BYD has commenced taking orders for its new flagship electric sedan, the Great Han, which promises an extraordinary driving range exceeding 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) on a single charge, with an entry-level price below $40,000. Known as Da Han in its home market of China, this vehicle marks BYD's inaugural D-segment premium sedan within its esteemed Dynasty series.
First glimpsed in June through documents from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Great Han was officially unveiled at the Chengdu Motor Show. Lu Tian, general manager of BYD's Dynasty series, highlighted its remarkable capabilities, confirming a CLTC driving range of up to 1,008 kilometers (626 miles). Pre-orders began with an attractive starting price of 249,900 yuan, approximately $37,200.
The Great Han is offered in three distinct versions, featuring both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The RWD variants, Premium and Flagship, are priced at $37,200 and $40,200 respectively. Both RWD models come equipped with a powerful 370 kW (496 hp) motor and a 102.326 kWh battery, delivering the full 1,008 km range. The AWD version incorporates an additional front electric motor, boosting total output to 570 kW (764 hp). While sharing the same battery capacity, its CLTC range is slightly adjusted to 880 km (546 miles).
Every Great Han model is outfitted with BYD’s advanced Blade Battery 2.0 and Flash Charging technology, enabling a rapid recharge from 10% to 70% in just five minutes using 1,500 kW charging infrastructure, and a complete recharge (10% to 97%) in a mere nine minutes. In terms of dimensions, the Great Han measures 5,256 mm in length, 1,999 mm in width, and 1,510 mm in height, with a generous wheelbase of 3,130 mm. This makes it larger than competitors such as the Tesla Model S and Lucid Air, positioning it closer in size to the long-wheelbase Mercedes S-Class.
Following the tradition of the Great Tang SUV, the Great Han sedan comes standard with a host of premium features, including the innovative DiSus-A dual-chamber air suspension system, rear-wheel steering for enhanced maneuverability, and zero-gravity front seats for ultimate comfort. Additionally, all variants are integrated with BYD’s God’s Eye B smart driving system, providing advanced driver-assistance features such as Navigation on Autopilot and remote parking. This strategic launch reflects BYD's concerted effort to broaden its presence in the high-end automotive sector, complementing its luxury Denza brand and reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge electric vehicle technology.
The introduction of the BYD Great Han signifies a significant stride in the electric vehicle industry, showcasing how advanced technology and design can be integrated into an accessible package. This vehicle not only pushes the boundaries of range and charging efficiency but also emphasizes a commitment to luxury and advanced safety features, making high-performance electric mobility more attainable. It stands as a testament to innovation and the evolving landscape of sustainable transportation.