"BYD has accomplished two significant but "unassuming" achievements.

The annual Chengdu Auto Show has officially kicked off, attracting unprecedented attention due to the intense market competition. Major brands like Hongmeng Zhixing, Landwind, BYD, and Zeekr showcased new cars or made announcements at the show, suggesting that automakers now view the Chengdu Auto Show as a crucial marketing opportunity rather than merely a sales exhibition.

BYD made significant moves at the Chengdu Auto Show, first announcing the Seal 06GT, a "hot hatch"-style car priced between 150,000 and 200,000 yuan, which garnered substantial attention. Later, the Dynasty Network held a press conference at 2:30 PM on August 30th to introduce the sixth IP under its sales network, "Xia," officially entering the flagship MPV segment. Additionally, BYD unveiled the 2025 Song L EV, a shooting brake SUV that maintains its impressive visual design while receiving a comprehensive upgrade in overall configuration, positioning it as a crucial force in BYD's ongoing electric vehicle strategy.

Regarding BYD's announcements at the Chengdu Auto Show, I would describe them as "filling gaps." For instance, the introduction of the "Xia" IP and BYD's first flagship MPV fills a void in BYD's product lineup in the MPV segment (especially high-end MPVs), making its product matrix more complete and competitive.

As for the 2025 Song L EV, it's essentially a routine upgrade, with the "more for the same price" approach not surprising in today's new energy vehicle market. However, there are still some notable changes, such as the further democratization of the "Tianshenzhiyan" intelligent driving system and the availability of the Cloudride chassis, offering ample details to explore.

The sixth brand emerges as BYD bets on high-end MPVs

Contrary to earlier speculations, BYD's sixth "Dynasty" IP has chosen "Xia" as its name. The name "Xia" carries significant weight, as it represents China's first historically recorded dynasty and is part of the term "Huaxia." Naming its MPV product line after "Xia" underscores BYD's commitment to this series.

The "Xia" model debuted alongside the IP announcement, showcasing a high level of completion. The exterior and interior designs appear to be finalized, closely resembling the prototype shown to the public. Although the initial reveal was brief, lasting less than 10 minutes, key details emerged, including the use of BYD's fifth-generation DM-i hybrid system, Cloudride-C control system, advanced intelligent driving capabilities, and DiLink 150 cockpit system. BYD emphasized that the vehicle would launch within the year, with an expected price range of around 300,000 yuan.

I predict the new model will be named "Xia DM-i," with dimensions of 5145×1970×1805mm and a wheelbase of 3045mm. Based on these specifications, the "Xia DM-i" is positioned slightly below the Denza D9, aligning with earlier predictions of being a lower-tier alternative to the Denza D9 DM-i.

Design-wise, the "Xia" seamlessly integrates the Dynasty series' design language, featuring the iconic "Dragon Face" aesthetic and Chinese-style taillights, immediately recognizable as a BYD Dynasty series product. Details emphasize its "business" attributes, such as a raised hood and expansive front grille, enhancing its imposing presence. Unlike the sleek lines preferred by new-energy vehicle startups, the "Xia" features traditional straight lines, ensuring a comfortable interior space, according to BYD.

Further details await future announcements, as this was the "Xia" model's initial reveal. Interior design and space utilization remain unclear, leaving room for BYD to surprise us.

In summary, based on current information, the real highlights of the BYD Xia should be its interior space and comfort configurations. Intelligent driving and cockpit features will likely remain similar to existing models. Additionally, the fifth-generation DM technology ensures a sales floor, alleviating range anxiety and offering smooth, reliable performance.

I boldly predict that, provided pricing is reasonable, the BYD Xia has the potential to outperform the Denza D9 DM-i. However, it remains to be seen whether internal competition will become a concern for BYD, requiring continued observation.

Song L EV receives an update, highlighting intelligent driving capabilities

The BYD Song L EV emerged as a surprise hit at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show, capturing attention with its high visual appeal. As a "shooting brake SUV," it broke new ground for BYD with its sleek, dynamic design, showcasing the brand's fashionable and energetic side.

For the 2025 model, the Song L EV maintains its dynamic and energetic identity, adjusting its configuration to adapt to market competition. While the exterior design remains largely unchanged, the primary upgrade lies in intelligent driving capabilities. The "Tianshenzhiyan" intelligent driving system becomes a key feature of the 2025 Song L EV, accompanied by the DiLink 100 cockpit for an enhanced in-car experience.

It's important to note that the "Tianshenzhiyan" system in the 2025 Song L EV is a "basic" version, supporting highway pilot assistance and automated parking but lacking the full capabilities of the system found in the Denza N7.

Despite being a basic version, the 2025 Song L EV boasts an impressive sensor array, with 29 sensors across the vehicle, outpacing competitors in its class. However, the absence of lidar limits its urban driving capabilities. The DiPilot 100 platform's computing power is also modest, limiting high-level intelligent driving functions. Nonetheless, the 2025 Song L EV maximizes its intelligent driving potential within cost and positioning constraints.

Other intelligent features include a 15.6-inch center console screen and a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, complemented by a 50-inch AR-HUD and a 5.8-inch rear-seat air conditioning control screen. These elements align with BYD's focus on appealing to younger consumers and enhancing the vehicle's technological appeal.

Regarding basic specifications, the 2025 BYD Song L EV is built on the e-Platform 3.0 (intriguingly, not the more advanced e-Platform 3.0 Evo). It boasts a combined output of 380kW and a peak torque of 670N·m, achieving a 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 201km/h. Select versions feature the Cloudride-C control system and a sturdy chassis (double-wishbone front and five-link rear suspension), emphasizing a sporty driving experience.

Pricing-wise, the 2025 BYD Song L EV adheres to the "more for the same price" approach. Four versions are available, ranging from 189,800 yuan for the base 550km version to 249,800 yuan for the top-spec 602km AWD intelligent driving variant. The mid-range 662km version costs 199,800 yuan, while adding intelligent driving capabilities to this variant raises the price to 225,800 yuan.

I believe the mid-range and near-top-spec variants offer the best value, catering to distinct consumer groups. Those uninterested in intelligent driving will find the mid-range variant's configuration and range sufficient, while its sub-200,000 yuan price point is appealing. For those seeking intelligent driving capabilities, the near-top-spec variant offers a balance between range and features, eliminating the need for the most expensive option.

In summary, unlike its predecessor, which relied heavily on novelty, the 2025 Song L EV emphasizes a "substantial experience" as its primary selling point. Upgrades to basic configurations and the introduction of intelligent driving capabilities further enhance its competitiveness. However, given the fierce competition in the 200,000 yuan electric vehicle segment, including the concurrently launched Zeekr 7X, the Song L EV may need further price adjustments or incentives to achieve notable success.

Final Thoughts

BYD's introduction of an MPV product line and the addition of intelligent driving capabilities to its mainstream models share a common thread. Even as an industry leader, BYD must continually address its shortcomings and adapt to evolving market demands.

Looking ahead, this is just the beginning, and BYD faces ongoing challenges. For instance, will the BYD Xia achieve the desired sales success? How will BYD balance potential cannibalization of Denza D9 sales?

Moreover, the penetration of intelligent driving technology remains limited. While the 230,000 yuan Song L EV offers intelligent driving capabilities, they're limited to highway scenarios. In contrast, rival SUVs at similar price points offer full-scenario intelligent driving capabilities with broader coverage and usability.

In conclusion, while BYD has taken action, ensuring quality execution and comprehensive coverage are crucial for achieving desired outcomes. Fortunately, BYD's size provides a cushion, affording it a wider window for adjustment and a higher tolerance for error compared to smaller automakers. However, the Chengdu Auto Show's limited stage means most automakers reserve their biggest announcements for larger events. Perhaps at the November Guangzhou Auto Show, the BYD Xia will make its official debut with more details, accompanied by further advancements in intelligent technology.

Until then, it's not too late to discuss whether BYD's "gap-filling" efforts are justified.

Source: Leitech