Meet BYD's New Budget-Friendly PHEV: The Qin Plus DM-i

With its newest model, the Qin Plus DM-i plug-in hybrid, aimed at consumers on a tight budget, BYD is creating quite a stir in the Chinese car industry. It is among the most reasonably priced plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in its class and beyond, with a starting price of 79,800 yuan, or about $11,000. Wow!

BYD described it as a possible game-changer on social media, saying that the pricing will disturb conventional gasoline vehicle producers and establish a new benchmark for the small car market.

Significant pricing differences are seen when comparing the Qin Plus DM-i to other cars in its class; it beats out rivals like the VW Lavida and Toyota Corolla by wide amounts. Although BYD has been manufacturing the Qin Plus DM-i for a while, the Glory Edition, the most recent low-cost model, is now available for only 20,000 yuan ($2,700) less than the previous entry-level model.

The Qin Plus DM-i powertrain is the same for all models, including the Glory Edition. A 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 110 horsepower and 99.5 lb-ft of torque is combined with an electric motor that can provide 180 horsepower and 233 lb-ft, or 197 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque.

BYD blade batteries, which are available in 8.32 kWh and 18.32 kWh capacities, power the engine. The Glory Edition is most likely outfitted with the smaller pack, which has an electric range of 34 miles.

The interior is equipped with a number of conveniences. All Qin Plus DM-i models share a sizable central infotainment screen and a digital instrument cluster in their luxurious interior. To enhance the overall comfort and attractiveness, options like leather seats, metal air vents and speaker grilles, and a leather dashboard are available.