Price Reduction: The New Yuan Up
BYD has just unveiled its new base model Yuan Up, and with a price tag of 74,800 yuan ($11,500), it’s approximately 25% less than the pricier variants. Previously, the Yuan Up lineup was a costly affair, flaunting prices from 99,800 yuan ($14,000) to a whopping 119,800 yuan ($16,700). It’s almost like BYD is calling upon the power of thrift!
Battery Power: Is Less Really More?
This new pilot edition is equipped with a 32 kWh BYD blade battery pack that boasts a driving range of up to 301 km (187 miles). While the other trims are ambitious with a range of 401 km (249 miles) powered by a 45.12 kWh battery, one has to wonder if this is BYD’s way of saying, “Cut the cost, cut the range!” Not to mention, the lower-priced Yuan Up misses out on BYD’s “God’s Eye” smart driving system. If technology was a guest at this party, it just got the boot!
Interior and Market Response
Inside, the cabin may give little reason for apprehension, resembling other BYD models with a 10.1″ floating central infotainment screen and an 8.8″ driver display. The “Dilink 50” smart cockpit system is here for voice control and connectivity, so at least you won’t feel completely stranded. But with a significant 21% drop in sales in May (31,711 units) and 29% in June (25,727 units) from last year, one wonders if BYD’s strategy needs a little tune-up. Could the new base Yuan Up be a sign of shifts in BYD’s game plan? Stay tuned!
