BYD chairman Wang Chuanfu personally handed over the keys to the first batch of Qin L owners at the launch event on May 28. It seems this wasn’t some lame marketing effort and that deliveries have been in full swing every since with 5,000 of the Qin L delivered in the first 3 days. Added to that the showrooms are packed and Chinese auto media are trying to work out which of the five models on sale offers the best value.
Priced between 99,800 and 139,800 yuan (13,750 – 19,300 USD) the new Qin L seems to have become a sensation in China thanks to the three headline figures of 44.06%, 2.9 l/100 km and 2,100 kilometers. Initial indications are that the Qin L is outselling the Seal 06, the latter largely a twin with the only major difference bar styling being that it is narrower.
According to BYD spokesperson Yu Chengdong the company has delivered 5,000 vehicles in the first three days with him saying “the volume is massive,” Videos have emerged from the first weekend of the Qin L and Seal 06 being on sale. One posted by a BYD 4S store shows a reasonably busy store with writing claiming that on the first weekend of sales 50 sales staff were rushed off their feet. Another, more convincing, video posted by a customer shows the Haikou 4S store on Hainan Island with all the signing tables occupied. A reporter who visited a store claimed that the store was selling 15 cars a day and the current wait time is around 60 days.
The Qin L like the BYD Seal 06 comes with the DM-i 5.0 powertrain which is the fifth generation PHEV system from BYD. It’s built around a 1.5 liter engine which has maximum power of 74 kW and peak torque of 126 Nm. BYD claim that it’s the world’s most efficient engine in mass production with a thermal efficiency of 46.06%. Lower spec versions of the cars get a 10.08 kWh battery pack along with a 120 kW, 210 Nm electric motor giving an 80 km (CLTC) all-electric range. Higher-spec versions get a 15.874 kWh battery pack and a more powerful 160 kW, 260 Nm electric motor giving an electric range of 120 km. Fuel consumption using NEDC measurement is 2.9 l/100 km and comprehensive range is claimed as 2,100 km.
Usually in China the cheapest version of a car is known as the beggar’s edition and no one other than perhaps some fleet users buy it. In the case of the Qin L the cheapest 80 km Leading version goes for 99,800 yuan (13,750 USD) and is being called a reasonable choice for those on a budget. However, Chinese media rate the Transcendence as the better buy of the 80 km electric range versions and possibly the best overall thanks to the addition of features like 17-inch alloy wheels and a 12.8-inch center screen (up from 10.1-inches), along with 360° view camera all for 109,800 yuan (15,150 USD).
The first two 120 km range versions also get high rankings. For an additional 10,000 yuan you can gain a 120 km electric range version which supports 23 kW DC charging and 6.6 kW AC charging while comfort in the 120 km Leading is boosted by an opening panoramic sunroof. The 120 km range Transcendence at 129,800 yuan (17,900 USD) also gets a top rating and gains features like electrically adjustable passenger seat, electric folding mirrors, and DiPilot driver assistance.
Sources: Fast Technology, Fast Technology,
