BYD has launched the third-generation Qin Plus DM-i in China, and the first thing that caught my eye is its price. According to CarNewsChina, the plug-in hybrid sedan starts at 79,900 yuan, which is about $11,980. That’s an incredibly low price for a brand-new car, especially by US standards.
What’s even more impressive is the range. The Qin Plus DM-i can drive up to 137 miles on electricity alone, which should cover most people’s daily commutes without using a drop of gas. Once the battery runs out, the 1.5-liter engine takes over. Thanks to its 17-gallon tank and roughly 91 mpg with a drained battery, the combined range reaches up to 1,423 miles.
That’s enough to drive from New York to Miami without stopping for gas. Keep in mind that these numbers are based on China’s CLTC testing standard, which tends to be optimistic.
What do you get for the money?
BYD has given the sedan its newest styling, with sharp, pointed headlights and a trapeze-shaped intake up front, plus good old-fashioned door handles. Look up at the roof, and you’ll spot a LiDAR sensor. It powers BYD’s optional God’s Eye B driver assistance, which can handle a whole trip between two addresses by itself while you supervise.
Step inside, and a 12.8-inch display takes center stage alongside a six-speaker sound system, ambient lighting, and climate control. The center console gives you a pair of cupholders, old-school physical buttons, and room to wirelessly charge two phones. You can choose from nine paint colors and a black or white cabin.
Powering it all is a 161 hp electric motor teamed up with a 99 hp gas engine, and buyers can pick between 16.2 kWh and 24.3 kWh LFP batteries.
How much does each trim cost?
The Qin Plus DM-i comes in three trims:
- Leading (87-mile EV range): $11,980
- Superior (137-mile EV range): $13,630
- Excellence (137-mile EV range): $15,130
What does it mean for US buyers?
Sadly, BYD doesn’t sell its cars in the US, so you can’t buy one here. Still, a fully loaded plug-in hybrid sedan for around $15,000 shows how affordable these cars can get, and I hope it puts some pressure on the brands that do sell here.
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