Santana is preparing to re-enter the Spanish automotive scene with the Cajal, a new 4x4 to be manufactured at its historic Linares plant in Jaén. The official unveiling is scheduled for July, a major step for the brand as it seeks to offer a strong, affordable SUV with a distinctly Spanish identity. The company’s renewed program began in 2025, bringing the historic brand and factory back into activity after a period of inactivity.
The Cajal is based on the BAIC BJ40, a Chinese off-roader, through a technological partnership with the Chinese manufacturer. Santana Motors CEO Eduardo “Edu” Blanco discussed the revival and the return of activity to Linares in an interview with coches.net. Production is set to begin with semi-knocked-down vehicle packages assembled at the Linares factory. The company aims to increase the share of Spanish and European components over time.
Measuring 4.7 meters in length, the Cajal is 1.9 meters wide and 1.9 meters high. It fits squarely into the D-segment, with space for five passengers. Its 2.7-meter wheelbase is designed to maximize comfort and practicality for rural work and daily commuting, as well as weekend escapes into nature. Independent coverage has placed the full-size off-roader below the €50,000 mark, while the company’s broader lineup pairs the Cajal with the Santana 400.
The Cajal’s technical specifications point to its off-road credentials. Its approach angle is 37º, while the breakover angle is 23º. The departure angle measures 31º. Ground clearance stands at 220 mm, and the vehicle can ford water up to 800 mm deep. Santana also expects it to have four-wheel lead and a reduction gear. The setup will include three mechanical differential locks, alongside driving modes designed for difficult terrain.
The Cajal is built on a multi-technology platform that allows for a range of powertrains. At launch, buyers will be able to choose between diesel and petrol engines, both paired with an automatic transmission and permanent 4WD as standard. The transmission is expected to be an eight-speed unit sourced from ZF. COPE Andalucía has described the planned Cajal as a diesel-powered off-roader with four-wheel lead and a reduction gear; it is also expected to have three mechanical differential locks. Technical data for the five-door BAIC BJ40 include a turbocharged petrol configuration producing 221 CV and 380 Nm, paired with an automatic transmission and four-wheel lead. Those figures describe the BAIC vehicle, not a confirmed Cajal specification. Santana plans to introduce a version with extended-range electric technology later, carrying Spain’s DGT “0” emissions label.
Honoring Spanish Legacy
Santana named its new model after Santiago Ramón y Cajal, one of Spain’s most celebrated scientists and a pioneer in neuroscience. The choice reflects the company’s intention to pay tribute to Spanish history and achievement, following a tradition seen with brands such as Seat and Cupra. Santana says future models will also take their names from Spain’s heritage, including iconic places and influential figures.
The Cajal’s debut is about reviving a storied brand and reconnecting with Spanish manufacturing and identity as the automotive industry evolves. Santana’s strategy reaches beyond its two current principal models: coches.net has reported plans for a medium-sized pickup in 2027, alongside a product range combining diesel and electrified powertrains. The company has also partnered with COAG Andalucía and Caja Rural de Jaén to help vehicle acquisition for agricultural professionals, tying its commercial relaunch to rural mobility needs.
As noted in a recent analysis of the Mazda MX-5’s transition to its final gasoline-powered generation, heritage and innovation are increasingly intertwined in today’s car launches. Santana aims to build an international commercial presence from Linares, using the factory as a manufacturing base and a symbol of the brand’s return.
The official presentation is set for July in Linares. More details about pricing and equipment are expected soon, with availability also to be announced. Santana’s return signals renewed ambition for Spanish automotive manufacturing and gives drivers seeking a capable, characterful SUV built on home soil another option.
Spain remains one of Europe’s leading car producers, with a strong tradition of domestic and international brands. The Cajal could help revitalize local industry and offer an alternative in a segment dominated by global players. The market will be watching whether Santana can deliver on its promise of quality and affordability while expressing national pride.
