A technical heavyweight in Xiaomi’s shadow
Regardless of providing superior specs and a decrease beginning worth, BYD’s new flagship SUV, the Tang L, has been largely overshadowed by Xiaomi’s YU7, which secured 240,000 non-refundable orders inside simply 18 hours of launch. Each autos characteristic aggressive electrical drivetrains, with BYD emphasising sooner charging by way of its 1000V structure and better motor energy, whereas Xiaomi focuses on vary effectivity, superior connectivity, and refined model presentation.
Unveiled as a part of BYD’s effort to modernise its Dynasty lineup, the Tang L is constructed on the DMO platform shared with the FCB 5. The mannequin is accessible with both a single-motor rear-wheel-drive setup or a dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration, delivering peak energy outputs of as much as 380 kW (510 horsepower) for the RWD variations and as much as 810 kW (1,086 horsepower) mixed within the AWD trims. High-spec AWD fashions obtain 0–100 km/h acceleration in roughly 3.6 to 4.3 seconds. All variations utilise a 108.8 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) blade battery able to 180 kW quick charging and incorporate a cloud-pillow suspension system with hydraulic rebound management, designed to reinforce trip consolation.
Pricing for the Tang L begins at 239,800 yuan (roughly 33,390 USD) for the RWD Elite and rises to 289,800 yuan (roughly 40,350 USD) for the AWD flagship. Nonetheless, in stark distinction to Xiaomi’s YU7, which generated vital media buzz and shopper enthusiasm, the Tang L’s launch has drawn comparatively minimal consideration.
BYD Tang L vs Xiaomi YU7: key specs comparability
| Class | BYD Tang L | Xiaomi YU7 |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | BYD DMO structure | Xiaomi Modena EV platform |
| Drive structure | RWD (500 kW) / AWD (810 kW, 1086 hp) | RWD (235 kW) / AWD (508 kW, 690 PS) |
| 0–100 km/h Acceleration | 3.6–4.3 sec (AWD) | 3.23–5.88 sec relying on trim |
| High pace | 287.4 km/h | 253 km/h (Max trim) |
| Battery Kind | 100.5 / 108.8 kWh LFP Blade battery | 96.3 kWh LFP (RWD) / 101.7 kWh NCM (Max) |
| Vary (CLTC) | 560–670 km | 760–835 km |
| Charging | 1000 kW DC | 5.2C ultra-fast charging (620 km in 15 min) |
| Dimensions (L/W/H) | 5,040 × 1,996 × 1,760 mm | 4,999 × 1,996 × 1,608 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,950 mm | 3,000 mm |
| Drag coefficient | 0.26 | 0.245 |
| Exterior highlights | Full-width gentle bar, sporty rear, minimalist entrance design | Energetic grille, hidden door handles, fastback profile |
| Wheels | 20–21 inch choices | 19–21 inch choices |
| Seating Structure | 2+3+2 (7 seats) | 5 seats |
| Inside Options | 15.6” rotating display, AR-HUD, orange dual-tone cabin | 1.1m triple-screen show, Nappa seats, mini-fridge |
| Infotainment & tech | DiLink system, AR-HUD, voice assistant | Xiaomi HyperOS, Apple ecosystem, Dolby Atmos (25 audio system) |
| Assisted driving | DiPilot 300 | Lidar, Nvidia Thor (700 TOPS), end-to-end imaginative and prescient system |
| Storage | 551–1,650L cargo area | 1,970L + 36 compartments, glovebox, drawers, fridge |
| Value vary (yuan) | 239,800 – 289,800 yuan | 253,500 yuan to 329,900 yuan |
| Value vary (USD est.) | 33,390 – 40,350 USD | 34,300 to 44,700 USD |
Exterior: softened power with sensible touches
At 5,040 mm lengthy with a wheelbase of two,950 mm, the Tang L leans into the full-size SUV section however avoids extreme bulk with clear surfaces and easy traces. In comparison with the outgoing Tang EV, the entrance face is extra restrained, ditching the aggressive grille styling for a slender, nearly minimalist look. The headlights are slender and angular, with a full-width LED gentle bar on the rear.
A big panoramic roof and aerodynamic 20-inch wheels give the Tang L a premium stance, though it falls wanting the sporty cues seen in rivals just like the Xiaomi YU7. Flush door handles, a excessive beltline, and hidden D-pillars contribute to a contemporary profile.
Inside: BYD’s most snug but, however not flashy
Inside, the Tang L surprises with comfort-oriented luxurious slightly than tech flash. The seats are upholstered in Nappa leather-based, with the second row being the star — two massive captain’s chairs that recline, warmth, ventilate, and supply powered leg rests. A fold-out centre console between them provides storage and cupholders.
The sprint includes a 15.6-inch rotating central display, flanked by a ten.25-inch digital cluster and head-up show, all working BYD’s DiLink 150 cockpit system. The UI is easy, however lacks the refined animations and ambient integrations seen in Xiaomi’s HyperOS.
Storage is ample: there’s a flat ground, sizable door bins, and a deep under-armrest field. The trunk affords 551 litres of area, expandable to 1,650 litres with the third row folded flat. The Tang L lacks a entrance trunk (frunk), a characteristic that Xiaomi utilises to full advertising and marketing impact.
Behind the Wheel: floaty, quick, and quiet — in the event you’re not in a rush
The Tang L is tuned for consolation, and that’s the place it excels. The cloud-pillow suspension impressively absorbs small bumps, and the rebound management system retains pitch beneath management throughout braking. Over rougher surfaces, the physique stays composed. The trip high quality felt like a luxurious MPV.
Energy supply within the AWD variant is easy however not aggressive. Regardless of the 380 kW output and sub-5-second acceleration, throttle mapping is smooth. In Regular and Consolation modes, torque is restricted for smoother operation, making it perfect for household use. Sport mode sharpens response, however nonetheless doesn’t match the directness of the YU7 or Mannequin Y.
Noise isolation is great — highway noise, tire hum, and wind are properly suppressed even at excessive speeds. A noticeable distinction in comparison with older BYD SUVs is the absence of rear-axle hopping and improved traction on uneven surfaces.
One disappointment is steering really feel: it’s correct however obscure. The brake pedal is simply too smooth, particularly when slowing down from excessive speeds, though the regeneration system is tunable.
On the tech facet, BYD’s DiPilot assisted driving system is responsive however fundamental. It helps adaptive cruise, lane centring, and blind spot detection. Nonetheless, there’s no full navigation-assisted driving like Xiaomi’s NOA or Tesla’s FSD Beta.
Verdict: an ideal SUV outclassed by a better narrative
The BYD Tang L is a technically spectacular car that delivers easy trip high quality, sturdy efficiency, and well-thought-out consolation options at a aggressive worth. Its spec sheet outperforms the Xiaomi YU7 in a number of areas — motor output, quick charging, second-row luxurious — and it’s priced decrease throughout comparable trims.
But, the market response tells a unique story. Xiaomi’s YU7 captured nationwide consideration with its life-style advertising and marketing, model buzz, and fan ecosystem. BYD’s launch, in distinction, landed quietly, regardless of outperforming in uncooked specs. The Tang L doesn’t lack substance, nevertheless it does lack momentum.
This disconnect highlights a extra profound shift in China’s EV market: specs and worth not assure consideration. Model id, narrative, and emotional connection — Xiaomi’s core strengths — could now matter extra.
