It’s not difficult to be confused by the names of BYD cars thanks to the same names being used for multiple models, often with very little relationship to each other. However, one of the biggest confusions at the moment is whether the new MPV that has been spied testing multiple times is called the Tang Max or the Zhou, with Chinese media seeming to switch between the two on a monthly basis. This month, it appears to be called the Tang Max again, and as the MPV gets over closer to launch, spy shots have emerged of the interior along with exterior shots, which give us a greater idea of how the actual car looks.
Inside the car adopts a 2 + 2 + 3 seating layout. In front, the Tang Max has a similar layout to the Qin L, giving further credence to the idea that the new car uses the DM 5.0 powertrain. In the center of the dashboard is a large suspended rotatable screen. There is also embedded in the dashboard an instrument panel for the driver, and it looks as if the front passenger may also gain a screen. The center console has an uncluttered design with a gear selection knob along with a few other controls, in front of which is the wireless mobile phone charging pad and behind it two drink holders. There appears to be a large storage space underneath the center console.
Second-row passengers get independent seats with independent armrests, and small tray tables fold down from the backs of the front seats. At least some versions of the new car will gain a refrigerator. There’s a passageway between the two second-row seats for access to the third row. Space in the third row looks relatively cramped, but there are drink holders to the sides.
From the exterior spy shots, we can see that the new car will have an imposing front grille and large-sized deflector grooves. With the temporary tail lights fitted, we can’t tell much about the look. However, YY Design has published renderings of what they believe the car will look like, and if this is correct, then the Tang Max will have a continuous light strip at the back.
Current information suggests the new model is a PHEV only and so will use a version of BYD’s DM 5.0 technology. So far, the largest car we have details about to use this system is the forthcoming Han DM-i. Unlike earlier versions of the DM 5.0 system, the Han DM-i uses a 1.5T BYD472ZQB engine, which has a maximum power of 115 kW. In the case of the Han DM-i, this is then matched with a 200 kW peak power TZ210XYD electric motor, and the Tang Max may well also use this electric motor. Previous reports suggested the Tang Max will have an all-electric range of 200 km which is far greater than any other cars fitted with the DM 5.0 technology.
Size is expected to be similar to the Denza D9 although most likely a little shorter than the 5250 mm of the D9 (see specs). Prices should fall in the 250,000 – 350,000 yuan (34,450 – 48,200 USD) range and the car will likely launch in the fourth quarter of this year.
Source: Autohome
