The ArcFox αS5 is China’s latest BYD Seal rival

The ArcFox αS5 (Alpha S5) measures 4,820 mm in length, 1,930 mm in width, and 1,480 mm in height and has a 2,900 mm wheelbase. Thanks to a sleek and aerodynamic exterior, its drag coefficient is exceptionally low – 0.1925 Cd. The mid-size electric car competes with the BYD Seal and is available in 560Max, 708Max, and 650Ultra trims.

In the 560Max trim, the ArcFox αS5 uses a basic 65 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack and a permanent magnet synchronous motor that produces 185 kW and 360 Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in seven seconds, achieve a top speed of 180 kph, and deliver a CLTC range of 560 km. Fully charging the battery pack at 7 kW via an AC charger takes 11.3 hours. Using a DC charger, going up from 30% to 80% charging level takes 23 minutes max.

The 708Max and 650Ultra trims upgrade to a CATL-sourced 79.2 kWh ternary lithium battery pack with an operating voltage of 800 volts. Charging the bigger and more advanced battery pack at 7 kW through an AC charger takes 12.9 hours. On a DC charger, the process of charging from 30-80% DC takes about 17 minutes.

The ArcFox αS5 708Max upgrades to a higher-power permanent magnet synchronous motor, tuned to develop 200 kW and 360 Nm of torque. Thus, 100 kph from a standstill comes slightly quicker, in 6.8 seconds. However, the top speed is the same – 180 kph. On a full charge, the car can travel up to 708 km, as per CLTC.

The ArcFox αS5 650Ultra offers all-wheel drive capability with the combination of a permanent magnet synchronous motor and an asynchronous motor. It takes just 3.7 seconds to accelerate from nought to 100 kph and its maximum speed is set at 180 kph.

On the outside, ArcFox αS5 features a fast-sloping roofline, frameless doors, 19-inch alloy wheels, flush deployable door handles, and an automatically extending rear spoiler. Nebula Pink, Vision White, ArcFox White, Ice Gray, and Diamond Black are the paint options.

A minimalist interior gives the vibe of a luxury car, with a 256-colour interactive ambient lighting system adding to that feeling. The car is devoid of an instrument cluster and displays all the information through an AR-HUD with a projection area of 68 inches and on a 15.6-inch float touchscreen infotainment system. The front seats have 6-way (driver)/4-way (passenger) power adjustment, memory, ventilation, and heating functions.

The ArcFox αS5 costs 176,800 yuan (22,690 euros) in the 560Max trim, 196,800 yuan (25,257 euros) in the 708Max trim, and 216,800 yuan (27,824 euros) in the 650Ultra trim.

carnewschina.com, arcfox.com.cn (in Chinese), weibo.com (in Chinese), db.m.auto.sohu.com (in Chinese)