BAIC has officially launched the upgraded Beijing X55 Plus in South Africa, which features major changes to the car’s styling and features.
Despite the improvements to the X55’s brochure, the company has elected not to increase the crossover’s pricing, as it still retails for a minimum of R429,900 with three trim levels on offer.
Features
The changes to the X55 start with its design, as it is rocking a new set of “Sporty Blade” alloy wheels that start at 18 inches in size.
It also has new dual quad exhausts, complemented by a revised colour selection comprising Scarlet Red, Polar White, Electric Yellow, Metallic Grey, Krypton Grey, and Turquoise Blue.
Motorists who pick up the top-spec Premium model can now also opt for a two-tone roof for only R5,000 extra.
Inside, the updated cabin features full-black upholstery, Type-C USB ports, a voice control system capable of managing over 200 functions, and Easy Connection for smartphone mirroring on the 10.1-inch infotainment screen.
The Premium also benefits from a wireless charger and an extended safety equipment list, including a 540-degree 4D transparent chassis camera system that gives drivers a clear view of the road beneath them.
Other fittings include blind-spot detection, intelligent cruise control, lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, and forward collision warning.
All of this is on top of what was already offered on the outgoing X55, as the Dynamic is sold with automatic LED headlights, daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and start, a multifunction steering wheel, a 10.25-inch digital driver display, four speakers, artificial leather seats, automatic climate control, a refrigerated central storage box, ABS, rear parking sensors, hill descent control, and six airbags.
The mid-range Elite adds to this with larger 19-inch alloys, heated auto-folding side mirrors, roof rails, a panoramic sunroof, a leather steering wheel, six speakers, electric seats, and an automatic tailgate.
As for the flagship Premium, you can expect an eight-speaker stereo, ambient lighting, heated and ventilated front seats with memory settings, and front parking sensors.
Engine
All three units in the X55 line-up are powered by the same 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which pumps out a healthy 130kW and 305Nm.
This is connected to the front wheels via a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which helps to give the crossover an average fuel consumption of 7.2l/100km.
The BAIC can also accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 200km/h.
Pricing
The South African pricing for the updated BAIC Beijing X55 Plus is as follows:
- BAIC Beijing X55 Plus Dynamic – R429,900
- BAIC Beijing X55 Plus Elite – R469,900
- BAIC Beijing X55 Plus Premium – R509,900
This includes a 5-year/150,000km warranty and a 5-year/60,000km service plan.
2024 BAIC Beijing X55 Plus
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