The BAIC Ruixiang X3 is the second mass-production model introduced by the BAIC Ruixiang brand. Positioned as a compact multi-purpose SUV, it champions a utilitarian philosophy centred on "strong power, generous space, and high ground clearance", catering to growing families and self-employed entrepreneurs who need to balance daily family commutes with light cargo-hauling duties. The BAIC Ruixiang brand was established in 2021 as a joint vehicle manufacturer formed by the Chongqing municipal and Hechuan district-level state-owned enterprises alongside BAIC Group, following the 2019 bankruptcy reorganisation of BAIC Yinxiang. The new marque made its official debut at the Chongqing Auto Show in June of that year, with the X3 officially launched in March 2022, offering five- and seven-seater configurations with an official price tag ranging from RM55,800 to RM69,800. Upon its debut, the X3 redefined the segment's value proposition with an ultra-accessible entry point of "a 7-seater SUV for under RM70,000", competing directly in the sub-RM100,000 petrol-powered SUV market against rivals such as the Changan Oshan X70A and Dongfeng Fengxing SX6.
The BAIC Ruixiang X3 adopts the brand's signature family design language, aiming to project a sense of strength through clean lines. Up front, the visual focus is anchored by a large black radiator grille with an intricate dot-matrix mesh, flanked by and integrated with angular headlamp clusters to form a wing-shaped U-profile. The lower bumper features a three-section smoked finish, complemented by vertical fog lamps with chrome garnishes on both sides, enhancing the front fascia's layered dimensionality and sporty undertones. In profile, a sharp, straight character line extends from the front wing to the rear tail lamps, visually stretching the vehicle's proportions. This is paired with blacked-out window trim for a floating roof effect, as well as chrome accents along the side skirts. The rear styling remains clean and understated, featuring broad tail lamps linked by a chunky chrome garnish, while the lower bumper is clad in black unpainted plastic to keep scuff repair costs low. In terms of dimensions, the X3 measures 4,520 mm long, 1,790 mm wide, and 1,770 mm tall, with a 2,700 mm wheelbase.
Inside, the cabin features a two-tone brown and black scheme, laid out in a multi-layered horizontal dashboard accented by metallic-finish trim pieces to widen the visual width. Higher-spec variants are equipped with a multi-function steering wheel, an analogue instrument cluster, and a central touchscreen infotainment system supporting smartphone mirroring and Bluetooth connectivity. Hard plastics dominate the cabin materials, though chrome accents are sprinkled throughout to tone down the budget feel. The overall interior design clearly prioritises hard-wearing functionality over plush luxury.
The BAIC Ruixiang X3 is powered across the range by an in-house developed 1.5-litre DVVT naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine (coded R15C1). Utilising multi-point electronic fuel injection (MPI) and complying with China 6 emission standards, the unit delivers a maximum output of 83 kW (approx. 113 PS / 111 hp) at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 150 Nm across a broad band from 3,000 to 5,000 rpm. Featuring Dual Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) on both intake and exhaust, the engine balances linear power delivery with decent fuel efficiency. Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission (5MT), with no automatic option on offer. Built on a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (FR) layout, the SUV hits a top speed of 160 km/h, returning a WLTC combined fuel consumption figure of 7.98 L/100 km. Given its manual-only setup, the X3 is targeted primarily at drivers comfortable with manual driving, leveraging its low maintenance costs across both urban and rural driving environments.
The BAIC Ruixiang X3 adopts a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (FR) layout—a rare drivetrain configuration among its predominantly front-wheel-drive rivals. Up front, it sits on MacPherson strut independent suspension, paired with a 5-link coil spring non-independent solid axle at the rear. This 5-link coil spring rear setup preserves load-carrying capacity while offering acceptable ride comfort, striking a balance between passenger duties and cargo hauling. It is equipped with electric power steering (EPS), providing a light steering action with decent directional feedback. Braking is handled by ventilated discs up front and solid discs at the rear, along with a conventional handbrake. Riding on 205/65 R16 tyres, the base variants make do with steel wheels, and a full-size spare tyre comes standard. In terms of off-road clearance, the X3 boasts a minimum ground clearance of 196 mm, with approach and departure angles capable of tackling mild unpaved terrain. Dynamically, on gravel and unpaved rural roads, the rear 5-link coil spring suspension absorbs fine surface vibrations adequately, offering better rear-seat passenger comfort than leaf-spring competitors, though noticeable bounce remains when the rear axle encounters larger bumps.
On the tech and convenience front, the X3 offers an entry-level package. Mid-to-high-spec variants feature a high-definition touchscreen infotainment unit with Bluetooth hands-free, USB audio, smartphone screen mirroring, and a reverse camera. The cabin incorporates up to 22 storage cubbies to maximise everyday practicality. Seating comes in either a 2+3 five-seater or a 2+3+2 seven-seater layout, with 60:40 split-folding second-row seats and 50:50 flat-folding third-row seats. The second-row bench offers fore-and-aft sliding as well as backrest recline adjustment. However, third-row legroom remains tight for adults over 170 cm, making it best suited for children or short trips. Higher trims also benefit from an operable panoramic sunroof and multi-zone air conditioning. With the second and third rows folded down, the 7-seater's cargo capacity expands to an impressive 2,534 litres, easily accommodating bulky cargo.
In terms of safety, the BAIC Ruixiang X3 comes equipped across the range with a standard suite of active safety electronics, including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA/EBA), Traction Control System (TCS), and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP/ESC). Passive safety features dual front airbags (driver and front passenger) and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) as standard. The vehicle utilises a high-strength cage body structure to offer foundational crash protection. For driving aids, the X3 features rear parking sensors and Hill-Start Assist (HSA), with higher-spec variants adding a reverse camera with dynamic steering guidelines. The X3 lacks Level 2 or higher Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)—omitting Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and Lane Keep Assist (LKA)—focusing strictly on meeting basic everyday safety driving needs.
With an entry price of RM55,800 and topping out under RM70,000, the BAIC Ruixiang X3 emerged as one of the most affordable seven-seater SUVs in recent years, boasting an expansive boot capacity that reached up to 2,780 litres, leaving it with virtually no direct competition in the RM60,000 price bracket. However, the BAIC Ruixiang brand has struggled with negligible sales volumes. Public figures show that the entire brand delivered only 96 vehicles in July 2022, with cumulative sales from January to July that year tallying a modest 708 units. As one of the brand's primary volume drivers, the X3's monthly deliveries slipped into single digits during the first quarter of 2024; brand-wide sales of just 585 units in January 2024 and a solitary unit in March 2024 underscored its virtually non-existent showroom presence. Comprehensive monthly and annual sales data for the model have since disappeared from mainstream industry charts. Automotive media and owner reviews consistently highlight the X3's core merits: an ultra-low entry price, a versatile and roomy 7-seater cabin, robust hill-climbing and hauling capabilities courtesy of its rear-wheel-drive platform, and fuss-free maintenance from its manual gearbox. Conversely, key criticisms target its hard-plastic-laden interior, lack of an automatic transmission option to cater to mainstream buyers, cramped third-row seating, critically low brand awareness, and a sparse after-sales service network. Ultimately, the BAIC Ruixiang X3 was designed as an honest "workhorse" for rural and small-business buyers, carving out a sharp niche in the RM50,000 to RM70,000 segment with its spacious interior, rugged underpinnings, and rear-drive payload capacity. Yet, hampered by stalled production scaling following the brand's restructuring, an exceptionally weak dealer network, and fierce budget segment competition, the model has been reduced to an obscure catalogue listing, existing on paper with virtually no real-world sales traction.
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