Beijing X55: Dynamic, Elite or Premium? Which is the best choice?

The Beijing X55 from BAIC has certainly caused a stir in the SA market since it's recent launch. The value for money proposition is unquestionable.....so, which of the 3 specification levels would you choose?
This was the brief I was given when collecting the mid-spec Elite model for testing. So much has already been said and written about the X55 (including by ourselves at the launch as well as our first SA test of the Premium model).
Taking into account the fact that all models feature the same powertrain and transmission being the 1.5l turbo petrol delivering 130kW and 305Nm to the front wheels though the 7 speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The first factor that I considered was pricing. Consider that the models are priced exactly R30 000 apart, starting at R394 500 for the Dynamic. Then R424 500 for the Elite as tested and up to R454 500 for the Premium. The question is what do you get for the extra money as you go up in the range.
Let's start with Dynamic to Elite:
Pre-tensioning seat belts in front
Heated and folding door mirrors
Panoramic Sunroof
19" Alloy wheels
Automatic door handles
Power tailgate
One touch window operation all round
Green glass
Leather Steering wheel
6 way electric adjustment for driver and passenger seats
6 Speaker entertainment system
Now, what does the Premium offer for an additional R30 000
Pre-tensioning seat belts in the rear
Front radar (PDC)
Full leather trim (Red)
Driver seat memory
Front seat heating and ventilation
Rear seat angle adjustment
8 speaker entertainment system
Interior ambient lighting
Additional interior lighting
Taking into account the fact that all models have extensive safety specification and the same performance levels, only you can decide which of the features listed above are important to you the buyer.
Noting that the X55 is clearly being marketed as a price sensitive contender in our highly competitive market many buyers are highly constrained regarding the monthly payments for a new car. At current interest rates, R30 000 would cost you approximately R600 per month on a finance agreement.
Based on this fact, my personal conclusion would be to omit the Elite model. If monthly payments are my deciding factor, I would happily take the Dynamic model. If the bank manager allows, I would jump straight to the top Premium. Looking at all the extra, mainly luxury, items that the Premium model adds to the package, I feel that the extra R60 000 would be money well spent.
#baic
#BAICSA
#beijing
#beijingX55
#mediumsuv
#familysuv
#ValueSUV
#bargainSUV

[@papafituae]

I just have to say, this was a really good review. If you increase slightly your quality of production i can see this channel really blowing up. Thank you from Dubai,

[@luvuyotshwete9341]

LOVE YOUR INTERVIEW SIR.🙏🙏🙏

[@brucelee1987]

Hi Alan. Thanks for the video. I have been following your channel for quite some time. I really do enjoy your journalism and I relate with your personality and interests. However, one thing that I do think can improve is camera stabilization. I do understand that cameras are expensive but there are great budget options that have active stabilization. It will make your content much more appealing to a broader audience and also it will just make it more pleasant to watch. If you are using a phone to record your videos and your budget is very tight, you can get handheld grips that stabilize your phone. But still, thanks a lot for your great content and objective journalism. Making South Africans proud.

[@MotorMatters]

HI Bruce. Thanks for all the compliments. I use a phone to film and use it on a gimbal, so not sure what else I can do at this stage. I'd appreciate your comments.

[@brucelee1987]

@@MotorMatters Hi Alan. In that case it might be the phone that you are using. Most phones nowadays have digital stabilization (so it uses software to stabilise the image/video). However, depending on what phone you use, the quality of the digital stabilization varies significantly. Generally speaking, using a budget phone will most likely result in a shaky video. Using a more premium phone will give better quality. That's not always the case but it's a general rule of thumb. Some mid-range phones actually have better digital stabilization. However, there are select premium phones that actually have active stabilization. So the camera sensor itself stabilizes. But those phones are very niche and usually quite expensive, as those sensors are almost solely found on premium phones. So if you have a phone contract, when you upgrade maybe do a bit of research on the camera quality of the phone. There are countless videos on KZbin for a "Top 10 phones for vlogging" or something similar. Hope it helps.

[@kabeloteddymorris7760]

@@MotorMatters I recommend you get an iPhone 14 pro .. You can record using "action mode" and will stabilize everything like a professional camera will

[@gregsbestbest7383]

Thank you BAIC for keeping as many of the safety features, especially the number of airbags, standard across your range. You would think that manufacturers would want to keep their customers as safe as possible in the event of an accident, but some don't seem to care. I do wish reviewers would focus more on the safety features, the NCAP rating, how well the headlights of the vehicle work and whether it would blind other drivers.

[@TheKnobCalledTone.]

The best thing about no-name Chinese cars is their safety... no self-respecting carjacker would be seen dead trying to take one of these. 🤣🤣

[@leratomolele]

😂😂😂

[@dannymaruatle322]

😂😂😂

[@kabelomoshoeu4265]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@nigelnaicker7948]

I own the premium, its a fantastic car, however 1 correction to your video, the premium does not have front camera view, it just beeps when going forward and highlights when reversing. It is a fantastic drive, I drove the tiggo 4 and 7, this is head and shoulders ahead. Love my new car Edit: Another correction, mood lighting is not on the dash, it's only on the door pads.

[@kabelomashego4546]

Do they come with advanced driving?

[@michaeladabo2719]

Are you saying the chery is far ahead of the Beijing right

[@shahrambeti2438]

Can you comment on the ride and comfort to compare with Tigo 7? which one has a smoother ride?

[@kabelobrian4540]

​@michaeladabo2719 he is saying the BAIC is better

[@marcelosanchezfebles9220]

Hermosa SUV excelente por Baic saludos desde Buenos Aires Argentina

[@gijuvarghese6545]

Hi..how do the safety feature compare with Haval top of the range i.e. auto braking, lane assists etc

[@nigelnaicker7948]

It has no auto braking or lane keep assist or Blindspot detection.

[@nigelnaicker7948]

I own the premium

[@Ndumiso356]

these cars will be serviced at vw

[@DorneV]

No

[@donaldsibiya610]

​@@DorneV Yes

[@thetad1242]

The hypocrisy of car reviewers. Hates the renault radio control stock behind the steering wheel, but has no issue with this Chinese old cruise control being a stock away from steering wheel. Ja swear

[@kostap6555]

They all crap these Chinese brands... lots of tech and low price but after 2 yrs they will fall apart as per owners already complaining about build quality in the longer term...Cherry Havana Beijing no thanks

[@MotorMatters]

I only review and comment on new cars......but look at Haval. 5 years in SA and counting

[@khayalethutukwayo]

That's the experience some have of these cars. I own a haval H6, a model before the current one_no problems at all. I watch a lot of 'Buyers' Guide'on Ignition GT_the presenters have also pointed to the fact that Haval seems to be having less mechanical problems. So, what you are saying is your experience, such can be said by other manufacturers. VW has problems of late. So, nooooo, I disagree. Yes, Baic still has to be tested compared to haval but this product is definitely going to cause havoc in the market just on sheer pricing giving all bells and whistles.

[@kostap6555]

@@khayalethutukwayo I'm in the market for a new car and I'm hearing from others who have bought these brands they fine for the first few months but then they get traded in for more solidly built brands... and no not the Germans..Japanese and Korean are leading now with build quality and reliability

[@marcelosanchezfebles9220]

Los chinos han mejjorado mucho en estos últimos años, no se olviden ellos son socios de la grandes compañías, inclusive compraron sus empresas, como fue Baic con SABB , como lo es gelly que compro Volvo, Ford ha dejado de producir SUV para latinoamerica y deja que produzcan sus Ford Territory en 🇨🇳 China. Yo tuve una Chery 3 2013 excelente, recorrí todo mi país, ahora tengo una Baic X 55 modelo 2019 con motor Mitsubishi 1.5 turbo y anda 👌 perfecto

[@stefanusrheeder4162]

i do not know if I anylonger can agree with you on this statement. the chinese has been building cars for the Japanese products and they never fall apart for nothing, so the quality control is adopted now to their own products. They are going to dominate the cheaper car market in the near future. accept it.