BYD launches two sedans with new plug-in hybrid system

The BYD Qin L DM-i and BYD Seal 06 DM-i are twin models with different designs. The former looks simpler and belongs to BYD’s Dynasty range, while the latter borrows cues from BYD’s Ocean-series EVs and thus has a cleaner exterior that clearly gives away the fact that it’s an electrified car.

BYD has introduced its fifth-generation plug-in hybrid system with the Qin L DM-i and Seal 06 DM-i sedans. The company claims its latest hybrid system promises the world’s best specifications in three areas: a high engine thermal efficiency of 46.06%, a low fuel consumption of 2.9 l/100 km, and a long driving range of 2,100 km.

Considering where BYD was with its plug-in hybrid technology in 2021 (3.8 l/100 km), it seems to have come a long way. The company is particularly vocal about the range of the new plug-in hybrid sedans, though – 2,100 km. Impressive as it may seem, 90% of that figure is courtesy of fossil fuel. At a time when companies are trying to release cars with an electric range as close to four-digit numbers as possible, such plug-in hybrids seem like a step backwards in the auto industry’s transition to zero-emission vehicles.

The Qin L DM-i and Seal 06 DM-i share a 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces 74 kW and 126 Nm of torque. A permanent magnet synchronous motor, also located in the front, assists this engine. Basic trims settle for a 120 kW/210 Nm version of this motor and the more expensive ones benefit from a 160 kW/260 Nm version. The battery pack varies in the same manner, with the former getting a 10.08 kWh Blade (LFP) unit and the latter a 15.87 kWh Blade (LFP) unit.

The Qin L DM-i and Seal 06 DM-i consume 2.9 litres per 100 km and deliver a CLTC electric driving range of 80 km in the basic trims with the 120 kW/210 Nm motor and 10.08 kWh battery pack. They take 7.9 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in these trims. In the more expensive trims with the 160 kW/210 Nm motor and 15.87 kWh battery pack, the new plug-in hybrid sedans consume 3.08 litres per 100 km but deliver a higher CLTC electric driving range of 120 km. Moreover, thanks to the higher-output motor, the 0-100 kph acceleration time is slightly lower – 7.5 seconds.

The 10.08 kWh battery pack supports only AC charging, at up to 3.3 kW. The 15.87 kWh battery pack, on the other hand, can accept AC charging at double that rate (6.6 kW), and it supports DC charging as well, at up to 23 kW. Both battery packs allow vehicle-to-load functions, so customers can power electrical appliances, electronics, and other high-power equipment using the energy stored in them.

The BYD Qin L DM-i and BYD 06 DM-i’s prices start at 99,800 yuan (12,986 euros) and go up to 139,800 yuan (18,191 euros). BYD has priced the new plug-in hybrid sedans very attractively, but that could drive customers away from its electric cars.

sohu.com (fifth-gen plug-in hybrid system), bydauto.com.cn (Qin L DM-i), bydauto.com.cn (Seal 06 DM-i)