How do I connect my iPhone to my BAIC Beijing X55?

Technology waits for no man and the infotainment landscape is a rapidly evolving one. Customers have come to expect smartphone mirroring and many rely on Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to handle their calls, media and navigational tasks. Here's how the BAIC Beijing X55 handles the Apple iPhone.

Chad Lückhoff

16 Feb 2023 · 10:35Buying a Car2 min read

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Infotainment systems have become a critical component in modern vehicles. It's a selling point that you will find in even the most affordable entry-level vehicles. Touchscreens and interconnectivity, paired with multifunction steering wheels and a smorgasbord of settings, infotainment system play a vital role in keeping us entertained, connected, and informed as we drive. There was a brief moment though when the infotainment system operating system was the crux of the operation but nowadays Android Auto and Apple CarPlay allow for us to use the same interface no matter what car we choose. It further aids in allowing address books, call records, music and navigation to be seamlessly linked with our smartphones.

Related: BAIC Beijing X55 (2023) first drive review

The BAIC Beijing X55 is an attractive newcomer to the South African market and its appealing price and generous size and one will hear quite a bit about the powertrain and safety systems employed but won't go into too much detail about their infotainment system. This is largely due to the fact that has been unable to acquire the necessary protocols to run Android Auto or Apple CarPlay on its systems. You will not be able to connect your iPhone natively to the BAIC Beijing X55 at this current time.

Third-party apps

BAIC makes some provision for Android devices though and through the use of a third-party app installed on your Android smartphone, CarbitLink. BAIC claims that this will work with Apple devices as well, but we were not successful in our attempts. CarbitLink will allow for screen mirroring of certain apps but will still require you to interact with your phone, rather than the car's touchscreen when wanting to make use of navigation software.

Unfortunately, this negates the effectiveness of the X55's infotainment system and one is left to settle for a Bluetooth connection for audio streaming and hands-free telephony.

Written by Chad Lückhoff

With over 18 years of motorsport commentary and a passion for 90s Japanese Sports Cars, Chad Lückhoff is happiest when surrounded by drift cars and smoking tyres. His experience as the Technical Editor of the country’s top tuning magazine means that it’s the nuts and bolts of motoring that tickles his fancy. As comfortable in front of the camera as he is behind it, he’ll take you behind the wheel with his video reviews, written recounts, and invoking photography. One of the first to join the AutoTrader fray, Chad has been living his passion at AutoTrader for over 7-years.Read more