In China's new energy vehicle market, BYD has been a pioneer, consistently keeping pace with the development of new energy technology. The BYD Qin PLUS DM-i, as a plug-in hybrid model, helps drivers reduce daily commuting fuel consumption while providing higher endurance reliability during long-distance travel. So, how does this model perform overall?
Let’s start with the exterior. The front end continues the BYD family design philosophy, with a DM-i version-exclusive grille, accented by a silver chrome trim that enhances the aesthetics. The unique headlight design on both sides gives the car a sharp look. The side profile is sleek, with refined lines along the skirt area that visually elongate the body. The rear design is modern, featuring tail lights that complement the front end, with a solid lower bumper and a stylish blackened finish.
Moving to the interior, the overall design is quite simple, reflecting a "future" design concept typical of new energy vehicles. The steering wheel is solid, with attractive stitching on top, and the seats are firmly padded, offering decent rebound when pressed. However, the suspension is somewhat stiff, making the seats feel hard on bumpy roads, though the overall comfort is still acceptable. The central armrest storage compartment is quite spacious, accommodating more items and facilitating daily travel.
The vehicle is powered by a 1.5L engine paired with an electric motor, offering a combined electric motor output of 132 kW or 145 kW and a total torque of 316 N·m or 325 N·m. The NEDC pure electric range is 55 km or 120 km.
As a plug-in hybrid, what are the standout features of the BYD Qin PLUS DM-i?
For those who have experienced this model, it’s apparent that the steering is quite comfortable compared to traditional cars. This is due to the electric power steering system, which allows the motor to fully control the steering. At low speeds, the steering wheel feels light, making it easier to maneuver when starting or parking. At high speeds, the steering becomes heavier, preventing oversteering, which is a feature I particularly appreciate.
Moreover, in some videos, there have been instances where the electronic power steering system requires the driver’s intervention to straighten the wheel after making a sharp turn. However, in my experience, the steering feedback of this car is quite good, and I did not encounter such issues. The steering response is quick, and the return to center is smooth.
When it comes to daily driving, manually operating in-car functions can be risky, so a smart voice system is essential. The smart voice system in this car, part of BYD’s Dilink suite, performs well in terms of accuracy and consistency of voice recognition. For instance, when I say, "Hi Xiaodi, turn on the air conditioner, set the temperature to 26 degrees, and open the windows," the vehicle executes the commands within about 0.3 seconds. The air conditioning, temperature, and window commands are executed simultaneously, demonstrating the system's logical coherence, without any confusion caused by multiple commands.
In addition, smart driving control cannot be overlooked. On long highway trips, keeping your foot on the accelerator and hands on the wheel can become tiring. The adaptive cruise control system and lane-keeping assist system are quite useful in this regard. When we activate the adaptive cruise and set the cruising speed, the lane-keeping system automatically engages. If the vehicle starts to drift out of the lane, the system corrects the steering to keep the vehicle centered, freeing up the driver’s hands and feet.
However, if the driver doesn't hold the steering wheel for an extended period, the vehicle will issue a warning via the dashboard to prevent the driver from losing focus and increasing the risk of an accident. Additionally, when changing lanes, the turn signal must be activated; otherwise, the vehicle will exert significant resistance to the steering wheel, potentially causing a failed lane change.
Conclusion: Overall, this vehicle performs well in its price range of around 100.000 RMB, making it a suitable option for daily family use and travel.
