Cityray vs BAIC X55: Which Chinese SUV Delivers a Better Daily Ownership Experience?

The Cityray feels lighter on its feet, with a responsive powertrain that delivers brisk acceleration around town. Its steering is well-weighted, making parking and navigating tight streets effortless. The X55, in contrast, has a more planted, solid feel but requires a bit more effort in urban maneuvers. On the highway, the Cityray’s smooth, linear power delivery and refined NVH make long journeys relaxed, while the X55’s slightly firmer suspension provides better body control over undulations, though road noise is more noticeable.

The Cityray’s cabin is a highlight: soft-touch materials, excellent sound insulation, and supportive seats that minimize fatigue. The climate system is intuitive and powerful. The X55, while not as plush, offers generously padded seats and good overall noise suppression at low speeds. However, on coarse surfaces, the X55’s cabin picks up more road roar. Both have effective air conditioning, but the Cityray edges ahead in perceived quality and quietness.

The X55 excels here: it offers generous rear legroom and a larger, more configurable cargo area with a low loading lip. Fold the rear seats and it swallows bulky items easily. The Cityray’s back seat is comfortable for two adults but feels tighter with three across. Its boot is adequate for everyday needs but smaller than the X55’s. For family trips or hauling gear, the X55 is the practical choice.

The Cityray wins handily: its infotainment system is faster, features crisp graphics, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a seamless voice assistant. The digital driver display is configurable and clear. The X55’s system is functional but older, with slower response times and wired smartphone mirroring. Both offer a good suite of safety features like AEB and lane-keep assist, but the Cityray’s lane-centering is more natural, and its 360-degree camera is higher resolution.

The X55 has been on sale longer, giving it a track record of mechanical durability. Parts are widely available, and service costs are low. The Cityray, being newer, lacks long-term data, but its build quality feels solid. Both brands have expanding dealer networks, but BAIC’s presence is stronger in emerging markets. Expect similar ownership experience, with the X55 offering more peace of mind for those keeping the car beyond the warranty period.