It's been two weeks since the Baic Beijing X55 found its way into our daily lives, and it's time to share our initial impressions. As we navigate the roads of South Africa, we've come to appreciate some of its standout features and also noticed a few aspects that leave room for improvement. So, let's dive into what we like and what we don't like about the Beijing X55 so far.
What We Like:
The Beijing X55 presents a range of standout features that have contributed to our positive experience:
- Turns Heads: With its captivating design, the Beijing X55 effortlessly commands attention and stands out on the road.
- Comfortable Ride: The SUV’s ride quality ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey, adapting adeptly to varying road conditions.
- Enhanced Security: The keyless entry and start system provides a layer of security by not activating from a distance, mitigating potential relay attacks.
- High-Quality Interior: Stepping inside the Beijing X55 is a genuine pleasure, with surfaces radiating a sense of quality and meticulous attention to detail.
- Surprising Speed: Bolstered by a 1.5L engine, the Beijing X55 defies preconceived notions with its nimble acceleration, effortlessly challenging the status quo for Chinese SUVs.
- Ample Space: The Beijing X55 boasts generous interior space, accommodating passengers and cargo with ease, ensuring every journey is both spacious and comfortable.
- Customizable Comfort: Rear passengers benefit from adjustable seat recline and versatile armrest options, enhancing their comfort during extended rides.
- Minimal Leaning: Despite its SUV build, the Beijing X55 demonstrates minimal leaning during turns, nurturing a stable and assured driving experience.
- Impressive Instrument Cluster: The instrument cluster’s screen quality is striking, elevating the driving experience with its clarity and visual appeal.
- Thoughtful Storage: The Beijing X55 excels in practicality, exemplified by the thoughtfully designed load cover that fits neatly under the boot floor.
What We Don’t Like:
While the Beijing X55 has certainly won us over, we’ve also identified some minor irritations, many of which we believe could be improved or resolved through software updates.
- Lacking Hill Assist and Anti-Roll: The absence of hill assist and anti-roll features affects convenience and stability in specific driving scenarios.
- Radio Reset Issue: The radio’s inability to retain the last input after startup necessitates repeated adjustments, impacting user convenience.
- App Connect Challenges: The functionality of App Connect requires significant improvement, with hopes for future updates to introduce Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Instrument Cluster Behavior: The instrument cluster’s tendency to revert to light mode during startup, despite prior dark mode selection, disrupts user preferences.
- Infotainment Boot Dependency: The requirement to wait for the infotainment system to load before adjusting seats, particularly the memory seat function, introduces unnecessary delays.
- Intermittent Language Issue: The sporadic display of Chinese text during startup, transitioning to English after a delay, briefly creates a language barrier.
- Default Screen Selection: The digital instrument cluster defaults back to the tachometer display, irrespective of the last accessed screen, necessitating repeated manual adjustments.
- Visibility Impairment: The presence of the large A-pillar obstructs visibility, potentially impacting safety during certain maneuvers.
Fuel Efficiency Consideration:
We’ve also observed that the Beijing X55's fuel consumption falls within the realm of what one would expect from an SUV. While it’s not extraordinary, it’s also not disappointing. The manufacturer’s claims can be achieved through careful driving, and overall, it aligns with the norms for SUVs.
Conclusion
Despite these observations, we’d like to emphasize our overall fondness for the Beijing X55. Many of the issues we’ve encountered could potentially be addressed through software updates, and we remain hopeful that Baic will consider these points to continue enhancing the driving experience. As our journey with this SUV unfolds, we’re eager to continue discovering the depth of its character. Stay tuned for more updates as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the Baic Beijing X55's features, performance, and presence on South African roads.
Missed Part 1?
Check it out Here