Chinese company BYD has unveiled its full-size electric SUV, the Great Tang (Tang), which combines an impressive driving range with ultra-fast charging comparable to refueling a gasoline vehicle. While the model remains significantly cheaper than many competitors in the U.S. and Europe, it will not be sold in the American market.
The vehicle is available in both a fully electric version and a plug-in hybrid. The base Premium EV model is priced at 239,900 yuan (approximately $35,500) and features a 105.79 kWh battery, delivering up to 800 kilometers on the CLTC cycle.
The more expensive Flagship EV variant, costing 269,900 yuan (around $40,000), comes with a 130.15 kWh battery and a claimed range of up to 950 kilometers under the CLTC standard.
A key technological highlight of the model is its 1000-volt architecture and the BYD Flash Charging ultra-fast charging system. According to the company, the battery can charge from 10% to 70% in just 5 minutes and reach 97% in 9 minutes, significantly narrowing the gap between electric vehicles and traditional internal combustion engine cars in terms of “refueling” time.
The powertrain varies by configuration, ranging from 496 horsepower in the single-motor version to 784 horsepower in the dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant. Standard equipment also includes a roof-mounted LiDAR and the God’s Eye B driver assistance system, which offers semi-autonomous highway driving and automatic parking capabilities.
The interior focuses on a high level of comfort, featuring three screens on the dashboard, an additional screen for rear passengers, seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions in a “zero gravity” format, as well as a built-in refrigerator and fold-out tables. Essentially, the vehicle is positioned as a large family SUV with business-class functionality.
The model has already demonstrated strong market demand, with around 150,000 pre-orders registered since April, setting a record for a single BYD model. The company attributes this to the combination of advanced technical features and a relatively low price compared to competitors.
For comparison, the Tesla Model X AWD offers up to 565 kilometers of range and costs about $79,990, nearly double the price of the base Tang version while delivering a significantly lower claimed driving distance.
However, BYD has no plans to introduce the model to the U.S. market, keeping it primarily available in China and a few other regions.
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