Affordable new version of BYD's Yuan Up model hits the market, devoid of advanced self-driving features
In a strategic move to broaden market appeal, Chinese automaker BYD has unveiled a new, more affordable variant of the Yuan Up electric SUV. Priced at RMB 74,800 ($10,400), this entry-level model represents a 25 percent reduction from the previous base model's price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
The new variant, which does not come with BYD's advanced smart driving system, has a smaller 32-kWh battery pack and a CLTC range of 301 kilometers. This contrasts with the other three variants, which are equipped with a 45.12-kWh battery pack and offer a CLTC range of 401 kilometers.
BYD's strategic shift towards a more price-sensitive segment is evident, as the company aims to maintain advanced smart driving tech in higher-tier variants while catering to a wider customer base with a budget-friendly option. The Yuan Up mainstream trims, previously equipped with the God's Eye C driver-assist package based on BYD's DiPilot L2+ system, feature multiple cameras, radars, and sensors that enable adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, emergency braking, and smart parking.
The introduction of the new Yuan Up variant comes amid a slight decline in sales for the Yuan family of models. In the past two months, sales have seen significant drops, with the Yuan family contributing 8.90% of BYD Group's sales in the same period. However, the Yuan family still managed to sell 191,011 units in the first half of 2024, marking an 11.96% year-on-year increase.
BYD, which has already launched the Atto 2 compact electric SUV in multiple overseas markets under the name Atto 2, including Europe and Malaysia, has also been increasing its bet on intelligent driving capabilities. Earlier this year, BYD chairman and president Wang Chuanfu stated that advanced smart driving capabilities would become as essential as seat belts and airbags in the next two to three years.
In a bid to further enhance its smart driving capabilities, BYD announced L4 smart parking, promising to take responsibility for any losses incurred in China with the L4 smart parking system. This commitment underscores BYD's commitment to delivering safe and reliable smart driving solutions to its customers.
The new Yuan Up variant is the latest addition to the 21 models equipped with driver assist systems that BYD launched on February 10. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, BYD's strategic shift towards offering more affordable electric vehicles without advanced driver-assist tech could set a new trend in the market.
- The entry-level variant of BYD's Yuan Up electric SUV, priced at RMB 74,800, showcases a strategic move by the Chinese automaker to appeal to budget-conscious buyers in the market.
- BYD has equipped the new variant with a smaller 32-kWh battery pack and a CLTC range of 301 kilometers, in contrast to the other variants that offer a larger 45.12-kWh battery pack and a CLTC range of 401 kilometers.
- While the budget-friendly Yuan Up trim sacrifices BYD's advanced smart driving system, the higher-tier variants will continue to offer ADAS features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, emergency braking, and smart parking.
- In the wake of a slight decline in sales for the Yuan family, BYD has announced the new Yuan Up variant to boost sales and maintain its market presence, having sold 191,011 units in the first half of 2024.
- Ambitious plans for the global market can be seen with BYD, as they have already launched the Atto 2 in multiple overseas markets and have emphasized the importance of advanced smart driving capabilities.
- BYD's commitment to smart driving is further highlighted by their recent announcement of L4 smart parking, with a pledge to assume liability for any losses incurred in China with the L4 smart parking system.
- As part of its recent strategy, BYD launched 21 models equipped with driver-assist systems, showcasing their dedication to staying at the forefront of technology in the automotive and electric-vehicles industry.
- This new trend of offering more affordable electric vehicles without advanced driver-assist technology might soon become a common practice in the global transportation and lifestyle industry.
