Dynasty Mindset
There’s no doubt about it, when it comes to Chinese car manufacturers, BYD is number 1. While America continues to shun these brands, BYD has expanded into every region, slowly chipping away at their market share in each country.
The reason for its success is that it offers very affordable, decent-quality models. There is, though, still a certain level within the brand that caters to the more affluent individuals, and these cars are categorized as “Dynasty line” models – and the flagship model will be called the Great Tang.
MIIT
The Great Tang
We all know how much China respects its dynastic history, and BYD felt it only fitting to use these dynasties as the distinguishing names of its top-flight models. It’s now making the rounds online that the new flagship of the BYD Dynasty series has been leaked and already reported on by numerous Chinese auto publications, including Car News China. Based on the reports, the leaks have come from filings made in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
The report highlights some telling information about the BYD Great Tang, a full-sized flagship SUV in the class and size of the Land Cruiser 300. For reference, the Great Tang will be approximately 207 inches long and have a gross weight of 7,154 lbs.
Shuffling all that heft will be two engine choices. First is a rear-wheel-drive 400-hp variant, or a 496-hp single-motor electric configuration. There will, of course, be a dual-motor option that puts out 784 hp (combined). Another key highlight of the powertrain is its potential for 1,000 kW charging.
In terms of design, the Great Tang debuts a new design language that updates the current line. Still recognizable is the headlight cluster found in most BYD pure EV models. The grille for the Great Tang is now closed off, with a cleaner front fascia that really only features the Tang logo in Chinese writing. Other elements include the vertical air ducts on the front bumper, semi-hidden door handles (fully hidden door handles are now banned in China), and a full taillight cluster at the rear.
MIIT
Lidar Takes The Stage
Apart from Tesla, Chinese manufacturers have become quite the experts in autonomous driving technology. I’ve experienced them firsthand, and I can say that they do it well. Each brand has its own distinctive version; BYD’s is called the Gods Eye, which will be included in the Great Tang. We’re just not sure how much more updated the system will be in terms of capabilities compared to the current models.
The Great Tang is expected to debut within the first half of the year, with a high price tag of around $57,000 (converted).
Toyota
