The BYD Qin L emerges as a fresh addition to the mid-size plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sedan market, heralded by none other than the world's largest new energy vehicle manufacturer. Its specifications were laid bare by Chinese regulators during the application process for its sales license. This sedan stretches 4.8 meters in length, boasting a fifth-generation DM-i plug-in hybrid system capable of delivering a range of up to 90 kilometers on electric power alone.
Presently, the BYD Qin series encompasses the Qin Plus sedan, available in both battery electric vehicle (BEV) and PHEV variants. The Qin Plus proved to be a stellar performer for the brand, clocking in deliveries exceeding 482,000 units over the span of just 12 months. Now, BYD is poised to expand the Qin family with the introduction of the Qin L sedan.
Although glimpses of the BYD Qin L were previously caught on the streets of China, it's the regulatory disclosures that truly afford us a detailed insight into this sedan. The Qin L takes on the brand's latest design language, dubbed the Dragon Face design, courtesy of Wolfgang Egger, an erstwhile Audi veteran. Sporting a sizable hexagon-shaped grille reminiscent of a dragon's open maw, the option for chrome plating adds a touch of opulence. The front bumper incorporates two air vents along with a slender trapeze-shaped air intake.
Distinctive features include slim headlights, conventional door handles, side-view mirrors, and a Qin (秦) badge gracing the front end. From the rear, the Qin L showcases a unified taillight unit adorned with a Chinese knot pattern, while the rear bumper is accentuated with a diffuser, lending a hint of sportiness to its aesthetic.
Dimensionally, the BYD Qin L measures 4830/1900/1495 mm with a wheelbase stretching 2790 mm. Both the front and rear tracks span 1620 mm, while the approach and departure angles stand at 13 and 14 degrees, respectively. Notably, the front and rear overhangs measure 970 and 1070 mm, respectively. The sedan rides on three available wheel options: 225/60 R16, 225/55 R17, and 225/50 R18, with curb weights ranging from 1660 to 1800 kg depending on the chosen powertrain configuration.
Under the hood, the BYD Qin L houses a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated internal combustion engine (ICE), designated as the BYD472QC, generating 74 kW. This engine is paired with the TZ210XYB electric motor, delivering 120 kW. For those seeking enhanced performance, an alternative variant is available featuring the TZ210XYC electric motor, boasting 160 kW. However, both iterations are governed by a top speed limit of 180 km/h.
Earlier disclosures regarding the BYD Qin L unveiled crucial details regarding its battery and range options, shedding light on the sedan's powertrain configurations. Leaked information suggests that the Qin L offers two distinct powertrain variants. The first variant, known as the Qin L DM-i 60 km, pairs a 1.5-liter self-aspirated internal combustion engine (ICE) producing 74 kW with an electric motor generating 120 kW. This configuration is supplemented by a 10.08-kWh LFP battery, providing an electric range of 60 kilometers while consuming fuel at a rate of 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers. On the other hand, the Qin L DM-i 90 km variant features the same 1.5-liter ICE producing 74 kW but is coupled with a more potent electric motor generating 160 kW. This setup is bolstered by a larger 15.87-kWh LFP battery, offering an extended electric range of 90 kilometers with a fuel consumption rate of 3.98 liters per 100 kilometers.
While BYD has yet to divulge further details regarding the Qin L, anticipation mounts as its impending release into the Chinese market draws near, marked by its application for a sales license. Stay tuned for more updates on this sedan as they become available.