The recently-launched Beijing X55 impressed us when we drove it in the middle of November 2022, but we understand the stylish newcomer will now be assembled right here in South Africa from 2023

We use the word ‘assembled’ loosely as we understand the Coega plant in the Eastern Cape will run complete knockdown (CKD) production of the cool-looking X55 SUV. Right now, this plant currently makes the BAIC D20 and BAIC X25, which have run their course. BAIC’s facility in Coega a fascinating setup as one of the shareholders is none other than the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) who are trying to get a manufacturing hub estabilished in the Coega Special Economic Zone.

Dealerfloor reported that the facility is currently being upgraded to accommodate production of the newer model and its scheduled to begin production in the second quarter of 2023. Up until then, all Beijing X55 units will be imported directly from China. We understand that electrification is also on the cards.

Beijing Automotive Group Co (BAIC)is the 6th biggest Chinese carmaker and has partnered with Daimler, as well as acquiring almost 10% stake in Mercedes-Benz. As a reminder, for a non-Chinese car maker to assemble and sell vehicles in China, it has to partner with a local company.

BAIC’s luxury arm is Beijing, much in the same way that Haval is Great Wall Motors’ luxury SUV division.Given the notable growth that Haval and more recently, Chery have achieved in the local market (by offering attractively packaged and generously specced cars at reasonable prices), it’s completely understandable that other newcomers want to emulate those brands’ success.

Our first impressions of the X55 were good, with the vehicle sporting upmarket looks both inside and out, refined ride characteristics and generous features, all at a reasonable pricetag. It will be interesting to see if there’s a price difference between the imported X55 units and the locally-assembled ones that go on sale towards the middle of 2023.

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