Baidu Inc launched its latest artificial intelligence models, ERNIE 4.5 and ERNIE X1, making them freely accessible to individual users ahead of schedule as part of its broader push to expand AI adoption.
ERNIE 4.5, Baidu’s latest foundation model, features multimodal capabilities with improved language understanding, logical reasoning, and coding proficiency.
The company said the model integrates and processes text, images, audio, and video content, aiming to enhance its contextual awareness. Pricing for enterprise users starts at RMB 0.004 per thousand tokens for input and RMB 0.016 per thousand tokens for output.
ERNIE X1, positioned as a deep-thinking reasoning model, competes with DeepSeek R1 at half the price, Baidu said.
The model supports advanced functionalities such as tool use, complex calculations, literary composition, and logical reasoning. It also incorporates technologies like progressive reinforcement learning and an end-to-end training approach.
Both models are available via ERNIE Bot’s official website and will be progressively integrated into Baidu’s ecosystem, including its search engine and the Wenxiaoyan app, the company said.
Enterprise users and developers can access ERNIE 4.5’s API on Baidu AI Cloud’s Qianfan platform, with ERNIE X1 expected to be available soon.
The launch of ERNIE 4.5 and ERNIE X1 highlights Baidu’s continued investment in AI innovation as competition intensifies in the artificial intelligence sector.
The company said ERNIE 4.5 outperforms GPT-4.5 in multiple benchmarks while being priced at just 1% of its competitor’s cost. ERNIE X1, designed for deep-thinking reasoning, enhances Chinese knowledge Q&A, manuscript writing, dialogue, and logical computations, making it a robust solution for businesses and researchers alike.
Earlier this year, Baidu had announced plans to make ERNIE Bot fully free to individual users starting April 1, but the rollout has been brought forward.
The company said 2025 will be an important year for AI development, with ongoing investments in AI infrastructure, data centers, and model improvements.
Baidu, a leading AI and internet company founded in 2000, trades on the Nasdaq and Hong Kong stock exchanges.
