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BYD Qin

The BYD Qin (, after the Qin dynasty) is a series of compact and mid-size sedans produced by BYD Auto since 2012. The Qin started out as the plug-in hybrid version of the BYD Surui, and was introduced in the Chinese market in August 2012.[1] Currently, the Qin is available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), battery electric vehicle (BEV), and previously an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle.

The Qin is the successor of the BYD F3DM, the world's first mass-produced PHEV automobile which launched in China in 2008. In April 2012, BYD replaced the F3DM with the Qin.[2][3][4] The first-generation Qin is the PHEV version of the BYD Surui (the second-generation BYD F3), and deliveries in China began in December 2013.[5]

The second generation model includes two variants was released in September 2018 as the BYD Qin Pro, which was available as an ICE vehicle, PHEV and BEV.[6] In 2021, this model was updated and renamed to BYD Qin Plus with PHEV and BEV variants. An updated version of the first generation is sold alongside the second generation Qin variants.

In 2024 March, BYD released a larger, mid-size Qin variant marketed as the BYD Qin L DM-i, which is solely equipped with the DM-i 5.0 PHEV powertrain. In 2025, a battery electric counterpart was introduced as the BYD Qin L EV.

Qin (2012–2024)

The BYD Qin concept car was unveiled at the 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. It was named after the Qin dynasty, China's first imperial dynasty.[8][9]

The plug-in hybrid variant (which was the only variant available in the beginning) currently offers a NEDC all-electric range of 82 km and a hybrid electric powertrain that can extend the car's total range to a distance similar to that of a conventional petrol-powered vehicle. The all-electric variant offers a NEDC range of 520 km.

The Qin was designed with BYD's next-generation, more efficient, dual-mode, electric powertrain. The BYD Qin uses a smaller lithium iron phosphate battery (LiFePO4, or LFP) than its predecessor, the F3DM: 13 kWh instead of 16 kWh. The LiFePO4 battery has a high energy density, can withstand up to 4,000 charges and still retain 80 percent performance, and uses no toxic heavy metals in its manufacture. Due to its improved design, the new battery is about 50 percent smaller and lighter than the one used on the F3DM. The reduced battery pack size translates into reduced price at the expense of the all-electric range, which BYD estimates at 50 km. The larger battery in the F3DM delivers an all-electric range of 60 mi. BYD said the Qin would be seven percent more efficient with savings in power and energy in all-electric (EV) mode.[8][9]

In hybrid mode, the Qin uses two 110 kW electric motors and a 1.5-litre turbo-charged direct-injected engine, instead of the 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine used in the F3DM, to output 223 kW of power and 440 Nm of torque. According to BYD Auto, the Qin has a top speed of 185 km/h and can accelerate from 0 - 100 km/h in less than 5.9 seconds. Thanks to its smaller battery and increased wheelbase, the Qin will have more interior space than the F3DM, and the styling has also been improved over BYD's earlier models, most notably in the car's interior.[8][9]

Retail sales of the BYD Qin began in Costa Rica in November 2013, and BYD planned to start sales in other countries in Central and South America in 2014.[10][11]

Pre-facelift styling (2012–2017)

Qin EV300

A pure battery electric version, the Qin EV300, was released in China in March 2016.[12] The BYD Qin EV300 is powered by a 218 hp electric motor and a battery pack that is expected to deliver a range of 300 km. Top speed is 150 kph.[13] There are four versions of the Qin EV300.[14]

2019 refresh

Despite the introduction of the Qin Pro in 2018, an updated version of the first-generation Qin is also in production as of 2019. The manufacturer refers to it as the "all-new Qin" (全新秦).

The new model uses the "dragon face" styling of the front end, with some changes to the taillights. The vehicle is shorter than the initial model (4675 mm vs 4740 mm), while the wheelbase and the width remain same.

While the initial model was offered as a plug-in hybrid or with an all-electric drivetrain, the updated model is offered with a petrol engine or with an all-electric drivetrain.

In the all-electric variant, the battery capacity is 53.1 kWh.[15][16]

Qin Pro / Qin Plus

The second generation Qin was introduced as the Qin Pro in 2018, and was revised in 2021 as the Qin Plus. With its enlarged dimensions, the sedan occupies a higher segment, commonly known as the "A+ class" in China which is larger than the global C-segment.[17]

Qin Pro (2018)

The BYD Qin Pro is the first product of the second generation BYD Qin sedans; it debuted at the 2018 Beijing Auto Show. Initially sold alongside the first generation BYD Qin, it is the first BYD sedan to be designed by BYD's new chief designer, Wolfgang Egger.[18]

The 2018 Qin Pro uses a "Dragon Face" design of the front grille. It is equipped with a rotating DiLink 12.8-inch touchscreen,[19] and a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance systems including an adaptive cruise control system with stop-and-go (ACC-S&G) and an automatic emergency braking system (AEB). High-strength steel comprises 73.5% of the weight of the car's body in white (in the petrol variant).[20][21]

Powertrain

BYD offered three different powertrains for the Qin Pro, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid, and as a conventional petrol ICE vehicle.

The plug-in hybrid Qin Pro DM is powered by a 154 hp 1.5-litre turbo, inline four engine combined with a 150 hp electric motor to produce a total of 304 hp. The top speed of the Qin Pro DM is 200. km/h and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds.[22]

The battery electric Qin Pro EV features a 69.5kWh battery in the top version.

Powertrain

BYD offered three different powertrains for the Qin Pro, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid, and as a conventional petrol ICE vehicle.

The plug-in hybrid Qin Pro DM is powered by a 154 hp 1.5-litre turbo, inline four engine combined with a 150 hp electric motor to produce a total of 304 hp. The top speed of the Qin Pro DM is 200. km/h and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds.[22]

The battery electric Qin Pro EV features a 69.5kWh battery in the top version.

Qin Plus (2021)

For 2021, BYD introduced the Qin Plus as the refreshed version of the Qin Pro. The Qin Plus was unveiled during the 2020 Guangzhou Auto Show in November 2020, and went on sale in March 2021. Compared to the Qin Pro, it features restyled front and rear ends, while dimensions are unchanged. It is available as a plug-in hybrid DM-i variant and battery electric version (EV).[23]

BYD started selling a sister model of the Qin Plus DM-i, the Destroyer 05 in March 2022. It is based on the Qin Plus with the same powertrain, with redesigned front and rear fascias and dashboard. While the Qin Plus is sold through Dynasty Network dealerships, the Destroyer 05 is part of the Ocean Network dealership line-up.[24]

Qin Plus DM-i

The Qin Plus DM-i was launched in January 2021 and went on sale in March 2021 in China. It is one of the first BYD products with its updated plug-in hybrid system, the DM-i, alongside the Tang DM-i and Song Plus DM-i crossovers.[25][17]

In February 2023, BYD introduced the Qin Plus DM-i Champion Edition with a reduced price.[26] In February 2024, BYD reduced the price of the vehicle further by introducing the Qin Plus DM-i Honor Edition. The company remarked that it is "officially opening a new era of electricity (vehicle) is lower than oil (petrol-powered vehicle)."[27]

From February 2024, BYD started selling the Qin Plus DM-i in some Middle East markets such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar as the Qin Plus PHEV.[28][29][30]

Qin Plus DM-i facelift (2025)

The Qin Plus DM-i underwent a major facelift in January 2025, featuring a redesigned front fascia inspired by the Qin L DM-i, a revised rear design, and a refreshed interior. It also received the updated DM-i 5.0 plug-in hybrid system. The Seal 05 DM-i became its Ocean Series counterpart, replacing the Destroyer 05.[31]

Powertrain

The DM-i powertrain of the Qin Plus combines a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine with a single electric motor for a total output of about 170 hp. The engine's thermal efficiency ratio is claimed to be at the industry-leading 43% as of 2021. Fuel consumption of the Qin Plus does not exceed 3.8 L/100km. Its blade battery provides an electric range of 50-120 km.[17]

The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine of the Qin Plus DM-i uses the Atkinson cycle and features cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a split cooling system (the engine cooling circuit is split into two parts, one for the cylinder head and one for the block) and an electric water pump. The engine develops a maximum power output of 81 kW at 6000 rpm, and the peak torque is 135 Nm at 4500 rpm. The compression ratio is 15.5:1. The car is equipped with an E-CVT transmission.[17]

Powertrain

The DM-i powertrain of the Qin Plus combines a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine with a single electric motor for a total output of about 170 hp. The engine's thermal efficiency ratio is claimed to be at the industry-leading 43% as of 2021. Fuel consumption of the Qin Plus does not exceed 3.8 L/100km. Its blade battery provides an electric range of 50-120 km.[17]

The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine of the Qin Plus DM-i uses the Atkinson cycle and features cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a split cooling system (the engine cooling circuit is split into two parts, one for the cylinder head and one for the block) and an electric water pump. The engine develops a maximum power output of 81 kW at 6000 rpm, and the peak torque is 135 Nm at 4500 rpm. The compression ratio is 15.5:1. The car is equipped with an E-CVT transmission.[17]

Qin Plus EV

The top version features a 71.7kWh battery with 600 km range.[33] Versions with battery capacities of 47.5 and 57kWh are also available, with ranges of 400. and 500. km respectively.[34]

Linghui e5

Images of a Linghui e5 was revealed by the MIIT on January 9, 2026, it is essentially a rebadged variant of a pre-facelift Qin Plus EV that is now part of a ride-hailing services. The e5 received changes include the black chrome on a front bumper and a Linghui logo.

Qin Plus EV facelift (2025)

The Qin Plus EV underwent a major facelift in January 2025.

Qin Plus DM-i

The Qin Plus DM-i was launched in January 2021 and went on sale in March 2021 in China. It is one of the first BYD products with its updated plug-in hybrid system, the DM-i, alongside the Tang DM-i and Song Plus DM-i crossovers.[25][17]

In February 2023, BYD introduced the Qin Plus DM-i Champion Edition with a reduced price.[26] In February 2024, BYD reduced the price of the vehicle further by introducing the Qin Plus DM-i Honor Edition. The company remarked that it is "officially opening a new era of electricity (vehicle) is lower than oil (petrol-powered vehicle)."[27]

From February 2024, BYD started selling the Qin Plus DM-i in some Middle East markets such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar as the Qin Plus PHEV.[28][29][30]

Qin Plus DM-i facelift (2025)

The Qin Plus DM-i underwent a major facelift in January 2025, featuring a redesigned front fascia inspired by the Qin L DM-i, a revised rear design, and a refreshed interior. It also received the updated DM-i 5.0 plug-in hybrid system. The Seal 05 DM-i became its Ocean Series counterpart, replacing the Destroyer 05.[31]

Powertrain

The DM-i powertrain of the Qin Plus combines a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine with a single electric motor for a total output of about 170 hp. The engine's thermal efficiency ratio is claimed to be at the industry-leading 43% as of 2021. Fuel consumption of the Qin Plus does not exceed 3.8 L/100km. Its blade battery provides an electric range of 50-120 km.[17]

The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine of the Qin Plus DM-i uses the Atkinson cycle and features cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a split cooling system (the engine cooling circuit is split into two parts, one for the cylinder head and one for the block) and an electric water pump. The engine develops a maximum power output of 81 kW at 6000 rpm, and the peak torque is 135 Nm at 4500 rpm. The compression ratio is 15.5:1. The car is equipped with an E-CVT transmission.[17]

Powertrain

The DM-i powertrain of the Qin Plus combines a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine with a single electric motor for a total output of about 170 hp. The engine's thermal efficiency ratio is claimed to be at the industry-leading 43% as of 2021. Fuel consumption of the Qin Plus does not exceed 3.8 L/100km. Its blade battery provides an electric range of 50-120 km.[17]

The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine of the Qin Plus DM-i uses the Atkinson cycle and features cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a split cooling system (the engine cooling circuit is split into two parts, one for the cylinder head and one for the block) and an electric water pump. The engine develops a maximum power output of 81 kW at 6000 rpm, and the peak torque is 135 Nm at 4500 rpm. The compression ratio is 15.5:1. The car is equipped with an E-CVT transmission.[17]

Qin Plus EV

The top version features a 71.7kWh battery with 600 km range.[33] Versions with battery capacities of 47.5 and 57kWh are also available, with ranges of 400. and 500. km respectively.[34]

Linghui e5

Images of a Linghui e5 was revealed by the MIIT on January 9, 2026, it is essentially a rebadged variant of a pre-facelift Qin Plus EV that is now part of a ride-hailing services. The e5 received changes include the black chrome on a front bumper and a Linghui logo.

Qin Plus EV facelift (2025)

The Qin Plus EV underwent a major facelift in January 2025.

Safety

Qin L DM-i (2024)

The Qin L DM-i is the largest model in the Qin lineup. It is a plug-in hybrid sedan belonging to the D-segment (mid-size) and was sold since 2024. Along its sister model, the Seal 06 DM-i, it was the first model to debut BYD's DM-i 5.0 powertrain technology.[36]

Qin L EV (2025)

The Qin L EV is a mid-size battery-electric sedan introduced in 2025. Despite sharing a similar name to the Qin L DM-i, it is completely structurally unrelated to it and rides on the e-Platform 3.0 Evo battery electric platform with a rear-wheel-drive layout. It has a sister model, the Seal 06 EV.

Qin Max EV (2026)

The Qin Max EV is an facelift variant of the Qin L EV and Seal 6 EV. Continued to be replacing the previous Qin L EV in the Chinese market for focused on export version under its name Seal 6 EV, it shares most of its bodywork with the L variant but with an elongated body, a differentiated front and rear fascia and a more powerful 240 kW rear motor.[37]

Production and sales

See also

References

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