BYD has just launched Yuan Up in China. The compact electric SUV arrives as the brand’s cheapest model in the category in three configuration options and with a price in the same range as the BYD Dolphin in the Chinese market. The good news is that, even without a defined date, the tram is tipped to arrive in Brazil.
Here, the electric car can measure up in the compact SUV segment, even with the Volkswagen T-Cross, Hyundai Creta and Nissan Kicks, but with the difference of boasting an electric engine. Furthermore, at its official launch, the Chinese model showed a superior finish and equipment offering than the three combustion models.
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Another insight that could be beneficial for BYD is that Yuan Up can compete on two fronts. In China, the price of the SUV varies between 96,800 and 119,800 yuan, which in a direct conversion would be R$66,700 (compared to 69,800 for the Dolphin) to R$83,000. Already on national soil, the Yuan Up has its price speculated to be up to R$200,000.
If this is confirmed, the SUV could cost less than electric vehicles considered to be more affordable, such as the Volvo EX30, which costs no less than R$229,950. If the price is lower, around R$ 170,000 or even less, it could upset consumers who have their eye on a more refined compact SUV with a combustion engine.
How does the BYD Yuan Up?
Visually, the Yuan Up features a design with waves on the sides to give the SUV a more muscular appearance. The lanterns are interconnected with an illuminated centerpiece (just like on the Dolphin).
The SUV is assembled under the e-Platform 3.0, which is already running in Brazil with the larger Yuan Plus utility vehicle. This base allows for power variations. In the Chinese market, the Yuan Up is offered in three versions: 95 hp with a 32 Kwh battery; 177 hp and 45 kWh battery and another more complete one that repeats the second configuration of 177 hp.
The Yuan Up’s acceleration is even contained, as it completes the 0 to 100 km/h test in 12 seconds in the basic version, while the others have a better acceleration achieved in 7.9 seconds. In the Chinese cycle (CLTC), the 32 kWh battery allows a range of up to 301 km, while the variant with a larger 45 kWh battery allows a range of 401 km.
In terms of measurements, the Yuan Up has similar dimensions to possible rivals VW-TCross and Nissan Kicks; are 4,310 mm long, 2,620 mm wheelbase, 1,830 mm wide and 1,675 mm high.
Superior finish
Forget the small cluster present in the Dolphin and its smaller brother Mini. In the Yuan Up, the instrument panel is also digital, but measuring 8.8 inches. The entertainment center comes in at 12.8 inches in size, in addition to being rotatable (a BYD standard).
Another feature for the driver is the head-up display, which projects information onto the windshield. The SUV has a panoramic sunroof.
Still in the cabin, occupants have perforated leather seats, which have electrical adjustments for driver and passengers. The second row of seats can be folded down completely, which increases cargo capacity, which was not stated.
The central console has the increasingly common (in launches) induction charger, as well as an interesting gear selector that imitates a crystal finish.
Finally, if the arrival of the compact SUV is confirmed for Brazil, it remains to be seen what it will be called here. Like other BYD models, the latest is the Dolphin Mini, which in the Chinese market is called Seagull.
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