Why was the BAIC Weiwang S50 discontinued?
1 Answers
The discontinuation of the BAIC Weiwang S50 can be attributed to the following main reasons: 1. 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 stated that the S50 was built on the same platform as the Senova X65. Since the Senova X65 had already been discontinued, merely changing the badge and front grille for the S50 raised concerns about its future prospects. 2. Performance aspect: Users were dissatisfied with the S50's poor initial acceleration. The Weiwang S50 was equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine sourced from Mitsubishi. In real-world driving, the turbo only became noticeable at higher RPMs, resulting in subpar performance during acceleration. 3. Interior aspect: The interior design of the BAIC Weiwang S50 leaned towards a conservative and homey style, which did not appeal to younger consumers. The dashboard combined piano black finishes with faux wood grain materials, which were visually acceptable but still felt plasticky to the touch. Additionally, the detailing and craftsmanship needed improvement, as large gaps between components not only affected aesthetics but also increased the likelihood of rattling noises. 4. Noise and fuel consumption: Users also complained about the S50's excessive wind noise and higher-than-average urban fuel consumption. Furthermore, the navigation system in the BAIC Weiwang S50 was frequently criticized by users for its tendency to lag and experience delays.