BYD Great Tang (Datang) is true to its name. It is the largest EV in BYD’s lineup. Its “greatness” is not just size, but also a record: charging from 10% to 97% in 9 minutes. This puts it in direct competition with Tesla. Unveiled at BYD’s technology day on March 5th, the Great Tang will enter production later this year. First deliveries are expected sometime in 2026, with international markets projected for 2027.
BYD Great Tang Exterior
The exterior is a clear departure from the mid-size, sporty look of the former Tang models, featuring a completely new front fascia inspired by the Dynasty-D concept, slimmer LED signatures, a vertically sculpted nose, and a closed-off, EV-centric front end that emphasizes aerodynamics.
The Great Tang size is imposing, with the longest wheelbase in BYD’s lineup (3,130 mm), a length of 5,263/5302 mm, a width of 1,999 mm, and a height of 1,790/1800 mm. Configurations featuring the LiDAR are the visibly taller options. These size measurements have the Great Tang with a stretched cabin and long hood, which contribute to the Datang’s luxury stance. Early previews show the Datang in white, black, dark blue/navy, and silver/grey, though BYD has yet to confirm the final consumer palette.
Interior and Cabin
The interior also reflects the “Great” in Datang, making larger leaps than BYD’s past work. The Datang moves into luxury territory. Premium stitching patterns and layered materials resemble those in high-end European SUVs. The cabin features soft-touch surfaces, metallic switchgear, rotary knobs, thicker acoustic glass, and better insulation. These details create a defined break from past Tang models. The seats appear comfortable. The third row has improved but may best suit children or shorter adults for long trips.
A worthy mention goes to the physical controls retained for key functions like drive modes, volume, and hazard lights. These improve usability compared to competitors that rely solely on the screen. Information on the screen size and tech interface has not been released yet. However, it is likely to feature a large central touchscreen similar in size to the 15.6-18.3-inch units in the Tang L and Han. Expect a fully digital instrument cluster and BYD’s latest DiLink software, both featuring improved voice control and faster animations.
BYD Great Tang Powertrain
The launch only shows the pure EV variant built on BYD’s 1000-V Super e-Platform. A PHEV powertrain is also listed in regulatory filings for the Datang, but has not been launched or marketed yet.
The Rear Wheel Drive single motor produces 402 hp (300 kW). The AWD dual-motor delivers 496 hp (370 kW), while the high-performance AWD delivers 784 hp (585 kW). This makes it BYD’s most powerful SUV to date. Official 0-100 km/h times have not yet been published. However, there are high expectations, especially since other BYD models like the Song Ultra have posted competitive speeds in their classes.
BYD Datang’s CLTC range is 850-950 km, placing it among the top 5 full-size SUVs with the highest range at the moment. The DC charging speed marks BYD’s biggest leap with the Datang.
During the March 5 launch event, a demonstration showed the BYD Datang moving from 10% to 97% charge in just 9 minutes. This makes it a serious competitor for Western EVs. However, this fast charging speed is only possible with a megawatt (1,000 kW) charger. BYD is building a network of these chargers in China.
Infrastructural challenges must be addressed for international markets to benefit from this feature. BYD’s charging technology adapts to most of its markets. It collects and stores power, then releases it in full during charging. Installing these charging units is complex and costly because several components beyond the charger itself are required. BYD, however, has announced plans to install 300 1,000 kW fast chargers in the UK, suggesting it is likely ahead of that challenge.
The Competition
BYD Datang’s fast charging record beats that of Tesla. Pending the successful installation and use of the fast chargers, Datang might just be the force that will push Tesla to do something new or fall out of the market. Datang’s range also pits it against EVs like the Li Auto L9 and Hongqi E-HS9 from local markets, as well as the Tesla Model X and Cadillac Escalade IQ from international markets. While the safety, speed, and other drive reports for the Datang have yet to be released, the current specs and technology available suggest the performance would be far from subpar compared to these rivals.
Editor’s Take
BYD excels at matching a car’s primary intended function to its value, which has been its main selling point in international markets. Datang looks like an opportunity for BYD to break out of the stereotype of a budget EV brand and showcase the wide range of possibilities it can spur.
Sources: Autohome, Yiche, BYD
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