China’s BAIC has introduced the new Xingtan 5X, a five-seat SUV featuring a design closely resembling the Land Rover Defender 110, but with a starting price of just $19,000. Offering fully electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains, up to 536 horsepower and advanced Huawei technology, the new model combines familiar off-road styling with a significantly lower price tag than its British-inspired rival.
BAIC Xingtan 5X Combines Defender Styling With a $19,000 Price
The BAIC Xingtan 5X has attracted attention for its close resemblance to the Land Rover Defender. Its boxy proportions, upright windshield, squared-off bodywork, chunky wheel arches and nearly vertical rear design give it an appearance similar to the British SUV.
The similarities also extend to the headlights, taillights and optional externally mounted spare wheel on the tailgate. From several angles, the Xingtan 5X could easily be mistaken for a Defender, although the interior has a different design.
The SUV launched in China on November 12, with seven configurations priced between 129,900 and 174,900 yuan ($19,500-$26,200).
A launch discount reduces the entry-level price to 126,900 yuan, equivalent to exactly $19,000 at the current exchange rate. By comparison, the least expensive Land Rover Defender 110 starts at around $65,000 in the United States.
BAIC Xingtan 5X Matches the Defender 110 in Size
The Xingtan 5X measures 191.5 inches long, 78.7 inches wide and 75.2 inches high, with a wheelbase of 113.2 inches.
When equipped with the optional externally mounted spare wheel, its overall length increases to 197 inches, matching the length of the Defender 110.
The combination of its large dimensions, recognizable off-road-inspired design and affordable price has helped generate strong initial interest in China.
BAIC claims the Xingtan 5X received 30,208 orders during its 23-day presale period.
Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Powertrains Offer Up to 536 HP
Buyers can choose between fully electric and plug-in hybrid versions of the BAIC Xingtan 5X, with different powertrain configurations depending on the model.
Fully Electric Version
The all-electric model features rear-wheel drive and a 304-horsepower electric motor mounted at the rear. It uses an 81.9-kWh battery, with a claimed driving range of 388 miles under China’s CLTC testing cycle.
The electric SUV also features an 800-volt architecture, allowing the battery to charge from 30% to 80% in a claimed 14.5 minutes.
Plug-In Hybrid Version
The plug-in hybrid model is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The front-wheel-drive configuration combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with a 50.4-kWh battery and a 268-horsepower electric motor mounted at the front.
The all-wheel-drive version adds another 268-horsepower electric motor at the rear, bringing combined system output to 536 horsepower.
AWD models also feature a mechanical rear differential lock, crawl control and 14 terrain modes.
Huawei Technology and Advanced Interior Features
The BAIC Xingtan 5X offers Huawei’s Qiankun ADS 5 Pro driver-assistance system on selected configurations.
The system uses 27 sensors, including solid-state LiDAR, to support its driver-assistance capabilities.
Inside, the SUV features a 15.6-inch infotainment display. Higher-level configurations add a second screen and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8295P processor.
Could the BAIC Xingtan 5X Face a Land Rover Legal Challenge?
The SUV’s close resemblance to the Defender could raise questions about its styling. Jaguar Land Rover has already challenged BYD over the Defender-inspired appearance of its Ti7 plug-in hybrid SUV.
Whether BAIC faces similar scrutiny remains uncertain. However, the Xingtan 5X features several design elements that make its resemblance to the Defender particularly noticeable, including its upright windshield, squared-off body, similar lighting design and optional tailgate-mounted spare wheel.
With seven configurations, electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains, up to 536 horsepower and a starting price of $19,000 during its launch promotion, the BAIC Xingtan 5X has attracted considerable interest in the Chinese market.
