Etiqueta: Qin L

Updated 2026 BYD Qin Plus DM-i and Qin L DM-i entered the Chinese market as affordable PHEV sedans with up to 210 km of electric range.

BYD will roll out longer range versions for the Qin Plus DM-i, Qin L DM-i, Seal 05 DM-i, and Seal 06 DM-i, with battery ranges exceeding 210 km.

BYD will launch the 2026 Qin L DM-i and Qin Plus DM-i in China on January 8.

For the full year 2025, the Song series sold 788,003 units, making it BYD's best-selling model.

While much of the news this week has been discouraging, recent reports about BYD’s OTA updates have provided something positive to think about. In particular, the OTA updates have focused on BYD’s DM-i 5.0 (5th generation PHEV platform), which started rolling out across models in China last year. Consumers in China are getting more battery-only range and better fuel economy once the battery is depleted than when they bought their vehicles. While some news has been worse than expected, it is good to see something ending up better than expected. That is not only better for consumers, but also better for the CO2 emissions and the environment.

Recent regulatory filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology reveal that BYD will use its new TZ200XYAT 240 kW (322 hp) motor in a wide range of mainstream vehicles. While we do not have too many details yet, this motor is being used for RWD 800 V architecture vehicles, signifying an architecture upgrade for some models and a shift in primary drive axle for others. As the vehicles are also losing weight while adding power, some on Chinese social media predict that this motor will be a scaled down version of the surprisingly compact, high-speed motor in the Han L. If that is the case, performance will depend largely on gearing and tuning.

The Qin Max measures 4,866 mm in length and features a single motor with 120 kW and 240 kW options.

BYD launches 2026 Seal 06 DM-i: no option of sub-100 km range any more.

BYD recently launched refreshes of its DM-I models for 2026. Most recently the Qin L, Song L, and Song Pro. Typically, BYD refreshes models in 1Q when sales are seasonably depressed in China. However, BYD has essentially refreshed its entire DM-I lineup out of cycle. This will let every model qualify for the revised 5% purchase tax exemption next year. It also means entry level models have moved up from roughly equivalent range of a Chevy Volt to approximately a first generation LEAF (~133 km). Meanwhile, their more premium models have increased to 200-250 km of EV-only range. Beyond the EV-range, these models use the electric motor as the primary means of propulsion. That already made them superior to ICE-centric PHEV’s that engage the engine regularly for moderate acceleration or highway operation, regardless of range rating. The new models now have enough range to cover daily driving on battery power alone, typically not needing to be charged daily.This added EV capability tends to come with upgraded interiors and additional features. BYD’s active dampening DiSus-C suspension is now standard on more models. The Song L DM-I was also updated with semi-hidden door handles, ahead of the anticipated ban on pop-out door handles in China. Features like HUD, heated/ventilated/massaging seats and onboard refrigerators come standard on more trim levels. Looking through the spec sheets on the BYD’s Chinese website, the cars have significantly improved while prices have stayed largely the same… but intelligent driving was dropped from some models.

China’s BYD has launched the 2026 Qin L DM-i, a plug-in hybrid sedan capable of traveling up to 1,335 miles on a single tank and charge.