BYD Qin L EV debuts in China as Tesla Model 3 rival at half the price

BYD has launched its new Qin L EV sedan in China, targeting young drivers with an exciting price tag and some advanced technology. Starting at the equivalent of $16,500, this electric car is part of BYD's Dynasty series, comes in three versions, and offers a driving range of up to 339 miles.

Built on BYD's e-Platform 3.0 Evo, the Qin L EV measures 185.8 inches in length, 74 inches in width, and 58.9 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 111 inches - the same length as Tesla Model 3. Its turning radius of 17.7 ft makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Buyers can choose from four exterior colors: gray, white, green, and beige.

One of the key features of the Qin L EV is its advanced driving assistance system, called "God's Eye C" (DiPilot 100). This system uses 12 cameras, five mmWave radars, 12 ultrasonic radars to provide features like high-speed autopilot, smart parking, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. BYD plans to add more features, such as memory navigation, through over-the-air (OTA) updates. A sentry mode is also included for added security.

The Qin L EV offers only two motor options: a 110-kilowatt (148 horsepower) motor with 162 lb-ft of torque, and a 160-kilowatt (215 horsepower) motor with 243 lb-ft of torque. These motors are paired with either a 46.08 kWh or 56.64 kWh Blade LFP battery pack. BYD says the car consumes 10.8 kWh per 62 miles at 25 degrees Celsius. Charging from 30% to 80% takes just 24 minutes.

Inside, the Qin L EV features BYD's DiLink 100 smart cockpit system. This includes an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.8-inch central touchscreen, and a multi-function steering wheel. The system also uses DeepSeek's AI for voice commands. The top-end version has a 12-inch head-up display, a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, and a built-in refrigerator.

Standard features include paddle shifters for regen braking, wireless charging, remote control via a smartphone, keyless entry, and six speakers. The driver's seat has an eight-way power adjustment, and the passenger seat has a four-way adjustment. The trunk offers 16.2 ft³ of space, with an extra 2.3 ft³ in the front trunk.

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