The Beijing X55 Plus is a bold, high-tech SUV that’s shaking up South Africa’s streets with futuristic design and unbeatable value.

• The Beijing X55 Plus combines futuristic styling with impressive performance at a competitive price.
• Packed with advanced technology, it offers a premium driving experience but lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• With its bold design, efficient turbocharged engine, and luxury features, it’s a serious contender in the SUV market.
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Imagine this: you’re standing at the crossroads of the future. On one side, a parade of sensible hatchbacks and sluggish SUVs, all wrapped in predictable shades of Nardo Grey. On the other, the Beijing X55 Plus, an SUV that looks like it just dropped out of an anime blockbuster onto our streets. Bold, brash, and unashamedly attention-seeking, it arrives just in time for Chinese New Year – the Year of the Snake – making it the perfect moment to take a closer look at the influx of Chinese car brands in South Africa.

Despite a decline in overall new vehicle sales, Chinese brands are gaining traction. According to Standard Bank Vehicle Finance, the proportion of Chinese cars financed has steadily increased from just over 6% in 2022 to 7.4% in the first half of 2024. Leading the charge is GWM Haval, followed by Chery and then BAIC. Gauteng accounts for the majority of deals at 54%, with KwaZulu-Natal at 18% and the Western Cape at 10%. Even the pre-owned market is thriving, with financing for used Chinese vehicles growing from 20% in 2022 to 36% by mid-2024.

And then, there’s the Beijing X55 Plus. Under the bonnet, it packs a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 130 kilowatts and 305 newton-metres of torque, even though it carries the aesthetic of a full EV. It propels from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.8 seconds while sipping fuel at an efficient 7.2-litres per 100 km. It features futuristic LED lights, hidden door handles that feel like a magician’s trick, and a quad exhaust system that makes onlookers Google the name ‘Beijing X55 Plus’.

Inside, BAIC has taken a no-nonsense approach to premium styling. PU leather lends a sophisticated, upmarket feel. Tech is another highlight, with a 10.1-inch central touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, Type-C ports, and even a refrigerated armrest storage compartment. There’s a full suite of selectable drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart. Advanced climate control with voice command enhances the sense of a tailored driving experience. However, there’s a notable omission – no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. A BAIC-purchasable dongle fixes this, but it’s still a bit of a letdown in 2025.

The Beijing X55 Plus isn’t just about high-tech features and eye-catching looks; it has credibility. It was crowned the 2023 South African Car of the Year in the Compact Family category and even served as the official vehicle for the BRICS Summit, chauffeuring VIPs in style. But let’s talk about what really matters—how it drives.

On the road, the X55 Plus is surprisingly agile for its size. The steering is light, perfect for navigating Sandton’s infamous traffic circles, yet responsive enough for an open-road blast. The suspension is plush, absorbing potholes with a grace few SUVs in this price range can match. The seven-speed DCT gearbox is generally smooth but occasionally hesitant, as if contemplating its life choices mid-shift. That said, when it gets into its rhythm, the turbo kicks in with a satisfying surge, making for a sprightly drive.

Storage is a bit of a mixed bag. The door pockets are tighter than expected, requiring a bit of persuasion to fit anything substantial. The centre console offers two phone slots, and while they work well, trying to squeeze a large water bottle into the storage areas can be an exercise in patience. These quirks don’t overshadow the overall experience, but they are worth noting.

Then there’s the price. The range starts at R429’900, with the top-spec Premium 2T model maxing out at R514’900. That’s a lot of car for the money, like getting a luxury timepiece for the price of a mid-range watch. Add in a five-year/150’000 km warranty and a five-year/60’000 km service plan, and BAIC is practically begging you to drive one home.

The Beijing X55 Plus is a stylish, tech-loaded SUV that punches well above its weight. It has its quirks—yes, the missing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is frustrating, and the door storage could be more accommodating—but these are small sacrifices for an SUV that looks this good, drives this well, and offers this much value. It’s bold, it’s different, and it’s proof that Chinese automakers are ready to take on the big names. If you’re looking for an SUV that makes a statement without draining your bank account, this one’s hard to ignore.

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