BYD has launched their new Han sedan in
China. Available in plug-in hybrid and electric configurations, the Han is an
eco-friendly luxury car that will eventually be sold in a number of markets.
Starting with the electric versions, there is a long range variant in standard
and premium trims. They cost ¥ 229,800 (US$ 32,848) and ¥ 255,800 (US$ 36,565).
Both have a 76.9 kWh battery pack and a
front electric motor that develops 219 hp and 330
Nm of torque. They can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds
and travel up to 605 km in the NEDC cycle. The high-performance
variant starts at ¥ 279,500 (US$ 39,953) and adds a rear electric motor with 268 hp and 350 Nm of torque. This gives the all-wheel
electric vehicle a combined output of 487 hp and 680 Nm of torque.
Those are some impressive numbers and they
enable the Han to rocket from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds which makes
it “China’s fastest EV in production.” However, the performance comes at a cost
as the range drops to 550 km. For customers who aren’t ready to go
fully electric, there’s the Han DM plug-in hybrid which starts at ¥ 219,800
(US$ 31,419). It features a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine which produces 189 hp and 320 Nm of torque. It’s joined by a 15.2 kWh
battery and an electric motor that develops 241 hp and 330 Nm of torque.
This setup gives the car a combined output
of 430 hp and 650 Nm of torque. It allows the
model to run from 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and claim the title as
China’s fastest accelerating plug-in hybrid sedan. The model can also travel 81 km on electricity alone and 800+ km overall. The Han is
roughly the size of the Tesla Model S as it measures 4960 mm long, 1910 mm wide and 1495 mm tall with a
wheelbase that spans 2920 mm. It also comes equipped with LED
headlights, flush-mounted door handles and digital key technology.
Moving into the cabin, there’s a 12.3-inch
digital instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch floating infotainment system. Other
highlights leather or Nappa leather seats, wood or aluminum trim, and a
wireless smartphone charger. There’s also a dual-zone automatic climate control
system and a heated / ventilated driver’s seat.
Like many modern automobiles, the Han
comes equipped with an assortment of driver assistance systems including
adaptive cruise control with stop and go, forward collision warning, automatic
emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist and traffic sign
recognition technology. The model can also be outfitted with optional systems
such as a blind spot monitor, rear collision warning and rear cross traffic
alert.
Following its launch in China, the Han
will eventually arrive in Europe.
