BAIC X55 coming to Malaysia; here’s what to expect

After GWM, BYD, Chery, and Neta, another Chinese car brand ready to set its foot in Malaysia is BAIC (Beijing Automotive Industry Corp). The automaker marked its official entry in Malaysia earlier this year with the preview of two SUVs, the X55 and the BJ40 Plus. In today’s story, we'll take a closer look at the upcoming BAIC X55, highlighting its design and features.

Price

Starting with the price, the BAIC X55 will be offered in two variants in Malaysia - Standard and Premium, expected to be priced between RM 12x,xxx and RM 14x,xxx.

Dimensions 

The BAIC X55 is a C-segment SUV, measuring 4,620 mm in length, 1,886 mm in width, and 1,680 mm in height, and carries a 2,736-mm long wheelbase. The ground clearance is measured at 160 mm.

Exterior

The upcoming BAIC SUV boasts a youthful and sharp appearance that appeals to younger drivers. The car features a Crystal Star Design language with a Crystal Diamond Interstellar front grille and Star Trails ambient light. These are complemented by a hexagonal bumper pattern, prominent bonnet creases, and slim L-shaped LED daytime running lights. 

Accentuating the side profile are “Inductive Hidden Door Handles”, which automatically pop out when approached, offering a seamless and futuristic touch. Towards the rear lies a large split spoiler, striking LED tail lights, and quad tailpipes, adding to the sporty and aggressive aesthetic of the SUV. The car rides on 18-inch or 19-inch aluminium alloy wheels.

Notably, the BAIC X55 also sets a new benchmark in its class with a super low coefficient of drag of 0.32 Cd.

Interior

Inside, the SUV features a minimalist design with a "floating" centre console, a horizontal dashboard, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and dual displays. The latter comprises a 10-inch instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment head unit with wireless smartphone connectivity.

While the Standard model has power-adjustable front seats wrapped in faux leather upholstery, the Premium model has red genuine leather upholstery with memory, heating, and ventilation functions.

Another key interior highlight is the “Inductive Panoramic Sunroof,” which measures 0.81m and comes with self-induced closure during rainy weather for added convenience.

The standard equipment kit also comprises an electronic parking brake with auto hold, a dual-zone automatic air conditioning system, six speakers, ​​keyless entry, push-button start, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a reverse camera, and a powered tailgate. However, with the top-spec trim, customers will also get ten-colour ambient lighting, a 360-degree parking camera system, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and two additional speakers.

Engine

Both variants of the X55 will come powered by a Magic Core 1.5-litre turbocharged direct-injected four-popper engine co-developed by BAIC and Germany Meta. The engine is capable of generating a maximum power of 188 PS at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 305 Nm from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. 

The power is transferred to the front wheels through a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, allowing the SUV to accelerate from naught to 100 kmph in 7.8 seconds. The fuel efficiency is rated at 7.2 litres per 100 km (13.89 kmpl).

Safety

The Chinese SUV will come equipped with 12 Ultrasonic radars and 5 Driving and monitoring cameras, ensuring a secure and confident driving experience. Depending on the variant picked, the list of safety features may include -

• Cruise control
• Six airbags
• Anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution
• Electronic stability program
• Hill descent control 
• Hill assist control 
• Brake override system 
• Adaptive cruise control 
• Front collision warning 
• Lane departure warning 
• Road departure protection 
• Automatic emergency braking
• High beam assist,
• Lane-keeping assist
• Traffic jam assist
• Blind spot detection 

Launch timeline

The BAIC X55 launch in Malaysia is expected in the second half of the year. It will be offered a CKD model locally assembled at the EP Manufacturing (EPMB) plant in Melaka. 

Back in April, BAIC International Development Co. Ltd collaborated with EP Manufacturing Berhad for the production of vehicles in Malaysia. As per the agreement, EPMB's subsidiary, Peps-JV Sdn Bhd, will start by manufacturing ICE-powered BAIC models and venture into electric vehicles by 2025.

That’s all for now. For further updates on the upcoming BAIC cars and other industry-related news, stay tuned with us.

Also read: Kia EV9 officially launched in Malaysia - Starting from RM367k, 6/7seater, 380hp/700Nm, 505km range