Features / 22 December 2022 / Michael Taylor

Top-spec Chery Tiggo 4 Pro vs entry-level BAIC Beijing X55 – Chinese crossover comparison

Chinese car brands are becoming increasingly popular in South Africa, with brands like Chery and BAIC seeing a considerable uptick in sales over the past year.

Chery’s Tiggo Pro range in particular has been a big hit with local motorists, selling 10,000 units in less than 11 months since the brand re-entered the country in 2021.

Another Chinese automaker, BAIC, recently launched its latest model in the form of the Beijing X55, with prices starting at a reasonable R394,500 for the entry-level model.

This makes it similarly priced to the top-spec Elite in Chery’s affordable Tiggo 4 Pro family, which comes in at R399,900, making for one interesting comparison.

1.5 Turbo

Both BAIC and Chery’s crossovers make use of 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engines, though they have considerably different power ratings.

The Tiggo has a maximum output of 108kW and 210Nm, which lets it achieve a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 10 seconds and a top speed of 180km/h.

It also has a CVT transmission, with average fuel consumption working out to 6.8l/100km.

As for the X55, it has a higher power ceiling at 130kW and 305Nm letting it sprint to 100km/h in a faster 7.8 seconds, though the company has not revealed its top speed.

Instead of a CVT, the Beijing also uses a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which brings its fuel consumption to a slightly higher 7.2l/100km on a combined cycle.

Features

Both Chinese crossovers spoil their buyers with a generous spec sheet, providing artificial leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, LED headlamps and daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, hill assist, keyless start and entry, a multifunction steering wheel, a digital driver’s display and an infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

As for the Chery, the range-topping Tiggo 4 further offers a 360-degree panoramic camera, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, adaptive cruise control, ambient interior lighting, a sunroof, an electric driver seat, six speakers, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

It also has three driving modes for Standard, Eco, and Sport, and an instrument screen measuring 7 inches while the entertainment monitor clocks in at 10.25 inches.

BAIC’s entry, on the other hand, has a 10.1-inch multimedia system and a larger 10.25-inch driver display, as well as four driving modes for Eco, Sport, Comfort, and Smart.

It also comes with a stop-start function, standard cruise control, a reverse camera, four speakers, a refrigerated storage area under the central armrest, and larger 18-inch alloy rims.

Pricing

The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5T Elite has a South African starting price of R399,900.

This includes a 5-year/150,000km warranty, a 5-year/60,000km service plan, and a separate 10-year/1,000,000km warranty on the engine for the first owner.

The BAIC Beijing X55 1.5T Dynamic has a South African starting price of R394,500.

Each purchase comes with a 5-year/150,000km warranty with an additional 2-year/50,000km drivetrain warranty.