BAIC X7

The 2024 BAIC X7 gets a practical cabin with a few premium inserts. It gets Nappa leather for the seats and upholstery. The dashboard gets soft-touch plastics. While hard plastics have been widely used across the cabin, it doesn't upset the look and feel. The dashboard is dominated by two 12.3-inch touchscreen units, one for infotainment and the other for the instrument panel. Both screens offer crisp and clear displays. The infotainment unit is connected to a 10-speaker audio system. There's a third high-res screen on the central console for the climate control functions. The aluminium-coated physical buttons have a premium feel. A number of convenient storage spaces and cubby holes are spread throughout the cabin. The rear seat gets a central armrest with cupholders. A panoramic sunroof makes the cabin look bigger.  

The exterior design of many Chinese cars resembles established Japanese and European brands. Chinese car companies spend less on research and design in a bid to keep production costs low. The look of the 2024 BAIC X7 is very similar to many midsized SUVs. The front fascia is dominated by a wide black grille flanked by sleek headlights and daytime running lights (DRLs). The car gets all-around LED lighting. The front fog lamps are mounted on the bumper. The headlight cluster gets three projectors and integrated turn signals. Depending upon the trim, the 2024 BAIC X7 run on 18-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels with Hankook tires. The bonnet is long and resembles European midsized SUVs. The doors have hidden, smart-sensing body-coloured door handles. The power-adjustable side mirrors are also body-colored. The back of the X7 sports dual exhaust tips, bright taillights, a roof spoiler with brake lights, and a liftgate for cargo access. 

The 2024 BAIC X7 is a spacious car in the midsized SUV segment. Both front seats are power-adjustable with heating and cooling function. The steering wheel gets mechanical adjustment, not electrical. But finding the perfect driving position is easy. All seats get nice padding and back support that make long trips less tiring. There's enough headroom and legroom on all seats. The rear seat can comfortably accommodate three passengers. While there was space to fit in a third row, it would have made the cabin crammed and reduced travelling comfort. The dual-zone automatic climate control system comes with inbuilt air purification. The suspension system is well-balanced and absorbs most bumps and thuds. Some of the worst kinds are minorly felt inside the cabin. The rear seat gets dedicated air vents.       

The 2024 BAIC X7 is equipped with a turbocharged, four-cylinder, 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces 188 PS/275 Nm. The motor is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch. Ride quality is stable, and the X7 is a great daily commuting car. On highways, it returns a very stable ride. The cabin is noise-free, though there's a little bit of body roll. The 2024 BAIC X7 turns corners easily, courtesy of the light and nicely balanced steering wheel.  

The 2024 BAIC X7 comes with driver-assist features like a 360-degree camera, satellite-based navigation system, blind spot monitoring and forward collision warning, all-around parking sensors, lane departure assistance, and adaptive cruise control. Braking is reassuring and the Hankook tires have great road grip. Other safety equipment includes multiple airbags, traction control, and antilock braking, making the 2024 BAIC X7 a better equipped car in its segment.   

At a starting price of AED 128,100, the 2024 BAIC X7 is an affordable car in the Emirates midsized SUV segment. It offers a stable and comfortable ride in a nice and practical cabin. BAIC is still a new brand, and doubts over its long-term durability still persist. But the X7 is still a worthy car for those on a budget.