BusinessTech
The new Beijing X55 from BAIC has officially launched in South Africa, with customers who pre-ordered the crossover taking delivery of their new vehicle from Wednesday (16 November).
The X55 offers three model variants, with its entry-level, the Dynamic, priced at R394,900. Its middle and top-range variants, the Elite and Premium X55, are coming in at R424,900 and R454,900, respectively.
At this price point, the new X55 is set to be a notable competitor in the South African crossover SUV market, which has become hugely popular among South African motorists in 2022. In fact, the Beijing X55 is priced close to the most popular crossover in South Africa as of October 2022 – the Toyota Corolla Cross.
According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa), not only is Toyota the leading car manufacturer in terms of domestic sales in October 2022 – selling a total of 12,574 units – but its Toyota Corolla Cross sold a total of 2,014 units, with its closest competitor in the segment being another Totoya, the Urban Cruiser which sold 1,820.
Currently, the Corolla Cross price ranges from R340,400 to R461,700, which is very similar to the X55’s pricing strategy.
Specs
According to TopAuto, the different variants of the new X55 are set apart by equipment alone, as each is styled almost identically and gets the same powertrain.
The Beijing X55 Dynamic and, by extension, the other two variants come standard with a 10.25-inch media screen accompanied by a 10.25-inch digital driver’s screen, Bluetooth support, keyless start, LED lights, artificial leather upholstery, and four driving modes consisting of Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart.
The Elite derivative is set apart from the base model by the addition of a panoramic sunroof, electric seats, an electric tailgate, keyless entry, and 19-inch alloys. Buyers of the X55 Premium can further expect eight speakers, multi-colour ambient lighting, front parking sensors, heated and ventilated seats, and driver seat memory functions.
Safety features that also come standard across BAIC’s X55 range include six airbags, ABS with brake assist, brake auto hold, rear parking sensors, and hill descent control.
Performance
All three models are powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine capable of 130kW of power and 305Nm of torque – reaching 0 to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds.
The X55 is configured with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and manages an average fuel consumption of 7.2l/100km.
Each purchase carries a 5-year/150,000km warranty capped off with an additional 2-year/50,000km drivetrain warranty, which covers the transmission, driveshaft, axles, and wheels.
Customers who order an X55 before the end of 2022 will also receive a 5-year/60,000km service plan free of charge to the value of R16,800.
BAIC Beijing X55
Read: The average price of a used car in South Africa right now
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