New BYD Qin L and Qin Plus arrive with electric range extended to 210 km and new hybrid technologyBy Carolina Costa
5 min read
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BYD is preparing a strategic move into the competitive electrified vehicle market with the launch of updated versions of its plug-in hybrid sedans, the Qin L DM-i and Qin Plus DM-i. The official presentation at China, scheduled for January 8, will introduce a significant evolution in the brand’s technology, promising a purely electric range of up to 210 kilometers in the CLTC cycle, a milestone for the segment.
The new units have already started to arrive at Chinese dealerships, generating great expectations among consumers and signaling the manufacturer’s readiness to start sales immediately after the formal announcement. Essa update focuses on improving energy efficiency and battery capacity, maintaining the already consolidated exterior and interior design of current models, which optimizes production costs and accelerates market availability.
The initiative responds directly to the growing demand for vehicles with greater electrical capacity for urban journeys, allowing drivers to carry out their daily routines without the need to activate the combustion engine. With this evolution, BYD reinforces its leadership in the affordable and popular plug-in hybrid segment, combining the best of both worlds: worry-free long trips and zero-emission commuting in the city.
Main technical specifications and the DM-i system
The heart of the new Qin range is the fifth generation of BYD’s DM-i technology, which combines a high-efficiency combustion engine with a powerful electric motor. In the case of the Qin L, the package is made up of a 1.5-liter aspirated engine that delivers 74 kW of power (approximately 100 horsepower) and 126 Nm of torque. Esse engine is designed to function primarily as a generator, but can drive the wheels in high speed situations for maximum efficiency.
To achieve an impressive range of 210 km in electric mode, the long-range version of the Qin L was equipped with a 26.6 kWh Blade battery pack, a capacity greater than that of many entry-level 100% electric cars. The sedan’s dimensions remain generous, measuring 4,830 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, 1,495 mm high and with a wheelbase of 2,790 mm, ensuring space and comfort for all occupants.
Enhanced connectivity and comfort functions
The DiLink 6.0 infotainment system has been updated in both models, offering a more fluid, faster and intuitive interface, with full integration with mobile devices and applications. The multimedia center, with its characteristic rotating screen, continues to be one of the highlights of the interior, centralizing the vehicle’s controls and entertainment options in a practical and technological way.
With acoustic comfort in mind, selected versions of the Qin Plus now include laminated front side windows, an effective solution to significantly reduce external noise, providing a quieter and more pleasant onboard experience, whether in urban traffic or on road trips.
These improvements demonstrate BYD’s commitment to enhancing the user experience under different usage conditions, prioritizing elements that increase comfort and convenience without altering the fundamental and already successful structure of the vehicles.
Significant advances in driver assistance
The top-of-the-range variants of the new Qin L and Qin Plus come equipped with the “God’s Eye C” DiPilot advanced driver assistance package. Este system uses a combination of sensors, radars and high-definition cameras to offer level 2 semi-autonomous driving features, such as lane keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control for use on highways.
One of the most innovative features is urban navigation with memory, which allows the vehicle to learn recurring routes in complex environments, facilitating autonomous driving on daily routes. The fully automated parking system is also included, allowing the car to maneuver into and out of spaces with precision, controlled by the driver from outside via smartphone.
In some specific configurations of the Qin L, BYD has included the DiSus-C intelligent damping system. Essa technology adjusts suspension stiffness in real time, analyzing road conditions and driving style to offer a perfect balance between comfort and stability. The road is read by sensors that anticipate imperfections, preparing the suspension to absorb them smoothly.
These safety and convenience features not only raise the bar in the segment, but also directly contribute to safer, more relaxed driving. The integration of these technologies reinforces BYD’s image as a company that invests heavily in innovation to make smart mobility more accessible to the general public.
Comparison with previous generations
The leap in autonomy is the main differentiator of the updated models. Previous generations of the Qin L offered a pure electric range of approximately 128 km, while the Qin Plus ranged between 43 km and 90 km, depending on the version. The new configuration with a higher capacity battery represents a substantial advance, almost doubling the electric range and drastically expanding the vehicle’s usability in zero emissions mode, making it viable as a primary car for an even wider range of consumers who want to drastically reduce fuel costs.
Positioning within the BYD portfolio
BYD inserts these long-range versions as premium options within the line of plug-in hybrid sedans, complementing the existing variants with less autonomy and a more affordable price. The focus on greater electrical capacity directly serves consumers who seek to maximize fuel economy in daily use, using electric mode for the vast majority of their journeys.
The brand continues to expand its range of electrified vehicles, consolidating its strong presence in the Chinese and global market. Estes launches reinforce the company’s strategy of combining accessibility with cutting-edge technology, offering products that stand out for their efficiency and equipment package.
Performance and efficiency details
The new DM-i 5.0 hybrid platform not only stands out for its autonomy, but also for its overall efficiency. Fuel consumption when the combustion engine is running has been optimized, resulting in extremely low averages. The intelligent integration between the engines guarantees a smooth and imperceptible transition between driving modes, automatically adapting to the usage profile to deliver the best balance between performance and economy.
The plug-in hybrid market in China
The plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) segment is booming in the China, driven by government incentives and the growing environmental awareness of urban consumers. BYD dominates sales in this category, with models from the Qin family consistently being among the best-selling in the country. Fierce competition between manufacturers has led to rapid technological evolution, especially with regard to electric range, which has become a decisive factor in consumer choice. The updates promoted by BYD position the new Qin L and Qin Plus as references, capable of facing strong rivals with a very attractive value proposition, combining low cost of use, advanced technology and the flexibility of a hybrid system for long distances.








