By Rafiq Vayani
MUSCAT: Towell Auto Group officially introduced the legendary 212 4×4 SUV brand to Oman, bringing with it a heritage of true off-road capability engineered for enthusiasts who demand far more than conventional urban SUVs.
Purpose-built to conquer Oman’s diverse landscapes, from towering mountains and rugged wadis to deep desert terrain and rocky trails, the 212 arrives as a serious body-on-frame off-road SUV designed for adventure-seekers who value uncompromising capability, durability and adventure. The launch introduces two distinct models to Oman the 212 Adventurer and the flagship 212 Navigator, both engineered to deliver robust 4×4 performance with advanced off-road technologies and inspiring mechanical engineering.
Sharing her thoughts at the launch, Ms. Abeer Riyadh Sultan, Executive Manager, MD’s Office, Towell Group, said, “The 212 represents authentic off-road engineering at its core. With its military-inspired heritage, advanced 4×4 technologies and exceptional capability, the 212 is purpose-built for Oman’s adventurous driving culture. We are proud to introduce a vehicle that delivers true off-road performance without compromise. We are confident that the true off-road enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy every driving experience.”
Speaking at the occasion was Mr. Bruce, Sales director – Middle East Market, 212. He said, “The history of Beijing Auto Works and the 212 brand goes back to 1961, when the original 212 became one of the most recognized off-road vehicles built for durability, strength, and capability. Today, that legacy continues with a modern generation of vehicles designed for both adventure and everyday driving. Oman is a very important market for us. Its diverse landscapes, outdoor culture, and passion for exploration make it the perfect environment for the 212. Together with Towell Auto Group, we are excited to bring this iconic brand to the country and begin a strong long-term journey in the market.
Trusted and Validated by Oman Automobile Association (OAA): Further strengthening the 212’s credentials in Oman is the trust certification awarded by the Oman Automobile Association (OAA) following extensive evaluation and testing conducted in specialised local conditions. This recognition highlights the vehicle’s proven ability to perform confidently across Oman’s demanding terrains while reinforcing the brand’s focus on engineering durability, reliability and true off-road capability.
Built for Oman’s True 4×4 Enthusiasts: At a time when many SUVs focus heavily on urban comfort and lifestyle styling, the 212 remains firmly rooted in authentic off-road engineering. Built on a body-on-frame ladder chassis using 99% high-strength steel, the 212 is designed to tackle extreme terrain with confidence and precision. Both the Adventurer and Navigator feature front, centre and rear differential locks, rigid axle suspension systems, multiple terrain drive modes and exceptional wading capability, features typically reserved for high-end dedicated off-road vehicles. Whether navigating steep mountain trails, crossing wadis or taking on Oman’s vast desert landscapes, the 212 has been developed to deliver dependable performance where it matters most.
A Legacy of Legendary Capability: Founded in 1958, Beijing Automobile Works (BAW) is one of China’s oldest and most respected automotive manufacturers. The iconic 212 was first introduced in 1961 and quickly earned a reputation for rugged reliability across military, government and civilian applications operating in some of the world’s harshest environments. Over more than six decades, the 212 has continuously evolved while remaining true to its original purpose, delivering dependable, go-anywhere capability backed by durable engineering and modern technology.
212 Adventurer: The 212 Adventurer combines rugged engineering with advanced off-road performance. It features a ground clearance of 235 mm, approach and departure angles of 40.3° and 35.5°, a wading depth of 659 mm and an impressive climbing capability of up to 80%. Powered by a 2.0L turbocharged engine producing 170 kW and 390 Nm of torque, the Adventurer is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and 10 selectable drive modes including Sand, Rock, Mud and Wade modes for demanding terrain conditions.
