAIC representatives claimed that the display vehicle was using a 4.0 V8 engine with an automatic transmission system in place.

[18] On November 22, 2016, at the Guangzhou Auto Show, BAIC unveiled a version of the BJ80 meant for riot control duties, only available on special orders.

[21] Military variants of the SUV are equipped with a Cummins 2.8 liter four-cylinder diesel engine, having a max output on 160 hp and 360 nm.

[26] On July 30, 2017, the BJ80 appeared in the 90th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to serve as Xi Jinping's vehicle for general inspection.

[31] The SVOS 80 has a 2.8-liter, four-cylinder Cummins diesel engine rated at EURO 4 emissions compliance, developing 120 kW and 340 Nm torque.

[31] A ZF automatic gearbox is fitted, coupled to a two-speed transfer case with selectable four-wheel drive.

[42] In 2015, rumors were abound that Daimler were not pleased with BAIC copying the look of the G-Class Wagon with plans to force the company to kill the marketing of the vehicle.

[15] While the G-Wagon has influenced it, aspect of the vehicle was also based on Beijing Qishi S12, a Beijing-made Jeep Cherokee.

[43] Critics have accused the PLA of conducting the tests in favor of the BJ80 due to them supervising and evaluating the two SUVs since Mercedes has more experience and history in manufacturing and marketing the G-Wagon.