The BYD Xia is a new plug-in hybrid minivan developed by the Chinese automaker BYD. Officially revealed at the Chengdu Auto Show on August 30, the Xia stands out as a flagship model, borrowing its name from the Xia dynasty, China's oldest ruling dynasty. This naming choice emphasizes the vehicle’s high-end status within BYD's lineup. Initially, rumors suggested that it would be named the Tang Max or Zhou, but BYD settled on the Xia to underscore its heritage-inspired Dynasty design language, a style seen in other top BYD models.
The Xia is designed as a spacious, family-oriented MPV with a modern, distinguished aesthetic. It features a large front grille, chrome accents, and extended headlights that give it a commanding presence. The back is equipped with a single taillight strip that stretches across the rear. In terms of size, the Xia is substantial, measuring 5145 mm in length, 1970 mm in width, and 1805 mm in height, with a generous 3045 mm wheelbase. Compared to BYD’s Denza D9, the Xia is shorter by 105 mm, slightly wider by 10 mm, and 115 mm lower, indicating a focus on a sleeker profile without sacrificing spaciousness.
Inside, the BYD Xia is built for comfort and versatility, seating up to seven passengers in a 2+2+3 arrangement. The interior design is in line with BYD’s recent models like the Qin L sedan, featuring a large suspended touchscreen and a distinctive D-shaped steering wheel. It also includes advanced technology systems, such as the DiPilot ADAS for driver assistance, the DiLink 150 cockpit system, and DiSus-C electromagnetic suspension for a smoother ride.
The BYD Xia’s powertrain combines a 36.6 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and a 1.5-liter internal combustion engine (ICE). The battery enables an electric driving range of 145 km (according to the CLTC cycle), while earlier speculations hinted at a range of up to 200 km. The battery is relatively heavy at 331 kg, contributing to 12.5% of the vehicle’s total curb weight of 2,650 kg. The 1.5-liter ICE, likely a BYD472ZQB turbocharged engine, is expected to provide a peak power of 154 horsepower and is paired with a 268 hp electric motor, allowing for both efficiency and power.
The Xia’s fuel efficiency is notable, achieving 6.5 L/100 km when operating on fuel alone. This efficiency, combined with its spaciousness, design, and modern tech features, positions the Xia as a competitive offering in the hybrid MPV market. With a starting price of $42,300, BYD is set to begin sales in China by the end of this year, aiming to capture the attention of families and consumers looking for a high-performance hybrid with both style and sustainability.