With BAIC already in Malaysia with the BJ and X55, this ArcFox Alpha S5 might be next
In June 2024, BAIC made its first appearance in Malaysia with 2 SUV’s with very different design languages.
First there was the X55 which is slippery looking vehicle targeted at the Chery OMODA 5 and Proton X50 and next was the BJ40 which is square tough looking boxy SUV that rivals the GWM TANK 300.
Now we get news from the region that BAIC has a luxury sports sedan which is called ARCFOX Alpha S5. This electric sports car was officially launched in June this year with tow variants, the 650 ULTRA and the 708 MAX for the China domestic buyer.
This ARCFOX is a premium new energy vehicle brand of BAIC group and already has four models in its line-up, including the Alpha-S sedan, Alpha-T SUV, and the Kaola, a small MPV designed for female with children. The new Alpha S5 is positioned as a pure electric mid-to-large size sedan and is arguably its most visually appealing model.
ARCFOX Alpha S5 features the lowest drag coefficient for mass production cars in Chinese market, reaching an astonishing 0.1925cd, a value that is achieved with sufficient rear passenger space. The extremely smooth contour ensures rapid air flow.
Overall the new ARCFOX Alpha S5 looks quite sporty. This is obviously aided by the use of black on the roof, mirrors and wheels but it is also down to the car’s actual lines.
While there’s no traditional front grille, the Alpha S5 still has a sporty and attractive face. The front stands out thanks to a pair of angular headlights that connect seamlessly to a piece of black trim that runs down to the base of the front bumper, giving the impression of a smiling mouth. Although fastback style the car seems to be a genuine sedan rather than a hatchback.
Elsewhere, the new ARCFOX model rocks retractable door handles and can be optioned with a contrasting gloss black roof. For wheels there’s a choice between 18 and 19 inch. The rear of the car is just as sleek as the front and includes tinted LED taillights and a light bar.
The ARCFOX Alpha S5 offers a modern and driver-focused cockpit, with a 14.6-inch central infotainment screen and a minimalist design. There is no traditional instrument cluster. However, it will come with a 68-inch AR-HUD supporting movie displaying.
The infotainment system features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip and integrates various large games like the Asphalt 9, allowing for linkage with air conditioning, audio system, ambient lighting, and two ARCFOX professional gamepads, transforming the cabin into a gaming paradise. Even the Nintendo Switch console can connect to the infotainment screen.
This AR-HUD system, combined with the vehicle’s advanced driver assistance features such as automatic driving and intelligent obstacle avoidance, provides an unprecedented immersive driving experience for the driver. This innovative design of the Alpha S5 not only demonstrates BAIC ARCFOX’s pursuit of technological innovation but also indicates the future development trend of the automotive industry.
The cabin is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of soft-touch surfaces and a premium feel.
This sedan is 4,820 mm long, 1,930 mm wide, and stands 1,480 mm tall with a 2,900 mm wheelbase. ARCFOX will offer the Alpha S5 in single-motor front-wheel drive guise with 268 hp while the flagship dual-motor variant will add a 255 hp motor to the rear axle. Entry-level versions will use an LFP battery while higher-end models will use a CATL ternary lithium battery.
Utilizing a comprehensive 800V silicon carbide architecture that supports a 2.6C charging rate, the ARCFOX Alpha S5 offers multiple driving modes. In the Track mode, users can customize vehicle parameters including acceleration pattern, torque distribution, energy recovery, and stability assistance.
