A local market success, the X55's interior changes require a keen eye to spot. Images: Charl Bosch
Having amassed significant acclaim since going on-sale two years ago, Beijing Automotive Industrial Corporation, better known by its abbreviation BAIC, debuted the incrementally updated Beijing X55 Plus on the first day of the Kyalami Festival of Motoring on Thursday (29 August).
The upscale marque’s first model on local soil with more, the X55 Plus’ exterior differences from the standard variant consists of quad exhaust outlets and new 18-inch as well as 19-inch alloy wheel designs.
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In expanding the colour palette to six hues, Krypton Grey and Turquoise Blue join the existing choices of Polar White, Metallic Grey, Scarlet Red and Electric Yellow.
Inside, the revisions include black leather upholstery option on all models, type-C USB ports and voice recognition.
As standard, the 10.1-inch infotainment system and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster prevail, though still without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in the case of the former.
In terms of standard specification, the base Dynamic includes the aforementioned displays and USB ports, plus keyless entry and push-button start, rain sense wipers, LED headlights, a four-speaker sound system, six airbags and rear air-conditioning vents.
Also standard are:
Stepping up to the Elite brings the mentioned 19-inch wheels and dual-zone climate control, along with a wireless charger, electric front seats, front parking sensors, two additional speakers for a total of six, a panoramic sunroof, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an electric tailgate.
Topping the range, the X55 Plus Premium boasts an eight-speaker sound system, ambient lighting, heated and ventilated front seats with a memory function for the driver’s chair, Adaptive Cruise Control and a surround-view camera system with a transparent underbody view.
Completing the Premium is;
Underneath its bonnet, the so-called Magic Core 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine produces an unchanged 130kW/305Nm directed to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
As before, all models receive a drive mode selector with four settings; Eco, Comfort, Smart and Sport.
Carried over from the X55, all three X55 Plus models’ prices include a five-year/150 000 km warranty with a five-year service plan over a similar distance being optional.
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