Third-gen BYD Qin PLUS revealed with larger body, 220 km EV range and 2.58L/100 km fuel consumption

BYD has released the first official images of the third-generation Qin PLUS, giving us a closer look at the redesigned sedan ahead of its expected launch in China later this month.

Lu Tian, General Manager of BYD's Dynasty Sales Division, shared the images on social media on 16 October, confirming that the new model has grown in size to offer more interior space.

The car has also appeared in filings with China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), revealing a longer body and a wheelbase of 2,800 mm. The third-generation Qin PLUS is expected to make its Chinese market debut in late October.

Cleaner styling and sportier proportions

The third-generation Qin PLUS adopts a cleaner, more modern design, with a sleeker front end and proportions intended to appeal to younger buyers.

At the front, BYD has done away with the previous model's grille in favour of a simpler design. A new shark-nose front end is paired with air channels that angle inwards on either side, giving the car a more sculpted appearance.

The sedan also has a longer, wider and lower stance, giving it a sportier profile while helping to reduce aerodynamic drag. A rising shoulder line runs from the headlights towards the rear, adding to the streamlined look.

The new Qin PLUS measures 4,840 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,498 mm tall, with a 2,800 mm wheelbase.

Wider rear end and new 17-inch wheels

The changes continue at the rear, which is now wider and more rounded than before, with smooth surfaces that match the simpler front-end design.

BYD has retained the Qin family's signature full-width taillights, complete with a dynamic lighting effect. The overlapping light elements give the car a distinctive appearance at night.

The new model also gets larger 17-inch sports alloy wheels.

Plug-in hybrid with 220 km EV range

The third-generation Qin PLUS also brings improvements to its plug-in hybrid powertrain, with lower fuel consumption and a longer electric driving range.

Fuel consumption with the battery depleted is claimed to be just 2.58L/100 km, which BYD says is the lowest in its class.

The electric-only driving range has increased to 220 km, also claimed to be the longest among plug-in hybrids in its class.

With a full tank of petrol and a fully charged battery, the Qin PLUS is said to offer a combined driving range of more than 2,290 km, allowing for long-distance journeys with fewer refuelling stops.

Qin PLUS vs Seal 6

For Malaysian readers, it's worth pointing out that the BYD Seal 6 sold locally is based on the Qin L, not the Qin PLUS.

Although both are C-segment sedans, they occupy slightly different positions in BYD's line-up.

The Qin PLUS is aimed at buyers looking for an affordable, practical family sedan, with value for money as one of its main selling points.

The Qin L, which is sold in Malaysia as the Seal 6, is the larger of the two. It sits slightly higher in the range, offering a more spacious cabin and a bigger overall footprint.