On June 18, the Extreme Fox Alpha S5 launched nationwide. Three days later, the first batch of owners received their cars. The chairman of BAIC Group, the chairman/CEO of CATL, and the president of Magna Steyr attended the event. They personally delivered the new cars. This shows Extreme Fox’s commitment to the Alpha S5 and respect for its users.
On July 21, the Chengdu area held a delivery ceremony for car owners. The event featured a grand delivery process. I also spoke with some owners and gained new insights.
The Extreme Fox Alpha S5 is an electric mid-size sedan. It measures 4820mm in length and has a 2900mm wheelbase. The 60.2% axle ratio ensures ample space. It also enhances the car’s streamlined design.
This car boasts a drag coefficient of just 0.1925 Cd. It has the lowest drag among mass-produced cars in the world.
The tail lights of the Extreme Fox Alpha S5 stand out. When lit, the car looks unique at night.
When you mention Extreme Fox, health and environmental protection come to mind. The Alpha S5 is no exception. Inside the car, you won’t smell any odors. This healthy cabin appeals to families, especially those with babies.
The Alpha S5 features a simple and bright interior design. It has a dual-spoke steering wheel and no instrument screen. The advanced 68-inch AR-HUD can even project screens. These designs reflect current user preferences.
The Arcfox Alpha S5 offers three versions: 560 km, 650 km, and 708 km. The 650 km and 708 km versions use an 800V platform. Remember this 800V; it is an advantage that will be mentioned later.
The Alpha S5 offers two power options: single motor and dual motor. The single motor versions have power ratings of 185 kW and 200 kW. The dual motor version delivers 390 kW. The acceleration times are 7.0 seconds for the single motor at 185 kW, 6.8 seconds for the single motor at 200 kW, and 3.7 seconds for the dual motor.
After briefly introducing the product strengths of the Alpha S5, let’s discuss insights from a conversation with an owner. This owner compared the Alpha S5 with the Xiaomi SU7 before making a purchase. The Xiaomi SU7 gained significant attention. However, after comparing the two models, he chose the Alpha S5, which has slightly less hype but matches the Xiaomi SU7 in capability. He noted that both cars appealed to his taste in design and interior atmosphere. In this regard, they were evenly matched. When it came to the hard facts, price stood out. The Alpha S5 costs between 176,800 and 216,800 yuan (30030$). Currently, it has a limited-time promotional price of 151,800 to 191,800 yuan (26560$). In contrast, the Xiaomi SU7 ranges from 215,900 to 299,900 yuan (41540$), with no discounts available. If comparing models at similar price points, the top configuration of the Alpha S5 is 24,100 yuan (3340$) lower than the base model of the Xiaomi SU7. His budget could only afford the lower configuration of the Xiaomi SU7—the rear-wheel drive long-range version. Choosing the Alpha S5 allowed him to upgrade to the top configuration, the Alpha S5 650ULTRA. He expressed satisfaction, saying, “I can save over 20,000 yuan (2770$).”
The Alpha S5 650ULTRA uses a CATL ternary lithium battery with a capacity of 79.2 kWh. The Xiaomi SU7 rear-wheel drive long-range version features a Fudi lithium iron phosphate battery with a capacity of 73.6 kWh. The former operates on an 800V platform, while the latter runs on a 400V platform. The comparison between 79.2 kWh and 73.6 kWh, and between 800V and 400V, clearly shows which is stronger. After attending the delivery, I gained new insights. The market for pure electric sedans priced between 150,000 and 250,000 yuan (34620$) is highly competitive. The Xiaomi SU7 has strong momentum and impressive capabilities. Other contenders, like the Zhiqi L6, also showcase advanced technology. However, I believe the Alpha S5 stands out as a more cost-effective option. Its performance matches the previously mentioned models. It also delivers faster and comes at a lower price. How would you choose?