BAIC EU5 Plus

Model Overview

The BAIC EU5 PLUS is a compact all-electric sedan launched under the "BEIJING" marque by Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC Group). Serving as a fully redesigned and upgraded successor to the EU5 lineup, it officially debuted on 26 May 2021. Positioned as an "exquisite and practical electric family sedan", the vehicle focuses on high value-for-money and dependable range, squarely targeting the RM100,000–RM150,000 family EV segment. It represents a strategic milestone in BAIC New Energy’s pivot from fleet and e-hailing operations toward the private consumer market. Key highlights include a real-world CLTC range of up to 524 km, a segment-rare rear multi-link independent suspension, and an array of premium seat comfort amenities. With cumulative series sales exceeding 220,000 units over five years, the EU5 badge has established a solid foothold in the mass-market EV space. At present, the 2023 model and its subsequent updates are on sale, carrying official retail prices between RM129,900 and RM155,900, with showroom discounts in certain areas pushing the entry price down to the RM100,000 threshold.

Design Language

The BAIC EU5 PLUS showcases the brand's latest "Peak Leopard Aesthetics" design language. Up front, it features a sleek fully enclosed grille flanked by slim LED headlamp clusters, which are visually bridged by a full-width chrome garnish. The front bumper retains the signature C-shaped daytime running light strips, accented by vivid blue projector lens details that accentuate its electrified DNA. The overall front fascia strikes a balance between minimalist clean styling and modern road presence. In terms of dimensions, the sedan measures 4,670 mm in length, 1,820 mm in width, and 1,520 mm in height, with a 2,670 mm wheelbase. The side profile is sculpted with sharp dual shoulder lines and a sleek fastback silhouette, complemented by dual-tone alloy wheels. At the rear, full-width LED taillight clusters feature a distinctive "flying-wing" light signature and sequential indicators, lending the car a more upmarket aesthetic.

Inside, the cabin embraces a driver-centric wraparound layout with generous soft-touch leatherette trim across the dashboard. The focal point is the dual 12.3-inch integrated widescreen setup fitted as standard across all variants, housing the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment touchscreen. The driver's display offers multiple themes that adapt to drive modes and personal preferences. Practicality is preserved through physical switchgear and rotary dials on the centre stack for key controls. The addition of one-piece dual-tone sports seats, a multifunction steering wheel, and an aircraft-style electronic gear selector notably elevates cabin refinement compared to its predecessor.

Powertrain and Performance

Across the lineup, the BAIC EU5 PLUS is powered by a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor in a front-wheel-drive configuration. While technical specifications list both 120 kW and 160 kW calibrations depending on trim levels, the mainstream powertrain delivers an output of 120 kW (163 PS) and 240 Nm of torque, achieving a top speed of 150 km/h. Powertrain management is overseen by the EMD3.0 Pro intelligent electronic control unit and the IBTC bionic thermal management system. Paired with a One-Pedal regenerative braking system boasting 26% energy recuperation efficiency, the system ensures consistent and dependable real-world driving range.

Energy storage comes courtesy of ternary lithium-ion battery packs supplied by CATL / Jiangsu Times, available in 49.6 kWh and 60.7 kWh capacities that deliver NEDC-rated ranges of 416 km and 501 km respectively. With the introduction of the 2023 facelift, official ratings transitioned to the CLTC standard, rated at 430 km for the R500 and 524 km for the R600. For charging, DC fast charging juices the battery from 30% to 80% state-of-charge in roughly 30 minutes, whereas standard AC charging requires approximately 8.5 to 10 hours for a full cycle. Mid-to-high-spec variants come equipped with an energy-efficient heat pump air-conditioning system, which improves low-temperature driving range by around 40 km at -7°C to mitigate winter range drop-off. Average power consumption is rated at an economical 13.4 kWh per 100 km, keeping running costs minimal.

Chassis and Handling

The chassis setup remains one of the EU5 PLUS’s standout hardware highlights in the compact electric sedan category. It features MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link independent suspension at the rear across the entire range. In a segment where rivals frequently settle for cost-effective rear torsion beam setups (such as the XPENG P5 and Geometry A), the multi-link rear suspension keeps tyre contact patches optimal and reins in body roll, noticeably improving cornering stability without compromising ride compliance.

The electric power steering system is paired with selectable driving modes—Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow—catering to varied driving preferences and road surfaces. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, supported by an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) and Auto Hold functionality. Overall, the chassis is calibrated for everyday ride comfort, with bump absorption and road-holding refinement that rank among the best in its class.

Cabin and Features

The intelligent cockpit of the BAIC EU5 PLUS revolves around its twin 12.3-inch digital displays. Premium variants feature an infotainment system powered by Huawei HMS and the Kirin 990A processor, complete with 5G connectivity for swift online functionality. It integrates Baidu DuerOS voice control, offering sound-source localisation, continuous multi-turn commands, and hands-free control over climate settings, sunroof, power windows, navigation, and seat adjustments. The infotainment hub comes preloaded with onboard applications like AutoNavi Maps, Tencent Video, and music streaming. The 2023 facelift introduced customisable UI themes, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and a "Send to Car" smartphone navigation push feature for improved day-to-day usability.

Comfort features give the EU5 PLUS a distinctive competitive edge in its price bracket. Standard equipment across all variants includes rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry with push-button start, automatic climate control, and rear air-con vents. Higher-spec trims gain one-piece sport-style leatherette upholstery with power-adjustable front seats; the driver’s seat further benefits from 4-way power lumbar support, ventilation, heating, and memory functions, while the front passenger seat also enjoys powered adjustments. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and a wireless smartphone charging pad on the centre console are also featured. The cabin is further enhanced by 10-colour ambient lighting and a practical 350-litre boot, which can be expanded via folding rear seats to accommodate family luggage.

Safety and Driver Assistance

In terms of passive safety, the BAIC EU5 PLUS utilises a high-strength cage body shell. Dual front airbags and front side airbags are standard across the range, while high-spec trims like the R600 Exclusive Edition add front and rear side curtain airbags for complete 6-airbag protection. Active safety basics are well catered for, with standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS), and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

On the active safety and ADAS front, cruise control and a 360-degree surround-view monitor come standard. Higher-spec grades feature a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System driven by high-definition cameras, millimetre-wave radars, and ultrasonic sensors. Core driver aids comprise Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), and Moving Object Detection (MOD). Selected top-spec variants also feature an Augmented Reality Head-Up Display (AR-HUD) projecting navigation and driver assist prompts onto the windscreen. Additional conveniences include Hill-Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, an integrated dashcam, and rain-sensing automatic wipers.

Market Performance and Verdict

The BAIC EU5 PLUS has seen its sales trajectory experience a noticeable cooling off after initial market highs. In December 2023, buoyed by strong fleet demand in the taxi and ride-hailing sectors alongside aggressive year-end retail campaigns, monthly registrations for the EU5 series (including the EU5 PLUS) peaked at 12,811 units, trailing only the BYD Qin PLUS EV and securing a spot among the top ten best-selling new energy sedans. However, heading into 2024, the tapering of commercial e-hailing incentives, reduced EV subsidies, an escalating market-wide price war, and an influx of aggressive new rivals led to a steep sales decline, with monthly figures dropping below 1,000 units during the first half of the year. Recent monthly volumes have settled around a modest 1,400 units.

On the ownership front, the EU5 PLUS (2023 model) maintains a commendable user satisfaction rating of 9.6 out of 10. Owners routinely commend its dependable real-world battery range (having secured top spots for range accuracy in several authoritative industry tests), the supple ride quality afforded by the rear multi-link independent suspension, the high-tech appeal of the twin 12.3-inch screens, and generous comfort appointments such as ventilated and heated seats. Conversely, critical feedback points to noticeable tyre roar at highway cruising speeds, a relatively modest 350-litre boot, presence of hard plastics in parts of the cabin, and limited brand cachet, all of which have hindered its deeper penetration into the private family car segment. In March 2026, the model registered only 6 units in monthly sales, underscoring the intense competition it faces in the private consumer market. Overall, as a pivotal model in BAIC’s transition from commercial fleet reliance to retail consumer appeal, the BAIC EU5 PLUS offers solid fundamentals with its competitive range, high equipment levels, and sophisticated multi-link rear suspension; however, reclaiming market momentum will necessitate continued advancements in smart cabin tech, brand prestige, and sharper pricing strategies.