BYD Qin LDM‑i: China's affordable answer to the global sedan market

At the Beijing International Auto Show 2024, many fascinating vehicles were presented, including many electric cars and vehicles with combustion engines. One of the stars is the BYD Qin LDM-i, a sizable mid-range sedan with a plug-in hybrid drive and an impressive range. This model's price, characteristic of Chinese manufacturers, is highly competitive.

Chinese companies are leading the world in the field of mobile phones. Now, China is capturing the automotive market. In terms of dimensions, the BYD Qin LDM-i matches typical mid-size sedans. Its length is about 483 cm, width is approximately 191 cm, and height is around 150 cm. The wheelbase is roughly 279 cm, promising a spacious interior. Despite this, the gasoline engine in the hybrid system has only a 1.5-litre capacity.

The BYD Qin LDM-i offers several equipment variants. Among the available options are a 39.6 cm diagonal screen, NFC digital key, lane-keeping assist system, adaptive cruise control, and comfortable seats. However, this car can't compete in speed with models like the Tesla Model S Plaid or the powerful versions of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra. Its power reaches 107 or 161 hp.

This model is focused on economy and comfort. The manufacturer assures that the car can run as much as 2000 km with a full tank and charged battery. The plug-in hybrid drive also allows for driving solely on the electric motor. According to BYD data, fuel consumption is only about 2.9 L/100 km, making this model an ideal choice for a taxi.

The price, as befits a product from China, is very attractive. These models are significantly cheaper than those available in European, Japanese, or Korean markets. It fluctuates from CAD 20,000 to just over CAD 25,000, which is about twice as low as the competition from the mentioned regions. However, there is no certainty whether the BYD Qin LDM-i will hit any market outside of China.