BAIC launches Xingtan 5X boxy NEV SUV with BEV and PHEV options, Huawei driver assist

• The Xingtan 5X is the first model in Beijing Off-road's new Xingtan NEV lineup.
• Selected variants feature Huawei's Qiankun ADS 5 Pro, with orders reaching 30,208 units over 23 days of pre-sales.

BAIC Group officially launched the Xingtan 5X on Thursday with a limited-time starting price of 126,900 yuan ($18,890), entering the boxy SUV market with battery electric and plug-in hybrid options.

The mid-to-large-size 5-seat SUV is available in 7 variants, with official guide prices ranging from 129,900 yuan to 174,900 yuan and limited-time prices of 126,900 yuan to 171,900 yuan.

The 3 battery electric vehicle (BEV) variants carry guide prices of 129,900 yuan to 159,900 yuan, while the 4 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variants range from 134,900 yuan to 174,900 yuan. Each variant offers a limited-time discount of 3,000 yuan from its guide price.

The Xingtan 5X is the first model in Beijing Off-road's new Xingtan new energy vehicle (NEV) lineup, targeting consumers seeking a vehicle for both urban commuting and weekend outdoor trips.

Beijing Off-road also unveiled the luxury off-road brand Taitan in July this year. Its first model, the Taitan 700, officially went on sale on August 25.

Pre-sales of the Xingtan 5X began on October 21, with cumulative orders reaching 30,208 units over 23 days, providing an early indication of demand ahead of its launch.

The Xingtan 5X measures 4,865 mm in length, 2,000 mm in width and 1,910 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,875 mm. It features a flat roof and a boxy body.

Huawei's driver-assistance system is a key selling point, though it is not standard across the lineup. BEV and PHEV variants equipped with the system start at limited-time prices of 146,900 yuan and 151,900 yuan, respectively.

These variants feature Huawei's Qiankun ADS 5 Pro, with an in-cabin solid-state LiDAR positioned behind the windshield and a sensing suite comprising 27 sensors.

Highway Navigation Cruise Assist (NCA) is included in the driver-assistance variants, while urban NCA requires a paid subscription. Other functions include route-retracing reverse assistance, parking after the driver exits and remote parking.

All BEV variants feature rear-wheel drive, a motor with a peak output of 227 kW (304 hp) and an 81.9 kWh battery, delivering a CLTC range of 625 km (388 miles).

The BEV variants are built on an 800-volt platform and can charge from 30% to 80% in 14.5 minutes using DC fast charging.

The PHEV variants pair a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a 50.4 kWh battery and offer 2-wheel-drive and 4-wheel-drive options, with CLTC electric ranges of 310 km and 285 km, respectively.

The 2-wheel-drive PHEV variants have a 200 kW front motor, while the 4-wheel-drive versions add a 200 kW rear motor, bringing combined motor output to 400 kW.

Cabin equipment varies by trim. Lower-spec versions feature a 15.6-inch central touchscreen and an 8.8-inch instrument display, while higher-spec versions offer dual 15.6-inch screens and a Qualcomm 8295P chip.

The 4-wheel-drive variants also feature 14 all-terrain modes, a rear locking differential and crawl control to accommodate both daily commuting and outdoor driving.

The model will compete with boxy SUVs including BYD's (HKEX: 1211) Fang Cheng Bao Tai 7 and Chery's (HKEX: 9973) iCar V27. However, BAIC has relatively limited recognition in China's EV market, leaving it uncertain whether the model can become a strong seller.