The BYD Seal could soon face some stiff competition in China with the impending launch of the Arcfox Alpha S5, showcased in these photos for the very first time.
Arcfox is a sub-brand of BAIC and already has four models in its line-up, including the Alpha-S sedan, Alpha-T SUV, and the Kaolo, a small MPV designed for women with children. The new Alpha S5 is arguably its most visually appealing model.
Details from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology reveal the sedan is 4,820 mm (189.7 inches) long, 1,930 mm (75.9 inches) wide, and stands 1,480 mm tall (58.2 inches) with a 2,900 mm (114.1-inch) wheelbase. This makes it 20 mm (0.7 inches) longer than the BYD Seal, 55 mm (2.1 inches) wider, and 20 mm (0.7 inches) taller with a 20 mm (0.7-inch) shorter wheelbase.
Read: Hyundai To Build Arcfox’s EVs In China Through BAIC Joint Venture
The front of the Alpha S5 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. While there’s no traditional front grille, the car still has a sporty and attractive face. Elsewhere, we can see the new Arcfox model rocks retractable door handles and can be optioned with a contrasting gloss black roof. The carmaker will also offer it with 18-inch and 19-inch wheels. The rear of the car is just as sleek as the front and includes tinted LED taillights and a light bar.
No official photos of the car’s interior have been published at this stage but spy shots from Car News China reveal it will rock a large central infotainment screen and lack a traditional instrument cluster. However, it will come with a head-up display, as well as a flat-bottomed steering wheel and plenty of soft-touch surfaces.
Arcfox will offer the Alpha S5 in single-motor front-wheel drive guise with 200 kW (268 hp) while the flagship dual-motor variant will add a 190 kW (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. Prices should start at around 200,000 yuan (~$27,800).
