Chinese SUV Adds Missing Safety Tech After NZ Launch

Car buyers in New Zealand who felt torn between affordability and safety features just got some welcome news from an unexpected source.

BAIC, a Chinese automaker, quietly rolled out significant safety upgrades to its X55 SUV just four months after the vehicle launched in New Zealand. The company introduced a new Premium Plus trim that fixes what many saw as concerning omissions in the original model.

The original X55 Premium launched in February with plenty of comfort features like heated seats and a panoramic sunroof. But it shipped without lane keeping assistance and with emergency braking that could only detect other vehicles, not pedestrians.

The new Premium Plus model changes all that. It now includes lane departure warnings, lane keeping assistance, and upgraded emergency braking that recognizes pedestrians. The vehicle also gained traffic jam assistance and a cruise system that can handle stop-and-go driving.

BAIC sweetened the deal by adding practical upgrades too. The Premium Plus features larger touchscreens (15.6 inches up front), height-adjustable seatbelts, an underbody camera, and privacy glass in the rear.

Both versions currently sell for under $36,000 during June's promotional period. After that, they'll both retail at $37,990, with the Premium Plus eventually replacing the original once stock runs out.

The Bright Side

This story represents a positive shift in how affordable vehicles compete on safety. BAIC didn't wait years to address feedback. They acted within months, showing that budget brands can prioritize protection without massive price increases.

The broader Chinese automotive industry has already proven it can deliver top-tier safety. Brands like GWM, Chery, BYD, and Zeekr have achieved perfect 5-star safety ratings from ANCAP testing across every model evaluated. That's a remarkable turnaround from Chinese vehicles' earlier reputation.

BAIC's local distributor has committed to pursuing ANCAP crash testing for both the X55 and its B30 sedan. That transparency matters for families trying to make informed choices on tight budgets.

The real win here? Customers spoke up about missing safety features, and a manufacturer responded quickly rather than waiting for the next model year.