Golden Dragon X5

Model Overview

The Golden Dragon Grand Haise X5 is a wide-body light commercial passenger van developed by Xiamen Golden Dragon Bus Co., Ltd. (Golden Dragon), serving as a core pillar within the Golden Dragon Grand Haise line-up. Officially launched in 2015, it is positioned as a premium commercial and travel vehicle, targeted primarily at government fleets, corporate livery duties, VIP hospitality, and tourist fleet rentals. Developed as an extensive upgrade over the classic Haise platform, the Grand Haise X5 addresses the traditional model's shortcomings in cabin space and executive appeal by widening the body, upgrading cabin amenities, and elevating overall interior refinement.

Pricing-wise, the Golden Dragon Grand Haise X5 comes in several variants. The 2019 2.4L X5 Petrol Luxury variant (powered by the 4RB2 engine) was officially listed at RM166,800, while the 2.7L X5 Petrol Luxury variant (with the 3TZ engine) was priced at RM179,800. Meanwhile, the China VI emission-compliant X5 passenger van range retailed between RM221,800 and RM299,800. The vehicle offers flexible seating configurations ranging from 5 to 18 seats, with both internal combustion engine (ICE) and fully electric (EV) powertrain options available.

Design Language

Styling-wise, the Golden Dragon Grand Haise X5 adopts a passenger car-like design language, setting it distinctly apart from other Haise-inspired vans on the market. The front fascia features dynamic contour lines and sleek flowing surfaces, giving it a commanding yet refined road presence. The headlamp clusters merge seamlessly with the front grille, where horizontal slats tie directly into the headlamp surrounds, terminating with an upward sweep at the outer edges to create a cohesive yet assertive look. The integrated headlamp assemblies feature stylish LED accents, adding a contemporary touch. Along the sides, a streamlined character line maintains visual harmony across the vehicle's length. Full-size side windows are finished in deep privacy glass, shielding occupants from view while enhancing executive aesthetics. The Golden Dragon Grand Haise X5 boasts a wide-body profile with an overall width of 1.88 metres, an overall length between 5.38 and 5.44 metres, a height of 2,285 mm, and a wheelbase measuring 3,110 mm.

Inside, the Golden Dragon Grand Haise X5 features a grey-themed cabin palette, with a cockpit styled like a conventional passenger car. The dashboard layout prioritises practicality and ergonomics, offering ample storage cubbies and dedicated cup holders. Seating versatility is another strong suit; the rear-row seats can be arranged as a bench or folded up against the sides, easily accommodating diverse operational needs from corporate transfers and executive touring to staff shuttles and tour charters.

Powertrain and Performance

The Golden Dragon Grand Haise X5 is offered with diverse powertrain options to meet varying regional emission standards and fuel efficiency demands. The petrol line-up is anchored by two proven powerplants: the 4RB2 petrol engine and the 3TZ petrol engine.

The 2.4-litre 4RB2 engine—derived and locally optimised from Toyota's 2RZ-FE technology—features a DOHC layout, delivering a maximum output of 102 kW (139 PS) and a peak torque of 217 Nm. The larger 2.7-litre 3TZ engine develops 120 kW (163 PS) and 260 Nm of torque. Additionally, a China VI-compliant 2.4-litre turbo-diesel variant (YCY24140-60A) is available, rated at 103 kW (140 PS) and a muscular 350 Nm of torque.

All variants are paired with a 5-speed manual transmission featuring a lightweight cast-aluminium casing to keep kerb weight down and suppress NVH levels. Throttle inputs are managed via an electronic drive-by-wire system, ensuring smoother acceleration and better fuel economy than conventional cable-operated setups. Power is sent to the tarmac via a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout. Owner feedback highlights dependable power delivery, commendable mid-range pull, decent fuel economy, and effortless handling, though low-end punch off the line is deemed slightly modest.

Chassis and Handling

Under the skin, the Golden Dragon Grand Haise X5 rides on a robust suspension setup consisting of an independent double-wishbone front suspension with torsion bar springs and a heavy-duty rigid leaf spring rear suspension. Braking is handled by a front ventilated disc and rear drum configuration, supported by an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD). It utilizes a hydraulic power steering (HPS) setup, with the van riding on 195R15C commercial-grade tyres. The body shell incorporates high-tensile steel plates, complemented by front crumple zones and side door impact beams, forming a rigid protective cell around the cabin.

Cabin and Equipment

In terms of convenience and equipment, the Golden Dragon Grand Haise X5 comes standard with front and rear cabin heating plus dual-zone air-conditioning with independent rear blower vents. Exterior kit includes electric side mirrors, remote central locking, power windows, and a built-in tachograph/driving recorder. Illuminating the road are halogen high-beam headlamps, LED daytime running lights (DRLs), and front fog lamps. On the safety front, it is equipped with a driver's airbag, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD/CBC) , as well as ISOFIX child seat anchors.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety-wise, the Golden Dragon Grand Haise X5 incorporates an advanced safety cage structure. Built with high-tensile steel and integrated with front impact-absorbing crumple zones alongside side intrusion beams, the bodyshell delivers dependable crash protection. Active safety systems come standard with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution). Passive protection includes a driver's airbag alongside rear ISOFIX child seat tethers. In terms of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS), the Grand Haise X5 sticks to straightforward, commercial-oriented practicality, omitting Level 2 semi-autonomous driving aids.

Market Reception and Verdict

The Grand Haise X5 represents a critical pillar in the Golden Dragon Haise family, a vehicle line backed by over two decades of manufacturing expertise and an aggregate output surpassing 1,000,000 units in China's light bus sector. Since its 2015 debut, the Grand Haise X5 has carved out a solid reputation, driven by its wide-body dimensions, executive presence, and broad engine choices. The vehicle notably served official transport duties during high-profile national events, including the 2015 70th Victory Day Parade and the China International Fair for Investment & Trade (CIFIT). Furthermore, Golden Dragon coaches and vans have served China's annual National "Two Sessions" for 18 consecutive years, in addition to supporting global events such as the Beijing Olympic Games, APEC summits, and the Shanghai World Expo.

On the global stage, Xiamen Golden Dragon continues to demonstrate impressive export momentum. Between January and April 2025, Golden Dragon exported 3,887 units, topping the industry with a staggering year-on-year surge of 127.04% . As a cornerstone of the brand's commercial stable, the Grand Haise range commands a substantial presence across overseas markets.

Owner reviews widely praise the vehicle's dignified exterior styling, generous passenger room, and dependable powertrain, with minor reservations limited to slightly relaxed pick-up from a standstill. On the whole, as Golden Dragon's key contender in the wide-body commercial passenger market, the Grand Haise X5 leverages its wide footprint, car-like interior aesthetics, versatile engine line-up, and highly adaptable seating layouts to maintain a distinctive edge in the executive transfer and tourism segment.