The BYD Qin Max EV starts at 109,900 yuan. This sedan, sized like the Model 3, costs half as much in China as a Tesla.
BYD has introduced the new Qin Max EV in China at 109,900 yuan, which is approximately 56,000–57,000 zł when converted simply without taxes and duties. It is an electric sedan with a length of 4,866 mm and a wheelbase of 2,820 mm, so in terms of size it targets the same segment as the Tesla Model 3.
On paper, the offering seems very strong. Especially since BYD includes fast charging, LiDAR, and the God’s Eye B system—features that it previously reserved for more expensive vehicles.
Two sedans at one price, essentially the same car
The Qin Max joins the lineup above the Qin L and will be available in two versions: as a pure electric car and as a plug-in hybrid DM-i. The Qin Max EV starts at 109,900 yuan, while the Qin Max DM-i begins at 99,900 yuan.
The car itself measures 4,866 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width, and 1,495 mm in height. The wheelbase is 2,820 mm, so BYD isn’t exaggerating when it compares it to the Model 3. The car is actually slightly longer.
Another interesting fact: according to these figures, the Qin Max and the previously shown Seal 06 have practically the same price and are essentially the same electric sedan, just sold under two different product lines: Dynasty and Ocean. That’s a bit of internal cannibalism in Chinese style.
5 minutes to 10–70 percent charge and even 630 km CLTC range
The electric version comes equipped with the new Blade Battery 2.0 and Flash Charging technology. BYD claims the car can go from 10 to 70 percent charged in 5 minutes, and from 10 to 97 percent in 9 minutes. It sounds impressive, but as usual, we’re waiting to see actual power metrics rather than just claims.
The engine is one, but available in two variants. The weaker version has 120 kW of power, while the stronger one has 240 kW. Range according to China’s CLTC standard is up to 530 km or 630 km, depending on the version.
Inside, BYD relies on a new setup already seen in the Seal 06: a 15.6-inch central screen and an 8.8-inch driver display. It also features God’s Eye B ADAS with a roof-mounted LiDAR, designed to handle NOA functions in urban areas and on highways. This sounds like an attempt to bring more premium features down to the mass market segment.
The plug-in version combines a 1.5-liter engine with an electric motor producing 175 kW of power. BYD claims a CLTC electric range of 320 km and an overall CLTC range of up to 2,370 km. Yes, this is still based on CLTC figures, so real-world results need to be viewed with caution.
For comparison, the Tesla Model 3 RWD in China starts at 235,500 yuan and offers up to 634 km of CLTC range. The price difference is therefore enormous. The Qin Max EV costs roughly half as much as the base Tesla model, yet it doesn’t appear to be a cheap car in the table.
I wouldn’t rush to conclude anything about its availability in Europe just yet. For now, this is another sign that the price war in China has reached a level where Western manufacturers have increasingly little room for mistakes. What do you think? Could BYD maintain a good price with such an equipment package once it enters the EU?
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