BYD reportedly developing Yuan Max, spy shots emerge

• The Yuan series has been one of BYD’s top-selling models, with 47,835 units sold in November.
• The Yuan series currently carries a starting price range of RMB 74,800 ($10,700) to RMB 147,800.

BYD (HKG: 1211, OTCMKTS: BYDDY) is reportedly adding a new member to its Yuan series to further boost sales of this popular model lineup.

Domestic auto media outlet Auto Home shared two spy photos today, identifying the vehicle as BYD’s new SUV (sport utility vehicle), potentially named Yuan Max.

Despite heavy camouflage, the front fascia appears similar to the Yuan Plus, the report noted.

The model features semi-hidden door handles and displays the Chinese character «元» (Yuan) on the steering wheel.

Its length is expected to be comparable to the Song Pro, Auto Home’s report noted.

For reference, the Song Pro measures 4,735 mm in length with a 2,712 mm wheelbase. The Yuan Plus measures 4,455 mm in length with a 2,720 mm wheelbase.

Additionally, information circulating on Chinese social media suggests the model could be named Yuan L.

The Yuan series remains one of BYD’s core models, currently comprising the Yuan Up and Yuan Plus with starting prices ranging from RMB 74,800 ($10,700) to RMB 147,800.

The series sold 47,835 units in November, marking a 15.44 percent year-on-year decline and a 2.18 percent decrease from October, according to data compiled by CnEVPost.

From January to November, BYD sold 393,062 units of the Yuan series, accounting for 9.40 percent of the company’s total sales during the period.

BYD sold 480,186 NEVs in November, marking the highest monthly figure this year but representing a 5.25 percent year-on-year decline.

The 15 millionth BYD NEV rolled off the production line 13 months after the 10 millionth unit.

($1 = RMB 6.9926)