“THIS IS not a launch, journos but a preview” warned Patience Dumisane, the public relations executive at BAIC, with a stern voice.
She was addressing hordes of journos attending the ‘preview’ of the Biejing- an SUV by BAIC, as soaring temperatures plummeted Zwartkop Race Course, Pretoria, on Wednesday morning.
Yes, Beijing welcome to SA.
After presentations by the headhonchos, we were ordered to inspect and test drive this Beijing X55, that was followed by screeching tyres smell that was palpable all over and full throttles on the Zwartkop tar.
This SUV is packed with avant-garde styling, excellent power, advanced technology by the company and its partnership with Daimler’s technology in China.
What caught my eye was the hidden door hands that caused a bit of uneasiness amongst the scribes, more so my colleague Mdu Mphahlele, who had a ‘daring attitude’ by approaching one of the BAIC’s employees “how does one open the handle of the door?”
It is called an induction pop-up, ensuring that when carrying the key near the vehicle, it automatically unlocks and pops up the door handle; when getting out of the vehicle, the vehicle automatically locks and closes the door handle.
And voila, the hidden door hands opened after the car key was detected, ‘hugh’- I sighed a relief.
It has LED lights, floor door induction, split rear wing and the shark fin aerial accentuates the vehicle’s ultramodern design.
Also included in this avant-garde is a sophisticated space-turbo interior, highlighting engine-style air vents, aircraft style steering mechanism and 3D light effect textured ambient lighting. Included in this package is a CarbitLink infontainment system.
With everyone now quenching the thirst, we took a turn towards Magalies to test the safety and durability of X55 Beijing- as trucks and onlookers were in awe, as we made our way to the hilltop De Hoek Hotel- perched right in middle of the bush of Magalies.
Swopping with Mdu and other ‘old toppie’ who’s well informed when coming to motoring, I did 120km/h along the curvy road that leads to Lanseria Airport, to such an extend the ‘old toppie’ noted “if we hit any of this trucks- you’re on your own, buddy” that solicited a crack of a laughter from my colleague.
Hugo HU- Vice President of Sales and Marketing at BAIC South Africa says that the company has invested in developing intelligent cars under a new brand, BEIJING underpinned by cooperation with its partners on intelligent connected vehicle technologies.
“We’re bringing the best of breed in innovation, supported by Daimler’s technology who have been our main partner in China for years, operating Mercedes-Benz factories in Beijing through joint venture Beijing Benz Automotive.”
The BEIJING X55 is a compact BMFA (Beijing modular functional architecture) platform chassis, which will underpin future vehicle models and plug-in hybrid vehicle models.
When driving in the rain, (unfortunately too much sun took a toll on us) the windscreen retains fewer raindrops and the windows on both sides of the driver and passenger sides are cleaner, enhancing driving safety.
The BEIJING X55 has ultra-low wind resistance, with a drag coefficient of 0.32
With highly efficient power, it holds a 1.5 turbo engine with a 380 dual-clutch transmission (DCT), and 130KW – 305NM, showcasing impeccable power.
Acceleration, like I did, is a breeze with 7.8s 0-100km/h, this BMFA latest generation 2.0 architecture chassis also offers multiple driving modes: eco, comfort, sports and smart.
It also boast an efficient fuel consumption of per 100km: 7,2 litres and a 0-100km/h acceleration in 7.8 seconds.
It has 6 airbags as standard on all the series of models, rear seat belt dash icon reminder, has the C-NCAP 5- star safety standard and C-IASI CPSR full G standard.
Added are ABSA• EBD• EBA – emergency braking assist, electronic parking brake, hill hold control, hill descendent control, warning of tired driving, crash doors unlock automatically, TPMS.
Beijing X55 has meet the highest rating of two of China’s toughest safety test standards, Bosch’s 9.3 latest generation ESP system, front & rear sensors.
It will retail from R400 000 to R460 000.
According to Patience, it will be launched officially in SA in November 2022.
Image Mdu Mphahlele ( Magalies hills welcomes the all new Beijing X55 in mzansi).
