BYD Qin Max has completed its MIIT (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology) declaration and, according to a source, is poised to begin pre-sales at the Beijing Auto Show. The mid-size sedan will be available in both plug-in hybrid (a car that uses both an electric motor and a gasoline engine) and pure electric (powered exclusively by electricity, with no gasoline engine) versions.
The wheelbase measures 2820mm, making it the largest in the BYD Qin lineup and bringing it closer to the size of the more premium BYD Han. In addition to being larger, the Qin Max also offers a longer battery range, making it not just the largest but also the most powerful Qin sedan.
Design and First Impressions
The BYD Qin Max features a new front design with a closed grill adorned with robust chrome trim pieces inside, and a small “Qin” logo at its center that ties up its visual appeal and recognition. The triple-intake front bumper enhances the car’s sporty feel, while the rear maintains the classic Chinese-knot taillights of the Dynasty family. The dimensions of the BYD Qin Max are 4688mm in length, 1880mm in width, 1495mm in height, and 2820mm in wheelbase.
The interior is light-toned and features a host of convenience features, including a wireless fast charger, an embedded LCD instrument, pocket gear, dual cup holders, a fully digital control screen, and a floating central control screen. The new aesthetics bear a semblance to those of Longyan, with a few Han elements.
Powertrain & Performance
The plug-in hybrid version is powered by a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine and an electric motor paired with a lithium-iron-phosphate battery pack, with a maximum engine output of 74kW and a maximum combined output of 175kW.
The electric version will use a single motor, with maximum power outputs of 120kW and 240kW, respectively. The battery capacities are 52.868kWh and 64.315kWh, corresponding to CLTC ranges of 530km and 630km.
Building on BYD’s latest fast-charging technology, the BEV versions of the Qin MAX could continue in the 10% to 97% charge range in 9 minutes when used with the mega chargers.
Value & The Competition
BYD has yet to announce the Qin MAX’s price, but with BYD’s entire in-house production capacity and generally competitive pricing across most of its cars, we can expect a highly competitive price for the Qin MAX. When on sale, the Qin MAX will compete primarily with the Geely Galaxy E8 and the Xpeng P5. The Geely Galaxy E8’s wow factor, which is its massive 45-inch 8K display that spans the entire dashboard and is powered by the industry-leading Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip, is one strong feature of the Galaxy E8 against BYD Qin MAX’s apparent simplicity. It also features a 250 kW motor, compared to the BYD Qin MAX’s 240 kW.
Against the Xpeng P5, BYD’s Qin MAX competes favorably, appealing to those who prefer a larger size/more space, a longer range, and may want a hybrid instead of an EV. However, the Xpeng P5 excels in software (as is the case with most of Xpeng’s products), with its ADAS (self-driving) being its core strength. The P5 itself was one of the first mass-produced cars with LiDAR specifically for urban cruising. Although BYD Qin MAX might be equipped with LiDAR (as reported in the filings), BYD’s ADAS software (God’s Eye) is still less proven than Xpeng’s XNGP. At the end, the choice between the two will boil down to individual preferences – software or hardware.
Editorial Take
With Geely Galaxy E8 and Xpeng P5 as the competition, BYD’s real advantage in the market would lie in its pricing which is something it does all too well. BYD’s reputation for fairness in price-to-performance ratios is quite commendable, and the relevance of its features for a family vehicle is clear. However, we could expect more in terms of growth, especially given the in-house advantages BYD has at its disposal, to move beyond mass production into something more.
Source: Autohome
Dollars loves following the latest innovations in automobile technology and sharing insights.
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