BYD Qin L is a PHEV car with up to 2,100km range

The BYD Qin L was launched at an event in Xi’an, China, with five variants priced between 99,800 Yuan (RM64,846) and 139,800 Yuan (RM90,836). Interestingly, its PHEV hybrid system can provide a driving range of up to 2,100km per tank.

The Qin L is part of BYD’s Dynasty lineup, featuring dragon face aesthetics, a symbol of China’s national animal. As a result, the Qin L boasts a new chrome bar character line, a large grille, and prominent side lines. Interestingly, it retains conventional door handles, rather than retractable or flush types.

The rear design showcases continuous illuminated lights from side to side, with graphics inspired by traditional Chinese knots.

In terms of dimensions, the BYD Qin L measures 4,830mm in length, 1,900mm in width, and 1,495mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,790mm. It employs MacPherson suspension at the front and multi-link at the rear. The interior is also inspired by Chinese paintings and features numerous knot-shaped graphics.

There are physical buttons near the gear lever, along with a 15.6-inch rotating central screen and an 8.8-inch digital instrument display. Standard features include six airbags, NFC smart phone key, automatic air conditioning, and six speakers.

The high-spec model comes with a panoramic roof, DiPilot L2 system, power seats at the front, dashcam, 18-inch rims, an eight-speaker audio system, and seat heaters and coolers. The key to the 2,100km driving range lies in the new PHEV (plug-in hybrid) system, ensuring high efficiency operation of the engine and electric motor, with fuel consumption as low as 2.9 liters/100km.

The PHEV version utilizes a 1.5-liter engine delivering 99hp and 126Nm of torque. The lower variant has an electric driving range of 80km, using a 10.08kWh battery and a 160hp/210Nm electric motor.

The higher variant features a 15.874kWh battery providing an electric driving range of up to 120km. It utilizes a more powerful EHS160 motor generating 214hp and 260Nm of torque. This model is capable of achieving a range of up to 2,100km per petrol tank.

BYD Shark launched in Mexico with a starting price of RM250k

BYD has officially introduced its first pickup truck, the Shark, in Mexico. BYD Chief of Americas Stella Li said Mexico was chosen due to the increasing demand for pickup trucks in the country.

It is interesting to note that the Shark was launched just hours after Joe Biden announced a tariff increase from 25% to 100% on EVs from China.

Reuters reported that BYD does not have any plans to sell the Shark in the United States.

As previously reported, the Shark uses a new plug-in hybrid powertrain known as the DMO (Dual-Mode Off-Road).

The PHEV powertrain features a combination of a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and two electric motors that generate a total power of 430 hp, allowing the Shark to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds.

The battery specifications are not disclosed, but this truck offers an electric driving range of up to 100 km (NEDC cycle) and a total driving range of 840 km. The fuel consumption rate is approximately 7.5 litres per 100 km.

Like the Leopard 5, the Shark is built on a ladder frame chassis. It measures 5,457 mm in length, 1,971 mm in width, 1,925 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 3,260 mm, making it larger than the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux.

The chassis is combined with an independent suspension system at the front and rear, which BYD claims can offer a balance between handling performance and comfort.

The Shark is a true and true pickup truck, so it boasts a maximum towing capacity of up to 2,500 kg. The truck bed offers a cargo space of 1,450 litres with a payload limit of 835 kg. For off-road driving, there are three selectable modes: Sand, Mud, and Snow.

Inside, you will find several elements synonymous with the BYD brand, including a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

Additionally, it features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the “Hi BYD” voice command system, karaoke function (microphone sold separately), a 50W wireless charger, and a 12-inch head-up display.

The safety system includes six airbags and ADAS features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Intelligent Navigation System (ICC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), Rear Cross Collision Warning (RCTA), Rear Cross Collision Braking (RCTB), and more.

In Mexico, the Shark is available in two variants, namely the GL and GS. The selling price starts from 899,980 pesos (RM250,356) for the former and 969,800 pesos (RM269,777) for the latter.

BYD Atto 3 updated for 2024 – New rear emblem, RM149,800

BYD Atto 3 can be considered a new electric vehicle (EV) model in the market. Sime Darby Motors, as the official distributor, has introduced the updated BYD Atto 3 2024.

The updates for the Atto 3 include its exterior aesthetics. This EV SUV has received a new black graphic on the D-pillar, and the BYD logo at the back replaces the previous “BUILD YOUR DREAMS” inscription.

Furthermore, the interior cabin can be chosen with two color themes, namely Black-Dark Blue or Dark Blue-Light Grey, according to your preference. A new Cosmos Black body color has also been added, in addition to the existing colors.

In terms of technology, the BYD Atto 3 2024 is equipped with wireless charging and a larger 15.6-inch screen (previously 12.8-inch) that is still rotatable. Connectivity to Android Auto and Apple Carplay is still offered as usual.

There are no changes to the power generation system. This means that the Atto 3 is still powered by a front electric motor with an output of 201hp and 310Nm, sufficient for acceleration from 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds.

The electric motor is powered by LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries, providing a driving range of 345km (WLTP cycle).

The BYD Atto 3 supports AC 7kW and DC charging up to 70kW, in addition to V2L functionality.

This EV is offered in only one variant for 2024, priced at RM149,800. You can also choose from three warranty packages ranging from 6 years/150,000km to 8 years/150,000km.

BYD Shark PHEV pickup truck to launch soon

BYD recently announced that its first pickup truck will be called the Shark, making it the automaker’s latest model to be named after marine animals after the Dolphin, Seal, and Sea Lion.

Set to make its debut at the Beijing Motor Show, the Shark will reportedly feature BYD’s latest plug-in hybrid powertrain known as DMO (Dual-Mode Off-Road).

Details regarding the powertrain are scarce but according to reports, it may feature a combination of a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and two electric motors just like the Fang Cheng Bao 5.

In the Fang Cheng Bao 5, the ICE-eletric motor combo generates a total system output of 680 PS and 760 Nm. The off-road SUV is also said to offer an electric range of up to 125 km or up to 1,200 km in hybrid mode.

Apart from the PHEV version, there is a possibility that the Shark will also be offered in a full electric version somewhere in the future.

As far as design is concerned, recent leaked photos of the Shark show that the pickup truck has a front fascia resembling that of the Ford Ranger.

The cabin looks a tad watered down compared to other BYDs, featuring a digital instrument panel, central display, flat-bottom steering wheel, and a row of switches arranged adjacent to the gear lever on the center console.

Will the Shark swim its way to the Malaysian market? There is no official announcement yet, but BYD has previously stated that it plans to sell the pickup truck globally.

BYD officiates new 3S centre in Melaka

BYD, a rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has announced the official opening of its new 3S center in Melaka.

Located in the heart of the historical city, the 3S center is managed by BYD Sing Kwung Motors, providing sales and after-sales services to BYD customers in the area.

“We are excited to inaugurate our newest 3S center in Melaka, showcasing our dedication to serving customers in Malaysia,” said Mr. Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director of Southeast Asia, Sime Darby Motors Malaysia.

“The newly opened 3S center will offer a range of services, including sales consultations, test drives, and after-sales services,” mentioned Mr. Ng Sin Yean, Managing Director of BYD Sing Kwung Motors.

“Customers can explore BYD’s latest electric vehicle models known for their technological sophistication, performance excellence, and eco-friendly features,” he added.

With the opening of this new 3S center, BYD underscores its commitment to sustainable transportation and innovation in Melaka.

BYD aims to establish 30 retail outlets across the country by the end of 2024.

BYD Seal received over 1,300 bookings in 4 days

SIME Darby Motors (SDM) recently announced that it has received over 1,300 bookings for the BYD Seal within four days after its launch.

Due to the overwhelming demand for the electric sedan, SDM has extended its early booking campaign until 3 March 2024.

Through this campaign, customers who place a booking for the Seal through the official website or at BYD showrooms nationwide before the 3rd of March will receive a complimentary home charger and RM800 worth of Gentari/ChargEV charging credit.

Seal is offered in two variants, namely Premium and Performance, with prices starting at RM179,800 and RM199,800 respectively.

The Premium variant comes with a single electric motor on the rear axle producing 313 PS and 360 Nm, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds.

Meanwhile, the Performance variant features a dual-motor configuration generating a total power of 530 PS and 670 Nm. With all-wheel drive (AWD), it only takes 3.8 seconds to accelerate from 0-100 km/h.

Both variants use the same 82.56 kWh LFP Blade battery but the Premium gets a driving range of 650 km while the more powerful Performance has 580 km of range. Both figures are based on the NEDC cycle.

BYD sold over 3 million NEV cars in 2023, beats Tesla in EV sales for Q4

WHILE Tesla maintains its position as the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer in 2023, its competitor, BYD, has set a new record as the leading new energy vehicle producer globally.

Throughout 2023, BYD successfully distributed approximately 3,024,417 new energy vehicles, including EVs, hybrids, and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

This achievement has placed BYD among the top 10 largest vehicle manufacturers in the world. Out of this total, 1.57 million units comprised electric vehicles (for comparison, Tesla sold 1.8 million units), while another 1.4 million consisted of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs).

In recent years, BYD has consistently narrowed the gap left by Tesla. In 2022, BYD’s sales figures were nearly 400,000 units lower than Tesla’s, but the difference was reduced by almost half in 2023.

Furthermore, in the fourth quarter of 2023, BYD successfully surpassed Tesla in EV sales, indicating a significant challenge ahead for the American EV manufacturer to maintain its leadership position in the coming year.

BYD Atto 3 Anniversary Limited Edition – 500 units only, RM173,800

A year ago, BYD marked its entry into the Malaysian electric vehicle market with the launch of the BYD Atto 3.

In commemoration of this anniversary, Sime Darby Motors recently launched the Atto 3 Anniversary Limited Edition, which sets itself apart from the standard version with a blacked-out bodykit.

The latest offering is based on the Extended Range variant and is limited to only 500 units. Customers can choose from a selection of two exterior colours, namely Boulder Grey and Ski White.

Regardless of the chosen colour, the Atto 3 Anniversary Limited Edition is fitted a front bumper lip, front spoiler, front bumper panels, rear spoiler, and rear diffuser.

Additionally, the window frame, side mirror housings, and C-pillar panels are painted black to give the EV a more aggressive look.

There are no powertrain upgrades, meaning like the variant it is based on, the limited edition Atto 3 features an electric motor on the front axle generating 204 PS and 310 Nm. This enables it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds.

This variant is equipped with a 60.48 kWh battery that offers a driving range of up to 480 km on a full charge. Charging from 0-80% takes approximately 45 minutes with a fast DC 80 kW charger.

The selling price of the Atto 3 Anniversary Limited Edition starts at RM173,800, making it RM6,000 dearer than the standard Atto 3 Extended Range.