BYD, Tesla’s biggest competitor on the international scene, is preparing the arrival of a new electric SUV, which will be called Yuan UP. Displaying a very compact size, it should notably hunt in the territory of the Peugeot e-2008, among others, and display a very affordable price.
Last year, specialists warned Tesla that the company would be seriously disrupted by Chinese manufacturers in 2023. Predictions which turned out to be correct, since the American company is starting to be followed by competitors from the Middle Kingdom. And among them, BYD, which remains the world number 2 in electric vehicles, but not for long.
A small electric SUV
Indeed, the Chinese manufacturer is currently on the verge of overtaking Tesla once and for all, with almost equivalent sales figures. Not to mention the fact that its cars cost less in China, which should give it a big head start in the coming years.
In addition, the Asian firm is flooding the market with its new products, making it present in almost all segments, from compacts like the Dolphin to sedans with the Seal.
So much so that this risks destabilizing customers, who no longer really know where to turn with the numerous models available. And it’s still far from over, since BYD is preparing to unveil another model, a few weeks after the Sea Lion 07. This time it is the Yuan UP, which has not yet been officially shown by the Chinese firm. And for good reason, its revelation is not expected until the beginning of next year.
Which does not prevent the site Car News China to publish some photos of this new arrival, which should tickle the stars of the segment such as the Volkswagen ID.3, the Peugeot e-2008 or even the Jeep Avenger that we were recently able to test. It should also compete with the future electric SUV currently being prepared by Toyota. Its dimensions should be relatively compact, with a length of 4.31 meters.
He also announces a width of 1.83 meters by 1.68 meters high. A size which places it in the urban SUV segment, and well below the Tesla Model Y. The style is intended to be quite conventional, but quite far from the Yuan Plus, known in our region under the name of ‘Atto 3. At the rear, we discover a very modern lighting signature, with lights linked together, while the look is completed by an imposing shield.
A very affordable price
In fact, it is rather from the Song L that the electric SUV draws its aesthetic inspiration, particularly at the front end. For the moment, the new Yuan UP has not yet shown any photos of its driving position. There is no doubt that it should remain close to that of the brand’s other productions, with a large touchscreen inspired by Tesla and a refined presentation.
The wheelbase is announced at 2.62 meters and up to five people can sit aboard this new arrival on the market. Note that it will be offered with an optional panoramic roof, the price of which has not yet been announced. On the other hand, we already know what will be hidden under the hood of the electric SUV, which will be available in two versions. The first embarks a 70 kW motor, or 95 horsepowerwhile the second claims 130 kW, which is equivalent to 176 horsepower.
These two variants are associated with a Blade LFP battery, which notably uses CTP technology (cell to pack). If we do not yet know the capacity of the accumulator or the charging time, we know that the SUV will display a weight between 1,430 and 1,540 kilos. Its maximum speed will be limited to 160 km/h.
It will be necessary to count on a price below 100,000 yuan, which is equivalent to approximately 13,000 euros. A price which will most likely be revised upwards if this new Yuan UP arrives in Europe. You shouldn’t expect it for less than 30,000 euros.