BYD Qin Plus DM-i Launches With 220-km Electric Range

Third-Generation Qin Plus DM-i Debuts in China

BYD has introduced the third-generation Qin Plus DM-i in China, updating its core plug-in hybrid family sedan with a larger body, greater electric driving range, and an optional LiDAR-based driver assistance system. The model went on sale in three variants, with limited-time prices ranging from 76,900 yuan ($11,450) to 97,900 yuan, compared with official guide prices of 79,900 yuan to 100,900 yuan. The new generation retains the company's fifth-generation DM hybrid technology and offers a maximum CLTC-rated electric range of 220 kilometers (137 miles). Its predecessor offered a maximum electric range of 210 kilometers, making the latest version an incremental improvement in battery-powered driving capability.

Three Variants Offer Different Prices and Electric Ranges

The updated sedan is available in Leading, Beyond, and Excellence configurations, with the entry-level model offering a 140-kilometer CLTC electric range and the two higher variants providing up to 220 kilometers. Each configuration carries a limited-time discount of 3,000 yuan against its official guide price. The Leading variant has a guide price of 79,900 yuan and a promotional price of 76,900 yuan. The Beyond variant costs 90,900 yuan at its guide price or 87,900 yuan during the promotional period. The top-spec Excellence variant is listed at 100,900 yuan, with its limited-time price reduced to 97,900 yuan. These three configurations give buyers different price and electric-range combinations within the same plug-in hybrid lineup.

Larger Dimensions and Updated Exterior Design

The third-generation sedan measures 4,840 millimeters in length, 1,900 millimeters in width, and 1,498 millimeters in height, with a wheelbase of 2,800 millimeters. Compared with its predecessor, these measurements represent increases of 60 millimeters in length, 63 millimeters in width, 17 millimeters in height, and 82 millimeters in wheelbase. The exterior receives a redesigned front end and a fastback-style profile, while retaining the Qin family's full-width taillights inspired by Chinese knots. A new Island Blue paint option adds another visual choice to the entry-level family sedan. Together, the revised proportions and styling distinguish the latest generation while maintaining recognizable design elements associated with the broader Qin range.

Hybrid Powertrain, Battery Options, and Charging

The plug-in hybrid powertrain combines a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor. The engine produces a maximum output of 74 kilowatts, while the electric motor delivers up to 120 kilowatts, equivalent to approximately 161 horsepower. Buyers can choose between 16.2-kilowatt-hour and 24.3-kilowatt-hour lithium iron phosphate battery packs, corresponding to CLTC-rated electric ranges of 140 kilometers and 220 kilometers, respectively. Charging from 30% to 80% can take as little as 20 minutes. The combination of a gasoline engine, electric propulsion, and two battery capacities allows the sedan to serve different driving requirements. The stated electric ranges are based on the CLTC test cycle and should be understood as rated figures rather than guaranteed real-world results.

BYD Reports Up to 2,290 Kilometers of Combined Range

According to BYD, the sedan can achieve a combined driving range of up to 2,290 kilometers with a full fuel tank and a fully charged battery. The company also reports fuel consumption as low as 2.58 liters per 100 kilometers under the NEDC test cycle when the battery is depleted. These figures describe different operating conditions: the combined-range claim assumes both fuel and battery energy are available, while the stated depleted-battery consumption figure applies when the battery has been exhausted. The figures provide an indication of the efficiency and long-distance capability the manufacturer is targeting with its plug-in hybrid system. Actual range and fuel consumption can vary with driving conditions, charging habits, speed, and other factors.

Optional LiDAR and God's Eye B Driver Assistance

The new sedan can be equipped with the optional LiDAR-based God's Eye B driver assistance system. Its supported functions include city navigation on autopilot (CNOA), highway and expressway navigation assistance (HNOA), and multiple intelligent parking features. The system expands the model's available driver assistance technology beyond its core plug-in hybrid powertrain and revised exterior. However, LiDAR and the associated God's Eye B system are optional equipment rather than standard features across all three variants. The availability of these functions therefore depends on the selected configuration and equipment package. The launch information identifies the system's supported functions but does not establish that every navigation-assistance feature operates without driver supervision.

DiLink 150 Updates the Cabin and Controls

The cabin introduces BYD's DiLink 150 infotainment system, accompanied by an 8.8-inch instrument display and a central touchscreen measuring either 10.1 inches or 12.8 inches. The available touchscreen size varies, giving the model different display configurations within its range. Additional storage areas and redesigned seats are intended to improve everyday usability. These changes complement the exterior revisions and updated powertrain options, refreshing the sedan's cabin experience alongside its driving technology. The launch details identify the display dimensions and interior changes but do not specify every feature available in each trim. Buyers comparing the three variants would need to consider their respective equipment configurations to determine which cabin features are included.

Qin Family Lineup and Sales Performance

The Qin Plus is the entry-level line within BYD's broader Qin family, which includes both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models. This launch covers the DM-i plug-in hybrid version, while a third-generation battery-electric version had previously appeared in regulatory filings. The family also includes the Qin L and the higher-positioned Qin Max, which launched in August. The latest update comes as the manufacturer continues refreshing this core sedan lineup amid declining sales. Qin family sales totaled 23,472 vehicles in September, representing a 65.27% year-over-year decline but a 7.54% increase from August. Cumulative sales for the first nine months reached 207,589 vehicles, down 54.71% year over year.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The updated sedan strengthens BYD's offering in China's plug-in hybrid market by combining a longer rated electric range, multiple price points, and optional advanced driver assistance technology in an established family-car line. Its limited-time pricing and three-variant structure give buyers several entry points, while the revised dimensions and cabin equipment refresh the product beyond its powertrain improvements. However, the substantial year-over-year decline in Qin family sales provides an important commercial backdrop to the launch. The updated model may help BYD address changing buyer preferences and renew interest in the lineup, but its actual effect will depend on market demand and subsequent sales performance. Future sales data will show whether the product update can meaningfully improve the family's trajectory.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting price of the third-generation Qin Plus DM-i?
The third-generation Qin Plus DM-i starts at a limited-time price of 76,900 yuan in China, while its official guide price begins at 79,900 yuan. The sedan is available in three variants: Leading, Beyond, and Excellence. Their promotional prices are 76,900 yuan, 87,900 yuan, and 97,900 yuan, respectively, representing discounts of 3,000 yuan from their guide prices. The promotional prices are described as limited-time offers. The entry-level Leading variant provides a 140-kilometer CLTC electric range, while the two higher variants offer up to 220 kilometers.

What is the electric driving range of the updated Qin Plus DM-i?
The updated Qin Plus DM-i offers a maximum CLTC-rated electric driving range of 220 kilometers, compared with 210 kilometers for its predecessor. The lineup includes 16.2-kilowatt-hour and 24.3-kilowatt-hour lithium iron phosphate battery packs, associated with electric ranges of 140 kilometers and 220 kilometers, respectively. The Leading variant provides the shorter range, while the Beyond and Excellence variants offer the longer rating. These figures are based on the CLTC test cycle, so actual driving range may differ depending on operating conditions, driving style, and other factors.

What powertrain and battery options does the new sedan offer?
The new sedan combines a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor and offers two lithium iron phosphate battery capacities for different electric driving ranges. The engine delivers a maximum output of 74 kilowatts, while the electric motor produces up to 120 kilowatts, or approximately 161 horsepower. Buyers can choose a 16.2-kilowatt-hour battery for a 140-kilometer CLTC electric range or a 24.3-kilowatt-hour battery for up to 220 kilometers. Charging from 30% to 80% can take as little as 20 minutes under the stated charging conditions.

Does the third-generation Qin Plus DM-i offer LiDAR and advanced driver assistance?
Yes, the third-generation Qin Plus DM-i offers an optional LiDAR-equipped God's Eye B driver assistance system with city and highway navigation-assistance functions. The supported features include city navigation on autopilot, highway and expressway navigation assistance, and multiple intelligent parking functions. The system is optional, so it should not be assumed to come standard on every variant. The launch information describes the supported functions but does not establish that the vehicle can operate without driver supervision. Equipment availability and configuration should be checked against the specific version being considered.

How are Qin family sales performing in China?
BYD's Qin family recorded 23,472 vehicle sales in September, down 65.27% from the same month a year earlier but up 7.54% compared with August. Cumulative sales during the first nine months reached 207,589 vehicles, representing a 54.71% year-over-year decline. The updated model arrives as BYD refreshes the lineup amid falling sales. Subsequent sales results will help establish whether the new generation contributes to a sustained recovery in the family's performance.