• The updated Alpha S5 began pre-sales with a subsidized starting price of 112,800 yuan and introduced EREV variants to align with market trends.
• The move represents Arcfox's recovery effort to reverse sluggish sales, complementing the upcoming launch of its premium Wendao series MPV.

Arcfox, the electric vehicle (EV) unit of Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC Group), commenced pre-sales for its updated Alpha S5 sedan on Sunday, aiming to drive performance recovery in China's fiercely competitive automotive market.

The model carries an official starting price of 117,800 yuan ($17,180) during pre-sales, with the subsidized starting price further reduced to 112,800 yuan, accompanied by multiple limited-time purchase benefits.

To attract more buyers, customers placing deposits receive exclusive benefits valued at 25,888 yuan, underscoring Arcfox's urgency to boost sales.

Notably, while retaining its original battery electric vehicle (BEV) variants, the Alpha S5 now offers extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) options to align with current domestic consumer trends.

The lineup comprises six variants: four BEV models and two EREV models.

BEV pre-sale prices are set at 121,800 yuan, 133,800 yuan, 146,800 yuan, and 178,800 yuan. EREV pre-sale prices are 117,800 yuan and 130,800 yuan.

Arcfox is offering a limited-time subsidy of 5,000 yuan for all variants.

The updated Alpha S5 measures 4,820 mm in length, 1,930 mm in width, and 1,480 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,900 mm.

The EREV variant features a 1.5-liter range extender with a maximum output of 77 kW. Both versions incorporate a drive motor delivering up to 200 kW.

The Alpha S5 EREV is equipped with a 27.4 kWh battery pack, providing a pure electric range of 175 kilometers. With a full tank and fully charged battery, its combined range reaches 1,450 kilometers.

The BEV version is built on a 900V platform, featuring an electric motor with a peak power of 390 kW and maximum torque of 190 Nm, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds.

For intelligent features, the new model incorporates the BAIC Yuanjing smart driving system and includes a visual alert device called the blue smart driving light.

Arcfox ranks among China's earliest EV startups, though its sales performance has been lackluster in recent years.

The launch coincides with Arcfox's active restructuring of its product portfolio as the automaker seeks to reverse its prolonged sales slump.

As a pivotal step in its brand elevation strategy, Arcfox recently unveiled its new Wendao product lineup targeting the higher-margin premium SUV and MPV segments.

The first model in the Wendao series, the WendaoV9, is a mid-to-large-size multi-purpose vehicle. The new model is expected to officially launch in the Chinese market during the second quarter of this year.

($1 = 6.8582 yuan)