As we already know, Chinese vehicles have been on the rise in South Africa, which is indicative of more of them flooding our roads as they are constantly evolving and improving. Offering stylish modern designs at affordable prices, new Far Eastern brands are starting to move forward with BAIC confirming that its X55 will be produced in South Africa.
The X55 is a compact SUV and the new flagship model of the BAIC brand. The stylish newcomer features a flawless and elegant design that demonstrates how BAIC has prioritized aesthetics and the pursuit of original design. The exterior is reminiscent of other vehicles on the market, but one that stands out in particular is the Kia EV6 with which it shares many similarities.
Power comes from a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine producing 130kW of power and 305Nm of torque mated to a 7-speed DCT transmission, which sends power to the front wheels. The Beijing X55 will go from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds.
BAIC reiterates its plan to become a household name in South Africa and a bigger part of the economy. A local plant, located in the northeastern part of Gqeberha in the Coega Industrial Development Zone, has been identified as making the elegant Chinese model. There is a strong possibility that the new X55 will be built at the Eastern Cape plant sometime in 2023 and BAIC describes its new facility as “high-end, environmentally friendly and smart”.
“We consider South Africa our second home and have a strong loyalty to this country and to the local communities in which we operate. We are in the business of creating mobility for our customers, but we also work every day to create upward mobility for the South African economy,” says Buhle Hanise, BAIC South Africa’s Chief Financial Officer.
For pricing and specifications, read more about the BAIC Beijing X55: BAIC launches promising Beijing X55 SUV
