2026 BAIC X55 Review

Into the mix of generic SUVs lands BAIC’s entry model, the X55. It follows the usual Chinese MO of tempting buyers with plenty of features, distinctive styling and sharp pricing. When the X55 launched locally a few months ago, its introductory price of $34,990 looked enticing. However, that offer has lapsed, with the sticker now sitting at $37,990. 

The X55 is a bit bigger than you might think; at 4.6 metres long, it’s larger than those compact SUVs, more in line with ‘a medium’. That makes it an option for smaller families. Otherwise, there’s nothing too special about it, running a 138kW/305Nm 1.5 turbo petrol, turning the fronts via a seven-speed dual clutch. Those numbers look respectable, particularly the torque figure, besting most ICE rivals.

Styling is one area where BAIC has clearly put in some effort. The X55 looks modern enough, with sharp creases, slim lighting elements and flush-fitting door handles. Buyers can choose from a surprisingly broad colour palette too, including several two-tone combinations.

Inside, the X55 makes a decent first impression. The cabin design is contemporary, featuring an interesting mix of textures, unusual air vent designs and a floating centre console arrangement. While there are plenty of hard plastics throughout, BAIC has at least attempted to inject some visual interest.

The front seats come with both heating and ventilation but unfortunately, comfort isn’t quite as impressive as the specification sheet suggests. The seats lack proper lumbar support, and after an hour or so behind the wheel, you start wishing for a little more cushioning and adjustment.

Technology duties are handled through a modest 10-inch touchscreen. Due to its size, some touch points are hard to hit on the move. The menu structure is logical enough, however, with useful shortcuts making it relatively easy to find what you’re after. Response times are acceptable too. Apple CarPlay is fitted, but Android users miss out.

Storage up front is reasonable without being exceptional. There’s a wireless charging pad for compatible phones, although BAIC’s decision to provide just a single cupholder feels rather odd in a family-focused SUV.

Rear seat accommodation is one of the X55’s stronger points. Adults will find generous legroom and decent headroom despite the presence of a full-length panoramic glass roof. Entry and exit are helped by wide-opening rear doors, while families get ISOFIX child seat mounts and a 60:40 split-folding rear bench.

The 360-litre luggage area is adequate rather than generous. The boot floor sits quite high because a spare wheel lives underneath, limiting overall depth. Still, there’s enough room for a decent grocery shop. The powered tailgate isn’t the quickest and insists on announcing its movements with a series of enthusiastic beeps.

While initial impressions are sound, the drive itself needs more tuning. For an urban SUV, the ride is firmer than expected. You’re constantly aware of road imperfections, while tyre noise is ever-present. 

The powertrain’s low-speed refinement needs polishing too. The dual-clutch transmission is the biggest culprit. While there’s little evidence of genuine turbo lag or worrying torque steer under acceleration, the gearbox struggles to make up its mind in traffic. Often it hangs onto higher gears for too long, lugging the engine below its sweet spot before suddenly dropping a ratio and surging forward. 

Fuel consumption also proved disappointing. BAIC quotes an estimated average of 7.7L/100km, while Rightcar lists 8.1L/100km. During our time with the vehicle, however, it returned closer to 10.5L/100km. That puts it in ‘thirsty’ territory. And if you’re wondering, there isn’t currently a hybrid option available.

The brake pedal also takes some acclimatisation. Initial response is quite sharp, almost grabby, before the pedal transitions into a softer, slightly spongy feel further into its travel.

Out on the open road, body control through corners is surprisingly tidy, with limited roll and plenty of grip.

Parking is generally straightforward thanks to light steering, a good turning circle and a useful 360-degree camera system with respectable image quality. However, the electronic gear selector can occasionally be frustrating when switching between Drive and Reverse. More than once we found ourselves stranded in Neutral as you need a firm pressure on the brake pedal to engage gears. 

Out on the open road, body control through corners is surprisingly tidy, with limited roll and plenty of grip. Electronic intervention through targeted braking helps keep things neatly on line, and the steering possesses at least some sense of connection.

That said, the ride remains on the firm side, and larger bumps can upset the vehicle more abruptly than you’d like. You’ll also quickly discover that Sport mode is your friend. Activated with a simple tug of the gear lever, it sharpens transmission responses considerably. Leave the car in its Normal setting and the gearbox becomes reluctant to downshift, particularly on hills or when preparing for an overtake. Despite the healthy-looking 305Nm torque figure, the X55 never feels especially eager.

The adaptive cruise control system also leaves room for improvement. On winding highways it tends to brake far too aggressively when approaching corners, making it more frustrating than useful.

One area where the BAIC differs from many rivals is its relative lack of driver assistance technology. There are fewer warning chimes and interruptions because features such as lane centring, speed sign recognition and driver monitoring aren’t fitted. Some buyers may actually appreciate the quieter driving experience. However, the absence of an ANCAP safety rating is harder to ignore.

Ultimately, the BAIC X55 offers plenty of equipment, decent passenger space and distinctive styling. Yet while it gets many of the basics right, the driving experience lacks the polish expected in an increasingly competitive segment. With more refined rivals available, and an increasing number of hybrid alternatives, BAIC has some work to do before the X55 becomes a genuine class contender.  

BAIC X55

$37,990  /  8.1L/100km  /  183g/km
0-100 km/h 7.8s
Engine  1498cc  IL4 / DI / T
Max power  138kW@5500rpm
Max torque  305Nm@1500-4500rpm
Drivetrain  7-speed DCT, FWD
Weight (claimed)  1550kg