The updated Arcfox Alpha S5, also marketed as the αS5, is preparing for the start of its next sales push in China. Arcfox is BAIC Group’s EV-focused brand, and the company first teased the refreshed sedan in mid-February.
It has now followed up with a first look at the interior and a clearer breakdown of equipment, as Chinese outlets report that preorders are expected to open March 1.
The Alpha S5 originally debuted in 2024 and has been offered as a battery electric sedan, but the refreshed version is expected to broaden the lineup by adding a hybrid variant alongside the EV.
Interior Changes Focus On Clean Design And Comfort Upgrades
Arcfox’s latest reveal centers on the cabin. The dashboard has been revised with a simpler look for the outboard air vents. A small storage compartment on the front passenger door has been removed, and the cupholders on the center tunnel have been reshaped.
One surprise is what did not change. The infotainment screen appears to remain the same as before. As with the current model, the sedan also skips a traditional instrument cluster, relying instead on a head-up display for key driving information.
Arcfox is also leaning harder into premium features. The company says the sedan will be available with velour upholstery, and higher trims now move to a 19-speaker audio system, up from 15 previously. The front passenger seat adds a leg rest and a so-called “zero gravity” mode, a comfort feature that has become increasingly common on higher-content Chinese market EVs.
Exterior updates include revised fascias and new lighting signatures.
Compared with the outgoing version, the refreshed Alpha S5 is differentiated by redesigned bumpers and the removal of the extra front lighting elements sometimes described as “fangs.” Both the front and rear lamps adopt new LED graphics.
The rest of the body appears largely familiar. The car is still expected to retain frameless doors, and a retractable spoiler on the trunk lid is likely to carry over as well.
EV Powertrain Choices Stay Familiar
Arcfox is keeping the core EV layout intact. Buyers should again be able to choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions.
The front-drive model retains a 252 hp electric motor. The dual-motor AWD version continues with a combined 530 hp output.
Battery choices for the current electric model are listed at 64.8 kWh, 74.4 kWh, or 79.2 kWh, with a claimed range of about 348 to 440 miles on China’s CLTC test cycle. CLTC numbers are typically more optimistic than the EPA figures U.S. readers are used to, but they are still useful for comparing vehicles within the China market.
A New Hybrid Variant Adds A Range Extender-Style Setup
The biggest mechanical news is the upcoming hybrid version. The powertrain is described as a range extender-style system, where a gasoline engine primarily works as a generator rather than driving the wheels directly.
Arcfox lists a gasoline engine described as “1.5” liters making 105 hp, which equals about 92 cubic inches, paired with a 272 hp electric motor. The hybrid is said to use a 27.4 kWh battery and deliver up to about 109 miles of electric-only driving. The underlying Alpha S5 line is also described as offering a range extender variant in public model summaries.
Pricing Expected In March
Arcfox is expected to publish official refreshed model pricing in March. The outgoing electric Alpha S5 has been listed in China at 127,800 to 177,800 yuan, which works out to roughly $18,600 to $25,900 using a recent exchange rate near 6.85 yuan per $1.
If Arcfox can keep the updated model priced aggressively while adding real cabin content and a hybrid option, the refreshed Alpha S5 could become a stronger proposition in one of the most competitive EV markets in the world.
This article originally appeared on Autorepublika.com and has been republished with permission by Guessing Headlights. AI-assisted translation was used, followed by human editing and review.