Chinese crossovers Belgee X50 and Coolray (aka Changan CS55 Plus in the original line) today occupy a leading position among budget SUVs on the Russian market. Both cars are positioned as affordable yet technologically advanced alternatives to European and Japanese brands. However, behind the external similarity lie fundamental differences - from the platform to the electronic filling.

This article will help you figure out which crossover is better suited for city use and which one can cope with light off-road use. We will analyze engines and transmissions, ride quality, configurations and prices, and also reliability and service — with an emphasis on Russian realities in 2026. We will pay special attention to those nuances that manufacturers do not advertise in advertising brochures.

If you are choosing between these models, it is important to understand: Belgee X50 - this is a localized version Geely Tugella (assembled in Belarus), and Coolray — rebranded Changan CS55 Plus, adapted for Russia by Avtotor. Different corporate DNA means different approaches to assembly, electronics and even interior design.

1. Origin and platforms: who is whose clone?

Let's start with the main thing: both crossovers are not original developments, but versions of Chinese models adapted for the Russian market. However, their “pedigree” is very different, which affects the reliability and cost of ownership.

Belgee X50 built on a platform BMA (B-segment Modular Architecture) from Geely, which underlies models such as Geely Coolray (yes, the coincidence of names is a different story) and Volvo XC40. The platform is known for its rigidity and the ability to install hybrid powertrains. In Russia X50 assembled at the factory BelGee in Borisov (Belarus) is a joint venture Geely and the Belarusian government.

But Coolray (aka Changan CS55 Plus) uses the platform EP1 from Changan, which debuted in 2018. This architecture is aimed at budget crossovers and sedans, but with an emphasis on comfort and sound insulation. In Russia, the model is assembled at the Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad - this is no longer a joint venture, but a full-fledged localization under the brand Coolray.

Key differences between the platforms:

  • 🔧 Belgee X50: more modern architecture (2019), the ability to install hybrids, high body rigidity (27,000 Nm/deg).
  • 🔧 Coolray: the platform is older (2018), but better adapted to Russian roads thanks to reinforced suspension arms and crankcase protection.
  • 🏭 Localization: X50 assembled in Belarus (components from China), Coolray — in Kaliningrad (partial localization of parts).
⚠️ Attention: Don't be confused Belgee X50 and Geely Coolray — these are different cars! Geely Coolray not sold in Russia, but Belgee X50 is its simplified version with a different engine and suspension settings.

2. Engines and transmissions: which is more powerful and more economical?

The differences here are cardinal. Belgee X50 equipped with a single gasoline engine - 1.5-liter turbo engine 3B15T power 150 hp and torque 210 Nm. This motor is designed Geely together with Volvo and is known for its reliability, but in the version for X50 it is deformed compared to the original one Geely Coolray (177 hp there).

Coolray, in turn, offers a choice of two engines:

  • 🔥 1.6-liter turbo engine GDI (197 hp, 290 Nm) - the flagship version, accelerating the crossover to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds.
  • ⚡ 1.4-liter turbo engine EA211 (156 hp, 260 Nm) - more economical, but less dynamic.

By transmissions:

  • 🔄 Belgee X50: only 7-speed DCT robot (with wet clutch). In the city cycle it can jerk at low speeds.
  • 🔄 Coolray: 7-speed DCT robot (for 1.6T) or 6-speed automatic transmission Aisin (for 1.4T). The latter is considered more reliable.
Parameter Belgee X50 Coolray 1.4T Coolray 1.6T
Engine capacity 1.5 l 1.4 l 1.6 l
Power 150 hp 156 hp 197 hp
Torque 210 Nm 260 Nm 290 Nm
Acceleration 0–100 km/h 10.3 s 9.5 s 7.9 s
Fuel consumption (combined) 7.2 l/100 km 6.8 l/100 km 8.1 l/100 km

Critical nuance: the 1.6T engine in Coolray requires gasoline of at least AI-95, while the Belgee X50 officially allows AI-92. This may be important for regions with fuel quality problems.

📊 Which engine is closer to you?
Powerful 1.6T (197 hp)
Economical 1.4T (156 hp)
Reliable 1.5T (150 hp)
I don't care about power

3. Suspension and handling: who drives better in the pits?

Both crossovers are built on a front-wheel drive platform, but with different suspension settings. Belgee X50 uses the classic scheme:

  • 🔩 Front suspension: McPherson with gas-filled shock absorbers.
  • 🔩 Rear suspension: multi-lever (5 levers), which provides good directional stability.

Coolray goes further in terms of adaptation to Russian roads:

  • 🔩 Front suspension: MacPherson strut with reinforced levers (metal thickness is 20% greater than the Chinese version).
  • 🔩 Rear suspension: semi-independent beam (in top trim levels - multi-link).
  • 🛡️Additionally: crankcase and fuel tank protection in the database (at X50 only in the maximum configuration).

According to owner reviews:

  • ✅ Coolray It goes over potholes and speed bumps more smoothly, but at high speeds (120+ km/h) it holds the road worse.
  • ✅ Belgee X50 more “sporty” in handling, but harsher on bumps.
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If you often drive on gravel roads, pay attention to the ground clearance: Coolray he makes up 190 mm (vs. 185 mm for X50). A difference of 5 mm can be critical for overcoming deep ruts.

4. Options and prices: what do they offer for the money?

At the time of 2026, prices for both models will start at around 1.8–2.0 million rubles, but the configurations are very different. Belgee X50 offers 3 versions:

  • 💰 Comfort (from 1.85 million): LED optics, 17-inch wheels, climate control, multimedia with Apple CarPlay.
  • 💰 Luxury (from 2.0 million): leather interior, heated all seats, 360° camera, adaptive cruise.
  • 💰 Premium (from 2.2 million): panoramic roof, ventilated seats, parking assistance system.

Coolray takes a different path - there are 4 trim levels, but with an emphasis on safety:

  • 💰 Standard (from 1.9 million): basic multimedia, 16-inch wheels, 6 airbags.
  • 💰 Comfort (from 2.1 million): 18-inch wheels, keyless entry, blind spot monitoring system.
  • 💰 Luxury (from 2.3 million): leather interior, adaptive headlights, head-up display.
  • 💰 Flagman (from 2.5 million): a full package of electronic assistants, including a parking assistant.

What's important:

  • 🔋 B Coolray it's even in the database stabilization system and airbags for rear passengers (y X50 only in the top).
  • 🎵 Multimedia in X50 supports Wireless CarPlay (y Coolray wired only).
What do dealers hide about the warranty?

The official warranty for both cars is 5 years or 150,000 km. However, in the case of Belgee X50 There is a caveat: if the car is assembled from Chinese components (and not Belarusian ones), the warranty on the body is reduced to 3 years. Check with your dealer before purchasing!

5. Reliability and service: where is it cheaper to service?

According to service centers, Belgee X50 has several reliability complaints:

  • ⚠️ Engine 1.5T can “eat” oil (up to 1 liter per 5,000 km) during aggressive driving.
  • ⚠️ DCT robot requires adaptation every 20,000 km (otherwise jerks appear).
  • ⚠️ Electronics sometimes it “glitches” (for example, the headlights turn on spontaneously).

Coolray In this regard, it is more predictable:

  • ✅ Engine 1.6T known for its “indestructibility” (resource 300+ thousand km with proper maintenance).
  • ✅ Automatic Aisin paired with the 1.4T it is considered one of the most reliable in the class.
  • ⚠️ Weak point - suspension: shock absorbers and stabilizer struts wear out by 60–80 thousand km.

For service cost:

  • 💵 Belgee X50: TO-1 costs 12–15 thousand rubles, but spare parts are cheaper (many are interchangeable with Geely).
  • 💵 Coolray: TO-1 costs 15–18 thousand rubles, but original spare parts are more expensive (especially electronics).
⚠️ Attention: There were recall cases in 2023 Coolray due to a problem with the fuel pump (replacement under warranty). U Belgee X50 there were no safety complaints, but owners complain about poor sound insulation.

6. Design and interior: where is it more convenient?

Externally, both crossovers follow trends: massive radiator grille, LED optics, “muscular” wheel arches. However, the differences are noticeable in details:

  • 🎨 Belgee X50: more aggressive design with “ragged” body lines, two-tone paint on top versions.
  • 🎨 Coolray: classic “Chinese premium” - smooth surfaces, chrome inserts, LED strip on the front.

Inside:

  • 🪑 X50: simple but ergonomic. The plastic is hard, but the assembly is free of play. The steering wheel is heated even in the base.
  • 🪑 Coolray: a more “premium” interior with soft pads on the dashboard, but the ergonomics are worse (the climate control buttons are inconveniently located).

By dimensions:

  • 📏 Belgee X50: length 4,440 mm, trunk 450 l.
  • 📏 Coolray: length 4,515 mm, trunk 520 l.
💡

If comfort in the back row is important to you, Coolray wins in legroom (+5 cm) and interior width.

7. What to choose: resumes for different scenarios

An analysis of your priorities will help you make your choice:

Select Belgee X50, if:

  • 🚗 Do you need budget crossover with low cost of ownership (cheap parts, simple engine).
  • 🎯Important dynamics in the city (compact dimensions, responsive steering).
  • 📱 You are critical wireless phone integration (Wireless CarPlay).

Select Coolray, if:

  • 🛣️ Do you often travel around bad roads (better suspension, crankcase protection).
  • 💨 Do you need maximum power (1.6T with 197 hp will overtake anyone in traffic).
  • 🛡️ Important security (more airbags, blind spot monitoring system even in the middle configuration).

And finally, main argument against Belgee X50: on the secondary market it loses value faster than Coolray, due to a lesser known brand and body warranty issues.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Belgee X50 and Coolray

🔧 Is it possible to install HBO on these cars?

Officially neither Belgee, nor Coolray not certified for HBO, but unofficially:

  • Belgee X50: engine 3B15T theoretically compatible with 4th generation HBO, but requires ECU firmware (risk of voiding warranty).
  • Coolray: It is not recommended to install HBO on 1.6T due to the high compression ratio (10.5:1). 1.4T is more loyal to gas.

Important: After installing the HBO, be sure to check lambda probes - they often fail on Chinese turbo engines.

❄️ How do these cars behave in winter?

Both crossovers have all-wheel drive only in top trim levels, but even in the front-wheel drive version they perform well:

  • Belgee X50: Light weight (1,350 kg) helps on snow, but the short wheelbase can cause slipping on ice.
  • Coolray: Heavier (1,450 kg), but the stability control system works more effectively.
⚠️ Attention: In frosts below –25°C Coolray Starting problems may occur due to a weak battery (60 Ah). It is recommended to immediately replace it with 70–75 Ah.
🔄 Is it possible to update the multimedia firmware yourself?

Yes, but with reservations:

  • Belgee X50: the firmware is publicly available on forums (for example, 4PDA). Updating is possible via USB, but there is a risk of bricking the system.
  • Coolray: releases official updates Changan, but for Russian versions they are often late. Do-it-yourself firmware will void the warranty.

☑️ What you need to update the firmware

Done: 0 / 4
💰 How much do insurance and taxes cost?

As of 2026:

  • Transport tax: for Belgee X50 (150 hp) - 3,000 rub/year, for Coolray 1.6T (197 hp) - 8,000 rub/year.
  • OSAGO: on average 12–15 thousand rubles. for X50 and 15–18 thousand rubles. for Coolray (due to higher power).
  • CASCO: the difference is minimal (about 50–60 thousand rubles. per year for both), but Coolray sometimes cheaper due to greater prevalence.