BAIC X55 Verve

Following through with the same sleek and futuristic minimalism seen in its exterior aesthetic, the X55 Verve’s interior is similarly minimalist in its appeal. A clean and smart cabin housing soft-touch materials twinned to luxurious leather boasts a floating center console and a freestanding 10.1-inch infotainment system with a 10.25-inch digital instrument display. 

While the overall look of the X55 Verve’s interior may be ‘minimalistic’, the same cannot be said for the features BAIC has packed it full to the brim with. Beyond its infotainment and digital instrument systems, the X55 also boasts dual-zone climate control, plenty of USB charging ports, a wireless charging pad, and color-change ambient lights. Full leather upholstery with contrast stitching, sports bucket seats, and a spacious central storage area-cum-armrest add to the creature comforts. Add to this a spacious trunk and a very comfortable back ride setup makes this excellent for long road trips. 

The BAIC X55 Verve is an understated stunner with a futuristic and angular exterior. Measuring 4,620 mm overall, with a 2,735 mm wheelbase, 1,886 mm width, and standing 1,680 mm tall, this is no petite vehicle. 

One of its most eye-catching features, however, is the unique front fascia with stylish LED headlights and daytime running lights against a unique honeycomb-patterned front grill and billet-grill accented bumpers. Wraparound taillights and a rear facia reminiscent of the Range Rover Velar and Peugeot 3008 tie everything together, giving it an overall sleek and modern appeal.

Its exterior is eye-catching but minimalist enough to lend a no-nonsense appeal, especially when contrasted with the black accents in its bumper and wheel rims. Further emphasis on the sleekness can be gleaned from the pop-out door handles on all four side doors and the fifth trunk door, which remain tastefully hidden save for subtle indentations that indicate their presence. A low-key roof spoiler lends an aerodynamic appeal to the vehicle. 

Overall, the X55 Verve attempts to combine futuristic minimalism with a practical overall look that isn’t too gaudy but ticks all the right boxes in terms of appeal. There is still very little official information on the exact colors available for the X55 Verve, so it’s safe to assume that its colorway offerings might vary depending on the dealership and overall availability. 

The X55 shines best on well-paved roads and highways, where its seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and independent MacPherson strut suspension can truly be put to good use. Its only problem is that it doesn’t handle rough terrain as well as BAIC’s other offerings, and is more a city or highway driver than a true SUV.

The X55 Verve features a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. With an output of 130kW and 305Nm, this translates to smooth rides on well-paved roads and good-to-excellent handling on highways. It isn’t the most powerful choice of engine, but it doesn’t need that much power for its intended purpose. 

The X55 Verve doesn’t skimp on safety and has all the bells and whistles. Aside from airbags all around, it also has the standard crash sensor, impact beams, tire pressure monitoring system, front and rear cameras, brake assistance system, and so much more. While it lacks driver-assistance features, it all but makes up for it with the active and passive safety features it already comes with.  

If you’re looking for an excellent, affordable, and good-looking vehicle intended for daily city and highway drives, you can’t go wrong with the BAIC X55 Verve.