BYD's Da Han EV, priced at $37,000, provides a range and features typically found in luxury vehicles in the United States.

      In recent years, Chinese automakers have elevated the expectations for what affordable sedans (and vehicles in general) can provide, and BYD’s newest release exemplifies this trend.

      The Da Han has just started pre-sales in China, priced below $37,000, comparable to entry-level pricing in the United States, yet it boasts a feature set that resembles that of a premium car.

      So, what does BYD bring to the table with the Da Han?

      BYD has launched pre-sales with three trims: the entry-level rear-wheel-drive Premium at 249,900 yuan (around $36,850), a rear-wheel-drive Flagship at 269,900 yuan (approximately $40,145), and the top-tier all-wheel-drive Flagship at 299,900 yuan (roughly $44,606).

      The two rear-wheel-drive models claim a CLTC range of over 621 miles, while the all-wheel-drive version offers around 547 miles, sacrificing range for a remarkable 570 kW of total output. This AWD version can accelerate to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of about 168 mph.

      The rear-wheel steering reduces its turning circle to 4.95 meters. Even more impressive are BYD’s Flash charging capabilities, which can charge the battery from 10% to 97% in approximately nine minutes, similar to refueling a gas vehicle.

      Standard on all variants are dual-chamber air suspension, a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor that powers BYD’s God’s Eye B driver-assist system, and a 31-speaker Devialet audio system. These features are typically found at much higher price points, especially in the United States.

      How does it stack up against offerings in the US?

      On top of the specifications, the Da Han measures 5,256 mm in length with a 3,130 mm wheelbase, ensuring ample rear legroom and cargo space. BYD has also introduced plans for a plug-in hybrid version with a 470 km EV-only range.

      For comparison, approximately $37,000 barely covers a base Tesla Model 3 in the US, which provides around 320 miles of EPA-rated range. Additionally, it lacks features such as LiDAR, air suspension, and many speakers.

      Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 falls into a similar price range but has similar deficiencies. The Da Han highlights the stark differences in the EV value proposition between the Chinese automotive market and the US.

      While companies like Ford are looking to tap into the entry-level EV segment, the US continues to lag behind in the fiercely competitive Chinese EV market.