With a starting price of RMB 99,800 ($14,650), the Qin Plus DM-i 2023 is the first time BYD has made a model with its DM-i powertrain start at less than RMB 100,000.

(Image credit: BYD)

BYD launched a facelift of its plug-in hybrid sedan, the Qin Plus DM-i, which is poised to further disrupt the market share of conventional internal combustion engine vehicles.

China's largest new energy vehicle (NEV) maker today launched the Qin Plus DM-i 2023 in five versions with a starting price range of RMB 99,800 ($14,650) to RMB 145,800.

This is the first time BYD has made a model with its DM-i powertrain available at a starting price below RMB 100,000. The previously on-sale Qin Plus DM-i was released in March 2021 with a starting price range of RMB 105,800-145,800.

The model is an A-segment sedan with a length, width and height of 4,765 mm, 1,837 mm and 1,495 mm, respectively, and a wheelbase of 2,718 mm.

It is powered by a 1.5L displacement engine with a maximum power of 81 kW and a maximum torque of 135 Nm.

The model is equipped with a permanent magnet synchronous motor with a maximum power of 132 kW and a maximum torque of 316 Nm.

The Qin Plus DM-i 2023 is equipped with a DM-i super hybrid-specific blade battery with two capacity options, 8.32 kWh and 18.32 kWh, providing an NEDC battery range of 55 km and 120 km, respectively.

At full fuel and charge, the model has an NEDC range of up to 1,245 km and a fuel consumption of 3.8L per 100 km at low charge.

BYD said in a poster that the model aims to disrupt the conventional fuel car market.

Qin family models -- including the Qin Plus DM-i and Qin Plus EV -- have previously been among the top contributors to BYD's monthly sales.

BYD sold 151,341 NEVs in January, including 14,185 units of the Qin family, according to figures the company announced on February 1.

In 2022, the BYD Qin family sold 341,943 units at retail, up 81 percent from 188,921 units in 2021, according to data released last month by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA).

That makes the BYD Qin the fourth best-selling sedan in China in 2022, behind the Nissan Sylphy, Wuling Hongguang Mini and Volkswagen Lavida, according to the CPCA's list.

When models powered entirely by internal combustion engines are removed, the BYD Qin is the second best-selling new energy sedan in 2022, behind SAIC-GM Wuling's Hongguang Mini EV at 404,823 units, according to the CPCA.