BAIC Launches New X55 In Malaysia To Rival Proton X70

Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. Ltd., or BAIC as it is more commonly known, has just introduced two new SUVs in Malaysia. In addition to the BJ40 Plus previewed yesterday on this site, the BAIC X55 is an SUV that will go up against arch-rivals like the Honda CR-V and Proton X70. Standard and Premium are the two available variations for the C-segment SUV, with prices ranging from approximately RM120,000 to RM140,000.

The X55 is now imported in its whole from China, together with the BAIC BJ40 Plus. On the other hand, plans for local assembly (CKD) in Malaysia of the two models are scheduled for early next year.

With dimensions of 4,620 mm by 1,886 mm by 1,680 mm and a wheelbase of 2,735 mm, the BAIC X55 is somewhat bigger than the X70, although having a little shorter height.

The X55 boasts a sleek, nicely molded appearance on the outside, evoking thoughts of a Lamborghini Urus-style sports SUV. Its closed-off “front grille” resembles Lexus’s newest spindle grille design and may even lead some people to believe it is an electric vehicle (EV).

The X55 in Malaysia comes with standard exterior features including automatic LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, 18-inch alloys, flush door handles, electric adjustable side-view mirror with heating function

panoramic sunroof and a power tailgate

Powering the X55 in Malaysia is a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that generates 188 hp and 305 Nm, boasting a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that sends power to the front wheels only.

Inside, the decor is quite simple. Like many other SUVs, the X55 has modern amenities like a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10-inch digital instrument display as well as rear air vents and dual-zone automatic air conditioning that are also included as standard.

Only the top-of-the-line X55 Premium is equipped with active safety features that include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Front Collision Warning (FCW).

CARLIST THOUGHTS

To be bluntly honest, the X55 is a good-looking SUV. However, when compared to rivals like the Honda and Proton, its exterior styling is, well, sharp enough, but ho-hum. It could age within a few years. Yes, it does get all of the tech and safety extras you’d expect in a car of this calibre, and it does provide enough oomph to satisfy the sporty-minded, but it may not have to start power to challenge the best from Japan and Malaysia.

More Articles for You

New MG S5 EV Slated To Debut In Malaysia Soon

As so many other carmakers have done in recent years, MG Motor Malaysia has just revealed a teaser for its …

No Aprils Fool’s Joke—This Outrageous Hyundai Insteroid Concept Is Real

April Fool’s jokes are nothing new to automakers. Remember the Toyota Hiace convertible with an integrated oven? Since we’ve learned …

Honda Debuts Purr-fect Tech For Car Owners

Okay, listen up all you car lovers. Honda has just launched a ‘p-awsome’ new technology that makes car journeys more …

Volvo Brings Back Its Former CEO In Surprise Move

At Volvo, Rowan is out and Samuelson is in, again. According to the carmaker, on April 1, Jim Rowan will …

New Deepal S05 Debuts In Thailand And Headed For Malaysia

For SUV fans looking for one of the best-looking crossovers to come out of China, Deepal has just officially confirmed …

So What Is This New EV Automaker Slate All About?

So you’ve never heard of Slate? Me neither, up until yesterday. But as soon as it emerges from behind the …