With western carmakers’ prospects in Russia looking uncertain, Chinese brands are stepping in to fill the gap. The budget segment is an easy win for these new entrants, but the challenge lies in convincing buyers at the higher end with premium and prestige models. In Russia, such tier remains relatively small for Chinese makes even as the category grows.
One notable example is the Exeed brand. After driving the flagship VX and the mid-size TLX, it becomes clear that these are solid vehicles by the standards of other Chinese brands, yet they still trail behind European and Japanese rivals in some areas.
Now Exeed adds the LX to its lineup, the most affordable and compact crossover in the range.
Price, design and features
In a parking lot, a BMW X1 owner approached the Exeed LX, checked the interior, and asked about the price. Hearing three million, he suggested the LX could become his next car since the new X1 costs about twice as much.
That reaction is easy to understand. The LX’s interior is impressive, with a design that blends playful character with a sense of European polish. The center console gives the impression of being borrowed from a premium range, and the single glass panel along with the media screen evokes a Mercedes-like minimalism.
In terms of equipment, the LX stands out in several respects within its class. It offers a panoramic sunroof, ambient contour lighting, wireless charging, and memory seats, with the addition of voice control for convenience.
Among the three styling options for the cabin, the classic-shell look is my preferred choice.
— Hello, Ixid! Open the sunroof!
and it responds with a smooth sequence of actions.
The cabin presents itself as modern and well-equipped, placing it at the forefront of its segment in terms of features.
The tailgate height can be adjusted from the trip computer menu.
The LX’s integrated multimedia unit is still a rarity in Russia, but it is exactly the type of feature buyers expect from a contemporary compact crossover.
A duct from the climate system leads to the glove compartment, a practical touch for hot summers.
The CVT selector is larger than a paperclip in appearance, yet it remains comfortable to use.
There is even a built-in DVR that records information about throttle input, braking, turn signals, and speed, provided a memory card is inserted—an unusual but intriguing feature for the segment.
What did you not like?
- Seats sit high with relatively short cushions, and European rivals often tailor these better.
- There is no dedicated phone dock; instead, the design suggests placing the device in a niche beneath the center console.
- The media system with Arkamys acoustics can feel overly bright at higher speeds, though the sound remains detailed and lively.
Overall, a casual observer might wonder if a random passerby would part with his BMW for the LX.
The second row is roomy, but the seat is not adjustable and there is no individual lighting; the windows don’t descend fully.
The rear passengers benefit from heated seats and two USB ports.
ENGINEThe aluminum 1.5-liter turbocharged four, code SQRE4T15C, uses distributed injection, a practice some rivals have moved away from in favor of direct injection. The engine features valve-timing control and adjustable intake length, with the exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head and a water-cooled intercooler and electronic thermostat inside the intake manifold. |
Will it pull off road?
The LX rides on the modular T1X platform shared with other Chery models. It uses MacPherson front suspension and a multilink rear, and while the architecture can accommodate a four-wheel-drive system, this Exeed LX is front-wheel-drive only.
That choice is notable. When soft spring thaw mud appeared on slick surfaces, the front wheels lost traction and kicked up slurry. A future all-wheel-drive version would likely offer greater on-road confidence in tougher conditions.
How does it drive?
The 1.5-liter turbo produces about 147 horsepower and 210 Nm of torque. In real-world driving, the performance feels brisk rather than outstanding, and the car reaches 100 km/h in about 10.5 seconds in Eco mode. In Sport, the sprint takes around 10.9 seconds, with a small amount of torque loss during initial throttle response. Over time, the overall pace remains solid for a compact crossover.
The trunk sides are carpeted, and there are no dedicated tie-downs for loads.
A typical tank averages around 9.5 L/100 km on AI-92 gasoline. For turbo engines, fueling recommendations tend to lean toward higher-octane fuel, so using AI-95 is advisable for optimum behavior.
Under the floor, a practical organizer sits above a spare. The LX is paired with a homegrown V-belt CVT driving a belt from a Bosch supply, offering nine simulated gears and up to 250 Nm of torque. The transmission has been in production for more than a year and is known for reliability.
On the highway, the LX tracks well and remains stable through corners, though it doesn’t deliver the same refined ride quality as some German crossovers. The winter tires on test wear quietly but perform adequately, while the vehicle’s wind noise stays subdued. Overall ride quality is comfortable, though not class-leading in terms of refinement. A premium experience is still a step away for this model.
Some enthusiasts will notice that the exhaust pipes are cosmetic rather than functional, and the base version uses a plainer undercarriage. If dealers offer metal components later, they will add cost for buyers seeking higher perceived quality. The doors close with a solid feel, and the overall design language is bold with generous seals and a distinctive rear light treatment introduced in the Prestige trim.
From the outside, the LX can be captivating enough to turn heads even when parked next to a premium rival. Yet the driving manners still read as more Chinese than premium, and the four-wheel-drive option remains absent for now.
Even with those caveats, it is clear that the LX has potential. It may take some time before the Exeed brand earns widespread prestige in buyers’ eyes. How long will that take? One year, three years, perhaps five. The LX is already attracting attention, even if it isn’t yet a badge of luxury on par with established European competitors.
You can already fall in love with the LX at first sight, even if the drive still cues its Chinese origin.
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Design, equipment, and engine box integration |
No four-wheel drive, limited sound insulation, a ride that isn’t perfectly quiet |
Exeed LX
- Dimensions: 4533 x 1848 x 1690 mm, wheelbase 2650 mm
- Boot space 412-1113 liters
- Gross vehicle weight 1872 kg; curb weight 1536 kg
- Engine: petrol, 1498 cm3, 147 hp at 5500 rpm; 210 Nm at 1750-4500 rpm
- 0-100 km/h: 10.5 s
- Top speed: 185 km/h
- Fuel: AI-92 or AI-95; fuel tank 51 L
- Efficiency: urban 10.0 L/100 km, extra-urban 6.8 L/100 km, combined 8.0 L/100 km
- Drive: front-wheel; transmission CVT
Readers can follow more updates from the LX’s journey in Telegram threads titled behind the wheel.