The size most people actually need

The compact SUV is the busiest class in the Gulf for a straightforward reason: it is the smallest vehicle that comfortably does everything. Five adults fit. The boot takes a weekly shop plus a pushchair. It parks without a three-point turn. And it is big enough that you are not constantly aware of being the smallest thing on Sheikh Zayed Highway.

The BAIC X55 sits in exactly this space.

The numbers

  • Length, width, height: 4620 / 1886 / 1680 mm
  • Wheelbase: 2735 mm
  • Ground clearance: 160 mm at full load
  • Kerb weight: 1550 kg
  • Trunk capacity: 350 litres
  • Fuel tank: 53 litres
  • Five seats
  • Drag coefficient: 0.32

The 2735 mm wheelbase is the figure worth noting. Wheelbase, not overall length, determines rear legroom, and 2735 mm puts the X55 ahead of several vehicles that are longer overall.

The engine

The X55 uses BAIC's 1.5TD unit, co-developed with German engineering partner Meta:

  • Maximum power: 138 kW at 5500 rpm
  • Maximum torque: 305 Nm from 1500 to 4500 rpm
  • Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch (7DCT)
  • 0–100 km/h: 7.84 seconds
  • Fuel: 92 octane, Euro VI

The torque figure matters more than the power figure for daily driving. 305 Nm available from 1500 rpm means the car pulls away from a standstill and overtakes without needing to be revved hard. In air conditioning weather, when the compressor is drawing power constantly, that reserve is genuinely useful.

The 7-speed dual clutch is quicker and more efficient than a torque converter automatic. Worth driving in traffic to check you like its low-speed behaviour.

Three trims

1.5TD 7DCT Fashion — the entry point. 18-inch two-tone alloys, dual-zone climate control with a refrigerated section in the centre armrest, dual 10-inch screens, four speakers, fabric seats, six-way manual driver's seat, rear parking sensors, reversing camera with dynamic guidelines, cruise control.

1.5TD 7DCT Lux — adds the panoramic sunroof, roof rails, PU seats with a six-way electric driver's seat, a rear centre armrest with cup holders, eight speakers, multi-colour ambient lighting, side airbags and rear reading lights.

1.5TD 7DCT Honor — the full specification. 19-inch black-grey alloys, leather seats with heating and ventilation, four-way electric lumbar support, driver's seat memory with welcome function, electrically adjustable front passenger seat, adjustable rear seat backrest angle, powered tailgate with height memory and sensor opening, wireless charging, advanced LED lighting, side curtain airbags, front radar and auto-fold mirrors.

The Honor trim is also where the driver assistance package appears: 360-degree camera, transparent chassis view, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with vehicle and pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and assist, lane keeping assist, blind spot detection, forward collision warning, traffic jam assist, integrated cruise assist, emergency lane keeping, intelligent high-beam control and one-button automatic parking.

Details that matter in this climate

Front seat ventilation (Honor). In a Bahrain summer this is a bigger comfort upgrade than seat heating will ever be.

The refrigerated armrest compartment. Standard across all three trims. Simple, and used constantly.

CN95 cabin filtration with PM2.5 purification. Standard across the range, which matters on dusty days.

Hidden door handles with ice-break mode. Flush handles that pop out on approach — they help the 0.32 drag figure and look sharp.

Structure and safety

BAIC quotes body rigidity of 21,872 Nm/deg for the X55's "Space Fortress" structure. All trims get ABS with EBD, emergency brake assist, ESP, hill assist control, hill descent control, electronic parking brake with auto hold, brake override, tyre pressure monitoring and an engine immobiliser. Side airbags come in from Lux, side curtain airbags on Honor.

Four drive modes — Eco, Sport, Comfort and Smart — are standard across the range.

X55 versus X35 versus X7

X35 X55 All New X7
Length 4325 mm 4620 mm 4745 mm
Wheelbase 2570 mm 2735 mm 2800 mm
Power 110 kW 138 kW 138 kW
Torque 210 Nm 305 Nm 305 Nm
Gearbox CVT 7DCT 7DCT
Clearance 180 mm 160 mm over 200 mm

The X35 is the city-focused choice. The All New X7 adds rear legroom, more ground clearance and a larger 12.3-inch display.

Book a test drive

Drive the X55 in traffic, not on an empty road — that is where a dual-clutch gearbox shows its character. Book a test drive or request the brochure.