Big brother
It’s no coincidence that BigBo was born in Kostroma. The Kostroma region hosts two trophy raids for frame SUVs, both recognized as federal-level competitions. Enthusiasts of extreme off-road driving are well aware of the meticulous care with which the organizers of "Susanin Trophy" select their routes—not all participants make it to the finish line—or how unpredictable the "Polnaya Chukhloma" rally can be.
If BigBo were to join any of these routes as a full-fledged participant, it would leave no chance for the competition. It can easily reach speeds of up to 55 kilometers per hour on straight paths and tackles obstacles effortlessly, without the need for additional equipment.
That said, let’s be fair: BigBo belongs to an entirely different class of vehicles compared to frame SUVs. It’s a true all-terrain vehicle, and driving it requires a special license for self-propelled machinery in category AII. Naturally, the requirements for BigBo are in line with its unique capabilities.
Work on BigBo began back in 2014, two years before viral videos of another Russian all-terrain vehicle, the "Sherp," captured the attention of the internet. While the two vehicles may look similar, the devil, as they say, is in the details. BigBo is powered by a 1.5-liter Hyundai gasoline engine producing 102 horsepower—more than twice the power of its competitor—and paired with an automatic transmission. The controls are ergonomically designed to resemble those of a standard car. The steering wheel, however, is a bit unconventional—it’s often described as being of the "motorcycle type," though I prefer the more refined term "helm." Interestingly, the steering wheel is height-adjustable—a rare luxury for a vehicle in this class.
From the outset, BigBo’s creators envisioned their vehicle as a companion for those who cherish untouched nature, fishing, and hunting in the most remote corners of the planet. They emphasized a personalized approach to each client. The interior of the all-terrain vehicle can be customized to rival that of a premium sedan, with options like a touchscreen, television, navigation system, seats with side support, and even a refrigerator. Essentially, any whim can be fulfilled—for the right price. Even the standard model comes equipped with climate control, a Webasto autonomous heater, a JBL audio system, panoramic windows, and a sunroof for an even better view.
In its base configuration, the all-terrain vehicle accommodates five people, but the seating capacity can be increased to eight or reduced, depending on the owner’s preference. The seats are upholstered in marine-grade vinyl—an eco-leather with enhanced resistance to water (including saltwater), dirt, and UV radiation, as well as cleaning agents. The interior trim is available in red, orange, green, or blue.
The core of BigBo’s off-road capability lies in its low center of gravity and custom-designed, low-pressure tires with a large cross-section. The tires measure 1600 × 1580 mm, which translates to an incredible 62-inch diameter. The tires can be inflated at the push of a button, thanks to a turbocharger connected directly to the engine. Each tire can be inflated individually, and pressure can also be released from the tires without leaving the cabin. The tread depth of 60 millimeters ensures reliable traction on any terrain and allows the tires to function as paddle wheels—yes, BigBo can float, moving at a speed of about five kilometers per hour. During tests, the designers even managed to cross the Volga River. There’s no need to worry about the engine or electrical systems—they are fully sealed, and the engine is accessible directly from the cabin.
During another test, BigBo assisted in laying fiber-optic cables through the impassable tundra in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug. The all-terrain vehicle covered 450 kilometers and completed the task in just 20 days—five times faster than initially planned. In short, BigBo is a perfect addition to the list of "accessories" for the explorer yacht Ragnar. Onboard, it joins an impressive lineup that includes a miniature submarine, two high-speed Laser-class sailing boats, two eight-meter tenders, two inflatable boats, jet skis, a Eurocopter EC145 helicopter, and an American Ripsaw EV2 tracked tank.
More details and tech specs
