Header image source: BYD.
On March 23, BYD launched the Qin L, a new midsize electric sedan, with a proposition that’s hard to ignore: smart driving, rear-wheel drive, and a spacious cabin, all starting at just RMB 119,800 (USD 16,772).
The Qin L, unveiled on March 23, is aimed squarely at younger consumers who want more for less. And not just more screen or more style, but tech that makes everyday driving easier—along with a bit of cultural flair thrown in.
Across all trims, the electric vehicle comes loaded with DiPilot 100, BYD’s in-house driver assistance suite. It uses a triple-sensor system and 29 onboard sensors to help with high-speed navigation, rush-hour follow mode, and even evasive maneuvers when another car cuts in. Smart parking is also baked in, with automatic, valet, and remote-controlled options to squeeze the car into tight urban spots or dead-end alleys.
Design-wise, BYD leans into the “loong face” aesthetic, combining a long hood, short rear, and fastback silhouette. The car comes in four porcelain-inspired colorways that nod to traditional Chinese ceramics, a subtle play to wrap cultural heritage into a modern shell.
Inside, the cabin feels deliberately generous. Every trim gets a mini fridge that swings from -6 to 55 degrees Celsius, a trio of screens—including a head-up display—and a rotating 15.6-inch central control unit. Power seats come heated and ventilated, and BYD has thrown in some practical tech too: an in-car electronic toll collection system and a vehicle-to-load (V2L) charger for off-grid use.
Thanks to its EV-native platform, the Qin L makes the most of its dimensions. A 2,820-millimeter wheelbase and compact overhangs stretch cabin space to 84.8% of the car’s total length. Rear legroom is solid, headspace doesn’t feel pinched, and there’s 460 liters of trunk space out back, plus another 65 liters up front.
Underneath, the car rides on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 Evo. Its structural tech includes cell-to-body (CTB) integration and what the company calls a “golden bell shield”—a high-strength frame that can supposedly withstand five times the car’s weight in roof crush tests.
Energy efficiency is another headline grabber. BYD’s latest battery system uses a dual-loop thermal management module that keeps the battery cool or warm depending on the climate, minimizing drain. Power consumption is just 10.8 kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometers, and the CLTC-rated range comes in at 545 km.
Altogether, the Qin L sets a new bar in the midsize EV category by combining a purpose-built electric platform, premium tech, and a “guochao” design ethos that blends traditional Chinese elements with modern tastes. BYD is banking on this mix of style, smarts, and substance to click with younger drivers—and shake up a crowded field, just as rivals like Xpeng prepare to roll out models from its Mona series.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This article was written by Wang Zhaopu for 36Kr.