| Beijing Mofang | |
| Manufacturer: | Beijing (BAIC) |
| Production: | 2022–present |
| Class: | Compact crossover SUV (C) |
| Body Style: | 5-door SUV |
| Layout: | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive |
| Transmission: | 7-speed DCT |
The Beijing Mofang, translated to Rubik's Cube in English sources,[1] [2] [3] [4] also known as the BAIC Beijing X55 in several overseas markets, is a compact crossover SUV produced by BAIC under the Beijing brand.
Codenamed "C52X" during its development, it was first teased in 10 November 2021 under the placeholder name "Beijing X6", with its official name was determined by a public voting campaign ran by BAIC.[5] A pre-production prototype was unveiled at the 2021 Guangzhou International Motor Show on 11 November 2021, subsequently revealing Mofang as its official name, based on the campaign's voting results.[6] The full production model was revealed in April 2022.[7] The Mofang was launched in the Chinese market on 28 July 2022.[8] It is the first internal-combustion vehicle in the Chinese domestic market to use Huawei’s HarmonyOS.
For export markets, the Mofang is sold as the BAIC Beijing X55. The "X55" nameplate was previously used by BAIC's defunct marque Senova for its compact crossover sold between 2015 and 2020. In some overseas marketing materials, it is simply referred as the BAIC X55, omitting the Beijing sub-brand nameplate, but regardless, the X55 retain the physical 'Beijing' emblems.[9] [10]
The Mofang is available with one engine; a 1.5-litre Magic Core variable-geometry turbocharged (VGT) petrol engine, developed in collaboration with the German automotive parts manufacturer Meta GmbH. The engine is rated at and of torque, and is mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).[11]
The Mofang was introduced in South Africa in October 2022 as the Beijing X55,[12] and launched in November 2022.[13] Three variant levels were available at launch: Dynamic, Elite and Premium.[14]
The updated version was revealed in August 2024 at the 2024 Kyalami Festival of Motoring.[15] Now known as the Beijing X55 Plus, the updated model was launched in September 2024.[16] Changes for the update include type-C USB ports, voice command recognition system, an option of a black leather interior color, and two new exterior colors; Krypton Grey and Turquoise Blue. The Elite and Premium variants received 19-inch alloy wheels.
The Mofang was introduced in Indonesia on 14 May 2024 as the Beijing X55 II, alongside the BJ40 Plus, marking BAIC's entry to the Indonesian market.[17] It, alongside the latter, went on sale in July 2024 at the 31st Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show, during the brand's grand launching event at the exhibition, as their first models.[18] Initially imported from China, the vehicle will be locally assembled at Handal Indonesia Motor's new second facility in Purwakarta, West Java.[19]
The Mofang will be sold in Malaysia as the Beijing X55 in the fourth quarter of 2024. For the Malaysian market, it will be locally assembled at EP Manufacturing's new facility in Melaka in 2025.
Three examples of the vehicle were first showcased in October 2023 during the ground-breaking ceremony event of EP Manufacturing's Melaka facility, initially referred as the X55 II.[20] A pre-production model with the finalized X55 nameplate was introduced in 16 May 2024, alongside the BJ40 Plus, during BAIC's media event of their official introduction to the Malaysian market.[21] Two variant levels will be available at launch: Standard and Premium.
The Mofang was introduced in the Philippines in March 2024 as the X55 Verve, alongside the B40 Ragnar, B60 Beaumont, B80 Wagon and X7 Grandeza, coinciding with the re-launch of the BAIC brand in the country for the second time, following its distribution acquisition by the local distributor United Asia Automotive Group Inc. (UAAGI).[22] Sales were commenced at the 19th Manila International Auto Show in April 2024.[23]
The Mofang will be rebadged and sold in select European countries by Italian importer DR Automobiles under the Tiger marque as the Tiger Six, sporting a different grille design. It was first revealed in September 2024 at the 2024 Salone Auto Torino.[24] [25]
The Mofang is rebadged and sold in Italy by importer Cirelli Motor Company as the Cirelli 4.[26] Unlike other markets, the Cirelli 4 features an option of a bi-fuel (petrol/LPG) setup for the base engine, alongside the conventional petrol setup.
The Mofang was launched in Poland in December 2023 as the Beijing 5, alongside the Beijing 3 and Beijing 7, marking BAIC's entry to the Polish market.[27]
The Mofang was launched in Russia in September 2023 as the Beijing X55.[28] At launch, it is initially available in two variant levels: Comfort and Elite.[29] The Luxury variant was added in April 2024.[30] It is locally assembled at Avtotor's facility in Kaliningrad, where production started in August 2023.[31]
The Mofang was launched in Argentina in August 2023 as the Beijing X55 II. It is only available in one trim level: Luxury.[32]
The Mofang was launched in Chile in July 2023 as the X55 Plus. It is offered in three trim levels: Comfort, Elite and Luxury.[33]
The Mofang was launched in Mexico in July 2023 as the Beijing X55. It is only available in one trim level: Honor.[34]
The Mofang was launched in Peru in June 2023 as the X55 Plus. It is offered in three trim levels: Comfort, Exclusive and Signature.[35]