Honda has announced a significant expansion of its Chinese market lineup with six new electric cars for its Ye Series of EVs. The automaker revealed the P7 and S7 crossovers, which are set to hit the roads by the end of 2024, along with the GT Concept, providing a glimpse of a sleek, low-slung model scheduled to arrive in late 2025. Furthermore, an additional three Ye Series EVs will be introduced to the lineup by 2027, available for purchase alongside the existing e:N Series models already offered in China, as the company sets its eyes on competing with BYD.
According to Honda, “Ye” (烨) translates to “shine”
in Chinese, symbolizing the series’ emphasis on the “joy of driving and
individuality”. These models showcase the simplified and frameless H emblem,
specifically designed for Honda’s next-generation EVs. Additionally, they
embrace a new styling language characterized by vibrant colors and distinctive
sharp details. Starting with the crossovers that will go on sale by the end of
the year, the blue P7 is described as more “sophisticated” and the yellow Ye S7
as more “emotional”. Both EVs share a similar profile, boasting black pillars,
flush door handles, mirror-replacing cameras, and angular wheel arches.
Nevertheless, notable distinctions emerge in their front and rear designs—the
Ye P7 embodies a Honda-esque appearance, whereas the Ye S7 gives us Cadillac
vibes, particularly from the rear perspective.
We have yet to see pictures of the
interior, but Honda promises spacious cabins offering a comfortable ride for
all occupants. The models will also come equipped with an AI-powered assistant,
controlling the LED ambient lighting on the dashboard and door panels. The
company hasn’t disclosed any technical specifications but said that the Ye
Series will ride on a new EV-dedicated architecture developed in China. It has
been confirmed that the crossovers will offer the option between single and
dual electric motors. The RWD versions are said to have “sporty and crisp
handling”, with the AWD models bringing more power and “highly responsive
handling”.
Finally, the Ye GT Concept adopts a
similar design language, albeit executed on a sleeker, low-slung silhouette.
This grand tourer, comparable in size to the Civic, showcases upscale LED
lighting, refined styling cues, and a gracefully sloping roofline toward the
rear. The futuristic interior has a driver-centric design, along with a chassis
setup focused on delivering sharp driving dynamics. Furthermore, the front
passenger has access to a special “far-focus” display offering an experience
similar to a “private theater”. It remains to be seen how many of these
features will make it into the production version that will appear before the
end of 2025.
The Ye P7, S7, and GT Concept will make
their first public outing at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show (also known as Auto
China) before entering production by the Dongfeng Honda and the Guangqi Honda
joint ventures. Honda wants to introduce a total of 10 EVs in China by 2027 –
including the six models from the Ye Series. The automaker believes that the EV
shift is “proceeding rapidly” in China, and carries on with its goal of
becoming an EV-only brand in the region by 2035.