BYD moves up a level with the Great Han: the new premium saloon from the Chinese manufacturer

BYD is finalising the launch in China of a new top-of-the-range model, the Great Han, an imposing premium saloon nearly 5.3 metres long that will position itself as one of the brand’s two new flagships.

According to homologation documents published by Chinese authorities, the Great Han will be available in fully electric versions, with power outputs reaching up to 570 kW at the top of the range. The maximum announced range exceeds 1,000 km under the Chinese CLTC homologation cycle. This remarkable range, however, will be limited to the version with a single electric motor, while the higher versions with dual motors and all-wheel drive see this figure reduced to 880 km. All electric versions will use LFP batteries.

Not only with a fully electric powertrain

Alongside the aforementioned electric versions, the Great Han will also be available in a plug-in hybrid PHEV version, which will combine a 200 kW electric motor with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. This version will offer up to 370 km of range in exclusively electric mode.

The Great Han is a large saloon, measuring 5.26 metres in length, 2 metres in width and 1.51 metres in height. Its wheelbase is 3.13 metres. On the scales, its kerb weight ranges between 2.2 and 2.5 tonnes. Aesthetically it follows the Loong Face design language of BYD, with slim headlights, a chrome grille, vertical air intakes and a roof with coloured details that will incorporate a LiDAR sensor in a central position. The wheels will be 20 or 21 inches.

This new premium saloon from BYD will form part of a new family of high-end models from the Chinese manufacturer, alongside the Great Tang SUV, currently in development. Both will share a technical platform, the advanced 1,000-volt architecture and compatibility with BYD’s Flash ultra-fast charging, at a maximum power of 1,500 kW.

According to recent reports published by Chinese media, the premium Great Tang SUV will reach the local market first, followed shortly after by the Great Han. A high level of demand is expected for both models. In fact, BYD is already accepting advance orders for the Great Tang and has recorded 100,000 reservations in less than two weeks, which has forced a delay in its launch to adjust production.

Finally, it is important to point out that the BYD Han that everyone already knows will remain on sale in parallel, since the Great Han does not replace it but sits one step above it within the Chinese manufacturer’s range.