Why was the BAIC Weiwang S50 discontinued?
1 Answers
The discontinuation of the BAIC Weiwang S50 can be attributed to the following reasons: Model Aspect: The BAIC Weiwang S50 is essentially a rebadged version of the Senova X65, with similar exterior designs and nearly identical interiors. BAIC Weiwang also publicly claimed that the S50 was built on the same platform as the Senova X65. Given that the Senova X65 had already been discontinued, merely changing the logo and front grille for the S50 did not bode well for its future prospects. Performance Aspect: One of the main complaints from users was the S50's lackluster initial acceleration. The entire lineup was equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine sourced from Mitsubishi. During actual driving, the turbo only became noticeable at higher RPMs, resulting in poor performance during starts. Design Aspect: The BAIC Weiwang S50 leaned towards a more conservative and family-oriented style, which did not appeal to younger consumers. The dashboard featured a combination of piano black and faux wood grain finishes, which were visually acceptable but still felt plasticky to the touch. Additionally, the fit and finish needed improvement, as large gaps between components not only affected aesthetics but also increased the likelihood of rattles. Noise and Fuel Consumption: Users also expressed dissatisfaction with the S50's excessive wind noise and higher-than-average urban fuel consumption. Furthermore, the navigation system was frequently criticized for its laggy and delayed performance.