- The third-generation Yuan Plus starts at 119,900 yuan ($17,630) in China, slightly higher than its predecessor.
- The compact pure electric SUV features the second-generation Blade Battery and flash charging technology, aimed at tackling increasingly fierce domestic market competition.
BYD (HKEX: 1211) officially launched the third-generation Yuan Plus, updating one of its best-selling models to the latest flash charging platform.
The Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) giant rolled out the updated compact pure electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) at an event on Thursday, with a starting price of 119,900 yuan ($17,630).
The starting price is 4,100 yuan, or 3.54%, higher than the older Yuan Plus's base price of 115,800 yuan — a rare price hike in the fiercely competitive Chinese market.
BYD is offering four different variants for the third-generation Yuan Plus, priced at 119,900 yuan, 129,900 yuan, 142,900 yuan, and 149,900 yuan, respectively.
As a key product in BYD's global expansion strategy, the new model is generally known as the Atto 3 in overseas markets.
The new vehicle's dimensions have significantly increased compared to the older model, measuring 4,665 mm in length, 1,895 mm in width, and 1,675 mm in height, with a wheelbase reaching 2,770 mm.
Built on the latest e-Platform 3.0 Evo, the third-generation Yuan Plus adopts a rear-wheel-drive layout and comes standard with BYD's second-generation Blade Battery.
The model is equipped with BYD's highly anticipated latest flash charging technology, enabling the vehicle to rapidly boost its battery charge from 10% to 70% in about five minutes.
Consumers can choose between 57.5-kilowatt-hour or 68.5-kWh battery capacities, which correspond to pure electric ranges of 540 kilometers and 630 kilometers, respectively.
The new SUV offers buyers a choice of two rear-mounted single-motor options with maximum power outputs of 200 kilowatts (268 hp) and 240 kW.
Except for the entry-level model, buyers of other versions can pay an additional 12,000 yuan to equip the God's Eye B advanced driving assistance system with LiDAR.
The advanced smart driving assistance system integrates LiDAR with 30 perception units, supporting premium features such as high-speed navigation assist and automated parking.
China's new energy compact SUV market has become a red ocean, with the Yuan Plus facing intense competition from rivals such as Geely's Galaxy E5.
By offering a longer wheelbase and the DiSus-C intelligent damping body control system, BYD hopes the third-generation Yuan Plus can defend its market position.
($1 = 6.8028 yuan)
