BYD and DJI Launch Lingyuan Drone System; Refreshed Model Y Hits US Market; GAC Toyota Bozhi 3X Debuts; Maxus G50 Hybrid Pre-Sales Open | E-Week Highlights

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BYD and DJI Launch Lingyuan Drone System

On March 2, 2025, BYD and DJI unveiled the smart in-car drone system, "Lingyuan," in Shenzhen.

This collaboration demonstrates the two companies' cooperation in technology. The Lingyuan system integrates with the vehicle's overall architecture to achieve deep integration between the car and the drone. It employs a unique retractable onboard docking station and incorporates technologies such as an onboard drone positioning module, enabling dynamic takeoff and landing and one-touch return to the dock.

The system's built-in shooting templates and intelligent algorithms make it easier for users to capture moments during their journeys. The Lingyuan system will first be equipped on the Fangchengbaobao 8 Wurenjiban, and then gradually rolled out to other models, with a market price of RMB 16,000. This launch marks BYD as the world's first automaker to mass-produce an onboard drone.

The introduction of smart onboard drones has attracted attention from the automotive industry; similar cross-industry collaborations may become a trend in global intelligent mobility development.

Quick Review:

The 'Lingyuan' system, launched by BYD and DJI, adds a new dimension to the intelligent driving experience. Its innovative retractable docking station and smart shooting features add fun and convenience to journeys, broadening the application of drones. The system simplifies the user's shooting process, replacing cumbersome professional equipment usage with flexible alternatives. As this technology is integrated into more BYD models in the future, smart onboard drones may revolutionize users' driving experiences and inspire further reflection within the industry on the potential of intelligent applications.

Tesla Refreshed Model Y Begins Deliveries in North America

Last weekend, Tesla officially began deliveries of the refreshed Model Y at its two U.S. factories in Texas and Fremont, though Elon Musk did not attend to hand over the vehicles to owners.

All units delivered in the U.S. this time are first-generation versions. Sharing from users who picked up their vehicles via overseas media platforms shows that a newly assembled car at the delivery site was covered in signatures. Following Tesla's tradition, this vehicle is likely to be kept as a commemorative item.

On Tesla's U.S. official website, the refreshed Model Y is currently available only in the launch edition, with prices starting from USD 46,500, approximately RMB 340,000. The ordering pages for other versions still display the previous model, not the refreshed Model Y.

The US-spec Launch Edition of the refreshed Model Y features configurations largely consistent with those in China, including a dedicated Launch Edition badge on the rear and puddle lights on the doors. Additionally, the Tesla US website currently indicates that the Launch Edition is available only with black interior; white interiors are not yet selectable.

Editor's Note:

After Tesla began deliveries of the first batch of refreshed Model Y vehicles globally in China, delivery progress in its home market, the United States, has not lagged far behind. Although Tesla’s sales have recently declined in multiple markets, this trend is expected to reverse as the refreshed Model Y gradually rolls out globally.

GAC Toyota Bozhi 3X Launches

On March 6, 2025, GAC Toyota launched the Bozhi 3X with the following pricing:

Promotional prices during the launch period range from RMB 104,800 to RMB 149,800;

Prices for models equipped with LiDAR and advanced autonomous driving features start at RMB 139,800 under promotional terms.

Additionally, the Bozhi 3X offers several purchase benefits, including a cabin upgrade benefit worth up to RMB 6,000 and lifetime warranty coverage for the battery, electric motor, and electronic control systems.

The Bozhi 3X is equipped with LiDAR sensing technology and the NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin X chip. On the software front, the vehicle features the Momenta intelligent driving large model, enhancing its autonomous driving capabilities. All trims come standard with a 14.6-inch central control touchscreen and the Gaotongxiaolong 8155 chip, supporting the operation of the in-car smart cockpit.

In terms of safety, the Bozhi 3X meets Toyota’s global standards and has received a five-star rating from C-NCAP and a GGG level rating from CIASI GGG.

To reduce production costs, GAC Toyota has introduced localized suppliers, making the price of its smart pure electric vehicles more competitive. Additionally, the Bozhi 3X adopts an "A-class size, B-class wheelbase, C-class rear seat experience" layout in its design, providing spacious interior room suitable for various consumer needs.

Quick Review:

As a representative product of GAC Toyota’s current efforts in intelligence and electrification, the Bozhi 3X effectively demonstrates the company’s determination and speed in transformation. By partnering with Momenta, GAC Toyota has significantly accelerated its intelligent driving progress. Introducing LiDAR and advanced autonomous driving features at the RMB 150,000 price point is quite rare, whether among joint-venture brands or the current lineup of new energy vehicle startups. Having addressed its shortcomings in intelligent driving, and combined with Toyota’s inherent strengths in space and design, the Bozhi 3X remains highly competitive in this price segment.

GAC Maxus G50 Hybrid MPV Pre-sale Launches

On March 6, Shangqidatong announced that its latest plug-in hybrid MPV model, the G50, has begun pre-sales at a starting price of RMB 152,800.

The G50 adopts a plug-in hybrid powertrain to meet the diverse travel needs of modern families. Its body dimensions are 4,825 × 1,825 × 1,778 mm, with a wheelbase of 2,800 mm, providing flexible interior space suitable for trips involving two children or even three generations traveling together. The seven-seat layout uses a 2+2+3 configuration; the second-row seats feature independent armrests, and the third-row seats can be fully folded flat, offering large-capacity luggage storage space.

In terms of performance, the G50 hybrid is equipped with a 1.5-liter dedicated hybrid engine and a hybrid system composed of P1 and P3 dual electric motors, delivering a combined power output of 160 kW and a peak torque of 280 N·m, with a 0–100 km/h acceleration time of 7.9 seconds. The comprehensive range reaches 1,405 kilometers, while the fuel consumption in battery-depleted mode is 4.7 liters per 100 kilometers.

During the pre-sale period, Shangqidatong introduced promotional offers, such as paying RMB 99 to unlock various car-buying benefits, a test-drive deposit expansion of RMB 500, and an exclusive order-expansion gift for one thousand users. Combined with national "trade-in" subsidies and purchase tax exemptions, these options provide cost-effective choices.

Quick Review:

The G50, a best-selling MPV under the Maxus brand, has effectively met the needs of family users thanks to its well-proportioned dimensions and spacious interior. The introduction of a hybrid version further addresses families' demand for low-cost ownership, while the relatively rare seven-seat configuration in this segment and a pre-sale price of RMB 152,800 make it particularly attractive to family buyers.

Written by: Wentao Edited by: Wentao