BYD is shaking up the Chinese automotive market with its latest offering for price-conscious buyers: the Qin Plus DM-i plug-in hybrid. With a starting price of 79,800 yuan ($11,000), the Qin Plus DM-i Glory Edition stands out as one of the most competitively priced PHEVs in its segment and beyond. BYD said in a statement on its social media handles:
“The price will make gasoline car assemblers tremble. The Qin Plus DM-i Glory Edition will become a benchmark for the compact car segment.”
Interestingly, the price when converted into our currency translates into PKR 30.72 lac making it way cheaper than the base Suzuki Wagon R here (which costs PKR 32.14 lac), and almost close to the Alto VXL AGS (which costs PKR 29.35 lac).
The Qin Plus DM-i undercuts the base versions of competing vehicles such as the similarly sized VW Lavida, China’s best-seller, by around 15%, the Toyota Corolla by over 40%, and the Prius hybrid by over 50%.
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Although BYD has been offering the Qin Plus DM-i for quite some time, the new Glory Edition is 20,000 yuan (around $2,700/ PKR 7.54 lac) cheaper than the previous entry-level version. Interestingly, while the prices are coming down, the equipment list grows longer, including the latest conversational virtual assistant.
All versions of the Qin Plus DM-i come with a well-equipped cabin that includes a large 10.1-inch/ 12.8-inch central infotainment screen, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, and a flat-bottomed multi-function steering. It can also be equipped with leather seats, metal speaker grilles, air vents, and a leather dashboard. In terms of safety, the car supports adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, lane departure warning, and emergency braking, in addition to regular 6 airbags, ABS with EBD & BA, TPMS, and stability control systems.
Related: Wuling Starlight PHEV is Cheaper Than Suzuki Wagon R
All versions of the Qin Plus DM-i, including the Glory Edition, feature largely the same powertrain. This consists of a 1.5L naturally-aspirated engine good for 110 hp and 135 Nm. Additional power is provided by an electric motor available in two configurations: 180 hp/ 316 Nm and 197 hp/ 325 Nm. The LFP Blade battery pack is offered in two capacities— 8.32kWh and 18.32kWh, respectively. It offers a comprehensive cruising range of 1,245 km and can sprint from 0 to 100 km/in 7.3 seconds. Fuel consumption is rated at 3.8 liters per 100 km or 26.3 km/ liter. The all-electric driving range for the aforementioned battery packs is 55km, or 120km respectively.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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