Changan X5 PLUS vs CS55 PLUS: Which Compact SUV Fits Your Market?
By Kate, Sales Manager, International Commercial Sales, EVtoU · Published · Updated
Choose the X5 PLUS when price and a sporty look sell the car, and the CS55 PLUS when buyers compare boot space, safety equipment and screens. The two share the same basic powertrain, a 1.5T Blue Whale engine with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox, so the choice is about body style, equipment and price rather than mechanicals.
The X5 PLUS is sold in some markets as the CSX5 PLUS. It is the lowest-priced SUV we export. EVtoU is an independent exporter, not Changan, and the figures here come from Changan distributor pages for the X5 PLUS and the CS55 PLUS.
What is the main difference between the X5 PLUS and CS55 PLUS?
The X5 PLUS is a coupé-SUV with a sloping roof, a smaller boot and a shorter equipment list. The CS55 PLUS is a conventional compact SUV with a taller body, a 475-liter boot and a much fuller set of driver aids.
They are almost the same length: 4,540 mm for the X5 PLUS and 4,550 mm for the CS55 PLUS. The X5 PLUS sits 55 mm lower and has a longer wheelbase, 2,715 mm against 2,656 mm, which gives generous rear legroom. The sloping roof costs headroom and cargo space: its boot is 317 liters, against 475 liters in the CS55 PLUS.
How do the specs compare?
Power and fuel use are close. Boot size, safety kit and price are where they split.
| Spec | X5 PLUS (CSX5 PLUS) | CS55 PLUS |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Compact coupé SUV | Compact SUV |
| Power / torque | 138 kW (188 hp) / 300 Nm | 141 kW (192 hp) / 310 Nm |
| Gearbox | 7-speed wet DCT | 7-speed wet DCT |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.5 s | Not published on source sheet |
| Top speed | 205 km/h | 190 km/h |
| Fuel use (combined) | 6.95 L/100 km | 6.9 L/100 km |
| Length / wheelbase | 4,540 mm / 2,715 mm | 4,550 mm / 2,656 mm |
| Height | 1,620 mm | 1,675 mm |
| Boot | 317 L | 475 L |
| Ground clearance | 180 mm | 190 mm |
| Wheels | 18-inch, 225/55 R18 | 19-inch |
| Main screen / cluster | 10.25-inch / 7-inch | 14.6-inch / 10.25-inch |
| Indicative FOB from | US$10,900 | US$11,900 |
| Lead time to port | 20–30 days (stock colors) | 20–30 days (stock colors) |
Is the X5 PLUS worth the lower price?
Yes, if your buyers are young, price-led or renting. The indicative FOB gap is about US$1,000 per unit, and the X5 PLUS keeps a sporty image that the CS55 PLUS does not try to match.
The X5 PLUS reaches 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and has five drive modes: Comfort, Eco, Sport, Snow and Custom. It comes with red accent trim, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, cruise control, an opening panoramic sunroof and an electronic handbrake with Auto Hold. Seats are manually adjusted, and parking help is a rear camera with rear sensors. Fewer electronic parts also means fewer parts to stock in markets where the service network is thin. Check live pricing on our price page.
Which is safer for fleet policies?
The CS55 PLUS, on paper. It has front, side and curtain airbags plus AEB, adaptive cruise, lane control and blind-spot monitoring. The X5 PLUS export spec lists driver and passenger airbags and no AEB.
Many corporate and NGO fleets set minimum safety rules, such as six airbags or automatic emergency braking. If your fleet has such a rule, the X5 PLUS may not qualify, and you should check the exact equipment list for your batch before you tender. Both cars have ABS/EBD, ESP, traction control, hill descent control and tire pressure monitoring. The CS55 PLUS adds a 540° camera, built-in dash cam and remote-controlled parking. Our fleet solutions team can send the full equipment sheet for a tender file.
Which one suits which buyer?
Match the model to the use. The table below is how we advise dealers and fleet buyers.
| Use | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First-time SUV buyers | X5 PLUS | Lowest price, sporty look |
| Families | CS55 PLUS | 475 L boot, taller cabin, rear vents |
| Car rental, economy SUV class | X5 PLUS | Low unit cost, simple parts list |
| Premium ride-hailing | CS55 PLUS | Boot for luggage, more comfort kit |
| Corporate fleet with safety rules | CS55 PLUS | More airbags, AEB, blind-spot monitoring |
| Staff cars | Either | Pick by budget |
Rough roads and ground clearance
The CS55 PLUS has 190 mm of ground clearance and the X5 PLUS has 180 mm. Both are front-wheel drive. For unpaved access roads, the extra 10 mm and the taller body of the CS55 PLUS help, but neither is an off-road vehicle.
Cold climates
The X5 PLUS has a dedicated Snow drive mode. The CS55 PLUS has heated front seats and heated mirrors. For Central Asia winters, ask us which cold-climate items the factory fits for your batch.
Can I ship both models in one container?
Yes. Mixed containers are common, and many new dealers start this way to get two price points on the showroom floor from day one.
A 40HQ container typically takes 2–3 units, and the exact count depends on the load plan. Both models have the same 20–30 day lead time to port for stock colors, so neither holds up the other. Ro-Ro is also an option from Shanghai, Tianjin or Guangzhou when volumes are larger. Our shipping and import guide compares the options.
What should I check before ordering?
Check that your market accepts the specification, and that the equipment list matches what you plan to advertise.
- Local homologation or conformity rules for each model, since approval can differ by model.
- The exact equipment sheet for your factory batch, especially airbags and driver aids.
- Color availability: the X5 PLUS lead color is Graphite Gray with red accents; other colors are on request.
- Warranty terms, which follow the destination-market policy.
- Whether duty or registration tax in your market depends on price, engine size or both. Both cars use a 1.5T engine, so price is the main variable.
See full specs on the X5 PLUS page and the CS55 PLUS page, or browse the compact SUV range.
How do I get prices for my market?
Tell us your country, quantity and model split through the contact page, or message our WhatsApp sales team from any page. We will send FOB or CIF pricing, equipment sheets and a load plan for a single or mixed order.