The BYD Qin series, named after China's first imperial dynasty, is expanding with the arrival of the Qin L DM-i. This new plug-in hybrid sedan has hit dealerships ahead of its official May 29th launch date, sparking excitement among Chinese car buyers.
The Qin series has already proven successful, with the Qin Plus EV and Qin Plus DM-i models contributing to a combined sales figure of over 107,000 units in the first quarter of 2024, making it the bestselling car in China. The Qin L DM-i aims to capitalize on this success by offering a more premium option within the series.
Expected to start around $16,600, the Qin L DM-i falls into the mid-size plug-in hybrid category. Early reports suggest it will boast an impressive electric range of 90 kilometers based on the CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) standard.
BYD has officially released images showcasing the Qin L DM-i at dealerships. The car appears in two color options – gray and white – and maintains the brand's signature design language. The front features sleek LED headlights flanking a large, imposing grille reminiscent of a dragon's mouth. Traditional rear-view mirrors and door handles contribute to a practical and familiar aesthetic. The rear boasts a single, unified taillight unit.
Moving inside, the cabin features a three-spoke steering wheel with a compact LCD instrument panel directly behind it. A defining feature is the rotatable central touchscreen, likely offering additional functionality and driver convenience. The center console houses a set of physical buttons for easy control of essential functions, along with the unique "BYD Heart" retractable gear shifter. Passengers in the second row benefit from an armrest, a middle headrest, and ISOFIX child seat anchor points.
The increased dimensions compared to the existing Qin Plus sedan translate to a spacious interior. The Qin L DM-i measures 4830 mm in length, 1900 mm in width, and 1495 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2790 mm. This translates to a significant improvement in passenger and cargo room over the previous model.
Under the hood, the Qin L DM-i boasts BYD's fifth-generation DM-i plug-in hybrid system. This system combines a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine generating 99 horsepower with a powerful 215 horsepower electric motor. BYD's subsidiary, FinDreams, supplies two LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery options for the car. The base model features a 10.08 kWh battery, offering an electric range of 60 kilometers. Opting for the larger 15.87 kWh battery extends the electric range to a more impressive 90 kilometers.
With its arrival at dealerships ahead of the official launch date, the BYD Qin L DM-i has generated significant buzz. Its combination of premium features, impressive electric range, and competitive price starting around $16,600 positions it as a strong contender in the Chinese mid-size plug-in hybrid market.