Author: Novice driver
Currently, there are many choices for compact pure electric household cars. In the year of the outbreak of new energy, we can see a variety of pure electric car models come out. The BYD Qin PLUS EV, which was officially launched on April 7th this year, became one of the hottest topics due to its “carrying a sword” appearance, adopting BYD’s latest family design and equipped with lithium iron phosphate blade batteries.
In addition to the online taxi version model released at the end of June, there are a total of four models available for Qin PLUS EV, priced between RMB 129,800 and RMB 166,800 after subsidies. In terms of price, it has a relatively advantageous position among similar models, and the cruising range also meets the standard level of compact cars. So, is the BYD Qin PLUS EV worth buying? Which one is more cost-effective?
Review of Exterior Design
Let’s review the exterior design of the BYD Qin PLUS EV first. The front face design of the Qin PLUS EV is still the same routine, Cancelling the “big mouth” of the DM-i version and replacing it with a semi-closed front face, retaining only the bottom grille.
The side and rear design of the car remain the same as the Qin PLUS DM-i. By matching the low front and high rear body posture with the sleek roof line, the entire vehicle looks very dynamic. In terms of size, the length, width, and height of Qin PLUS EV are 4765/1837/1515 mm, and the wheelbase is 2718 mm.
The interior design also follows the Qin PLUS DM-i’s design. The biggest difference is that the instrument panel is embedded. The cockpit with a surround design and the simple and smooth lines of the center console make the overall visual effect simple and atmospheric. In addition, the car’s interior uses a large area of bright decorative panels combined with leather wrapping, creating a good luxury atmosphere.
### Comparison of Range and Power
In terms of power, the maximum power of the driving motor of the new car is 135 kW (184 horsepower). In terms of range, the new car is equipped with lithium iron phosphate blade batteries. As for NEDC range, the new car provides three versions of 400 km, 500 km, and 600 km.
Regarding range, the Qin PLUS EV has three range versions, and you can see the corresponding range from the model names. All four models are equipped with BYD’s latest lithium iron phosphate blade battery. The corresponding peak power and battery capacity can refer to the table below:
External Configuration Differences
The Qin PLUS EV has basically no difference in external configuration. If you have to point out the difference, the flagship model with 600 km range has standard 18-inch wheels and 235/45 R18 tires, while the other models have 17-inch wheels and 215/55 R17 tires.
Speaking of tires, it is worth mentioning that all models of BYD Qin PLUS do not have a spare tire, which may be a headache for consumers when choosing a car. However, the Qin PLUS is equipped with tire repair liquid, which can be used in emergency situations. In addition, the luxury models of 400 km/500 km have no and cannot be equipped with adaptive high and low beam headlights.
Interior Configuration Differences
Seeing this, you can probably know that there are not many differences in the interior configuration of these four models. The parts that are not available on the low-end models cannot be equipped. In other words, you need to consider carefully when buying a car whether you need these extra features.
In addition, there are two optional items in the interior, one is the high-integration racing-grade dashboard that can be optionally installed in all models, and the other is the flow brown interior that is only available for the flagship model with 600 km range.
In simple terms, the two car models named “Luxury Edition” have the same configuration except for a difference of 100 km in endurance. Both are equipped with a 10.1-inch central control screen, while the 500 KM Premium Edition and 600 KM Flagship Edition have a 12.8-inch central control screen. However, the 600 KM Flagship Edition has four additional speakers (a total of 10) and heated seats, and comes with electrically adjustable front passenger seat, while other models have only manually adjustable seats.
In addition, the ambient lighting, built-in driving recorder, and mobile power station are only available in the 500 KM Premium Edition and 600 KM Flagship Edition. The mentioned mobile power station refers to BYD’s unique VTOL mobile power station technology, which can directly utilize the vehicle’s battery power to provide 220V, 3.3KW power output, and achieve power supply and consumption outside the vehicle.
Intelligent configuration is standard across all models
In terms of intelligent configuration, the Qin PLUS EV is equipped with DiLink 3.0 intelligent system, which has voice control, vehicle networking, OTA remote upgrade and other functions, and introduces rich third-party applications such as WeChat, TikTok, Netease Cloud Music, iQiyi and Gaode Map. In addition to the standard configuration, all four models can be equipped with in-car microphone and intelligent bracelet key.
For a pure electric intelligent car, the important core functions of BYD Qin PLUS EV are all standard across all models. Although there is not much difference in configuration among the four models, even if you choose the 400 KM/500 KM Luxury Edition, you will not feel that the functions are incomplete.
Although the difference is small, the price gap is there, so let’s continue to look at the differences in driving assistance configuration.
Differences in driving assistance configuration
The differences in driving assistance configuration are also obvious: the configurations of the 400 KM/500 KM Luxury Editions are the same, while the 500 KM Premium Edition and 600 KM Flagship Edition have the same configuration.The two luxury versions partially include the functions of parking radar, driving assistance image, and cruise control. Compared with the high-end models, it feels like BYD has given you all three functions but only half. The distinguished and flagship versions are equipped both front and back with front/back parking radar, 360-degree panoramic image, and full-speed adaptive cruise control, while the two luxury versions only have rear parking radar, reversing image, and cruise control system.
In addition, the distinguished and flagship models are equipped with reverse side warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and active braking functions, but these are not equipped on the luxury models and cannot be optionally installed.
How to choose the four Qin PLUS EV models?
As a pure electric sedan for home use, the Qin PLUS EV has good competitiveness in price, and its endurance and configuration can meet daily travel, commuting and other uses. In addition, the BYD family’s “Dragon Face” design is also a plus for the Qin PLUS EV, and its imposing presence is not inferior to other models.
The differences between the four Qin PLUS EV models are obvious. If there is a willingness to purchase, how to choose the appropriate configuration according to personal needs?
Let’s analyze the various models of the Qin PLUS EV:
400 KM Luxury Model
The label of this model’s configuration is cheap, entry-level, and low-end. As mentioned earlier, the differences between the Qin PLUS EV models cannot be optionally installed, while all models can choose the optional configurations. The price of 129,800 yuan is indeed very attractive, and it can even be said that the threshold for purchasing a car is lower than most similar pure electric sedans. However, the 400 km endurance mileage is slightly inferior, so if the usage scenario is daily commuting and city travel, it is a high-cost-effective choice.
500 KM Luxury Model
There is not much to say about the 500 KM luxury model. Compared with the cheapest version, it has an additional 100 km of endurance but the same configuration. The price is higher by 10,000 yuan, which means paying 10,000 yuan for an extra 100 km of endurance. Overall, there are models with higher cost-effectiveness to choose from.
500 KM Distinguished ModelCompared with the previous two versions, the 500 KM Deluxe model has added some driving assistance functions and increased internal configuration. It can be said that the functions are quite complete, basically the same as the top-of-the-line model, except for the lack of seat heating and four less speakers and other relatively unimportant functions. The price of this model is 149,800 yuan, which is 17,000 yuan cheaper than the top-of-the-line model, and the 500 km range can meet most usage scenarios. Overall, this model has the highest cost-performance ratio.
The 600 KM Flagship model is the highest equipped model. As mentioned earlier, there is not much difference in configuration compared to the 500 KM Deluxe model. The advantage of this model lies in its 600 km range and the unique Flowing Water Brown interior decoration option. If you prioritize range, this 600 KM Flagship model is the most suitable choice.
In summary, it is not difficult to distinguish the four models of the BYD Qin PLUS EV. Just compare them slightly, and you can see the differences between each model and choose according to your own needs.
The 400 KM Luxury model has the lowest price and average range performance, and lacks some convenient and useful driving assistance functions. It is only suitable for experienced drivers who use it for daily commuting. The 500 KM Deluxe model has only 100 km more range than the lowest priced model, and no difference in configuration. It is in a mediocre position and not recommended. The 500 KM Prestige model is recommended. It has all the necessary configurations and the range can also meet most travel needs. In addition, if you have higher range requirements, it is best to choose the 600 KM Flagship model by paying an additional 17,000 yuan. It supports 90 kW DC fast charging, and can replenish 80% of the battery in just half an hour, which can basically solve range anxiety.
Overall, the purchase threshold for the BYD Qin PLUS EV is not high, the exterior design is elegant and stable, the intelligent configuration is also at the mainstream level, and it is equipped with a blade battery that has undergone rigorous safety testing. Whether it is brand reputation or technological level, it can beat most competitors, and it goes without saying whether it is worth buying or not.
This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.