Following the upgrades of the Qin, Song, and Seal series, BYD's flagship Han series has finally received a facelift as well.
The 2025 Han DM-i version is priced from 165.800 to 228.000 yuan, while the EV version ranges from 179.800 to 235.800 yuan. Compared to the 2024 model, there hasn’t been a significant price adjustment. So, are the upgrades in power and features sincere? How does it compare to other new energy sedans currently on the market, and what are its strengths and weaknesses? Let's discuss these questions today.
What Are the Upgrades?
Let’s start with the DM-i plug-in hybrid version.
First, as expected, the new Han DM-i has been upgraded with BYD's latest DM 5.0 hybrid system. The official fuel consumption in a depleted state has dropped from 5.1L/100km in the previous version to 3.8L/100km. While the actual fuel efficiency improvement might not be as significant, it’s certain that the new Han DM-i will have lower fuel consumption.
Meanwhile, the new Han DM-i has removed the larger battery version with a 200 km electric range and the dual-motor AWD DM-p version, leaving only the front-wheel drive version with a 125 km electric range. The price has been lowered by 4.000 yuan compared to the corresponding configurations of the previous model, essentially cutting configurations that contributed less to sales.
The good news is that with the new DM 5.0 hybrid system, both the engine and motor of the new Han DM-i see a significant power improvement. The 0-100 km/h acceleration has been reduced from 7.9 seconds to 6.9 seconds, and the top speed has increased from 185 km/h to 200 km/h. This upgrade simultaneously improves fuel efficiency and power, making it a noteworthy improvement.
Additionally, although the 200 km electric range version has been eliminated, the new Han DM-i has introduced a laser radar intelligent driving version, equipped with BYD's latest DiPilot 300 intelligent driving system. However, this configuration is only available for the top-tier model priced at 225.800 yuan, so the price threshold remains high. Other mid- and low-tier models still only support basic L2-level driving assistance.
In terms of other features, there aren’t many differences between the new and old Han DM-i models. One popular adjustment is that the new DM-i hybrid version adopts a front-end design similar to the EV version, with changes to the bumper and headlights. Compared to the large grille of the previous DM-i, the new design looks sharper and more electric-vehicle-like.
Overall, the most significant change in the new Han DM-i is the synchronization with the new DM 5.0 hybrid system. Aside from this, there aren’t many substantial upgrades. Although the official price has dropped by 4.000 yuan compared to the old model, the previous Han DM-i model had discounts of around 10.000 yuan before the facelift. So, buying the new model now will actually cost a bit more.
What About the New Han EV?
Similar to the DM-i hybrid version, the new Han EV has also removed the dual-motor AWD version, leaving only the single-motor front-wheel drive version. However, unlike the DM-i, the new Han EV has no upgrades in power performance. It remains the same as the previous model, with the front-wheel drive version still taking 7.9 seconds to go from 0-100 km/h.
In terms of the battery, BYD claims that the new Han EV's lower-end configurations, starting from the 605 km range Premium version, are equipped with the full-domain 800V high-voltage platform, supporting 130-155 kW fast charging.
In reality, though, the charging time of the new Han EV's 800V platform version is comparable to the 400V version of the Lynk & Co Z10 but much slower than the 800V version of the Z10.
Regarding features, after cutting the AWD version, the new Han EV also added a laser radar-equipped intelligent driving model, priced at 235.800 yuan. Other than that, the design and features of the new and old Han EV models are quite similar.
Lastly, both the new Han DM-i and Han EV share a common upgrade to the rear suspension system, changing from the previously criticized three-link suspension, dubbed "chopstick suspension," to a five-link suspension. However, the material has changed from aluminum alloy to cast iron, making this upgrade somewhat controversial.
These are the main upgrades for the new Han DM-i and Han EV. Overall, while the new pricing and upgrades are noteworthy, they don't quite offer any major surprises.
The Han series remains the sales champion among new energy sedans in the 200.000 yuan price range. With the conservative updates to the new Han models, it’s worth comparing the Han to other similarly priced new energy sedans to see if there are better options available.
How Competitive Is the New Han?
Before comparing it to its competitors, it's important to clarify one thing: Since its launch in 2020. the BYD Han has undergone several facelifts but has never been fully redesigned. Its size, design, and power layout remain unchanged, and only with the 2025 model did the chassis finally upgrade to a five-link suspension, which merely fills a gap and doesn’t become a strong selling point.
Today, the market for new energy sedans priced around 200.000 yuan is far more competitive than it was four years ago. Models like the Geely Galaxy E8. Lynk & Co 07. Lynk & Co Z10. and IM L6 have been released in the past year or even within the last six months. As a result, these newer models hold an advantage in design, power, range, features, and intelligent systems over the Han.
That said, in terms of sales, the Han alone nearly equals the combined sales of its competitors in the same price range. However, as consumers, we must recognize that sales figures don’t directly correlate with product strength. Brand reputation and consumer sentiment also play a significant role in influencing purchase decisions.
Starting with the Han DM-i, its main competitor isn’t from another brand, but BYD’s own Seal 07 DM-i. The Seal 07 DM-i is one of the few new energy sedans under 200.000 yuan that is nearly 5 meters long, just like the Han DM-i. It was renamed from the Seal DM-i after its launch last year, and it also completed its facelift last month, now featuring the DM 5.0 hybrid system and five-link rear suspension like the new Han DM-i.
While both models are in the same class, the Seal 07 DM-i is priced between 139.800 and 195.800 yuan, nearly 30.000 yuan cheaper than the Han DM-i overall. However, unlike the new Han DM-i, which is powered by a 1.5T engine and a 272-horsepower motor across all configurations, the Seal 07 DM-i only uses the same powertrain in its 195.800 yuan top-tier model. All other mid- and lower-tier models are equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine paired with a smaller 218-horsepower motor, taking over 8 seconds to reach 100 km/h.
In terms of range, the base version of the Seal 07 DM-i offers a 70 km pure electric range, with the 125 km version starting at 155.800 yuan. This puts it just 10.000 yuan lower than the Han DM-i, which comes standard with a 125 km electric range. Considering the power performance difference, the pricing of the Seal 07 DM-i isn’t that much cheaper than the Han DM-i for equivalent electric range.
Regarding features, with similar levels of equipment, the Seal 07 DM-i is usually around 10.000 yuan cheaper than the Han DM-i.
Overall, the Seal 07 DM-i does have a lower price entry point compared to the Han DM-i, making it an option worth considering for those with a budget under 150.000 yuan. However, for those who prioritize power and features, the overall value for money between the two models is quite similar, so the choice will come down more to personal preferences in design and powertrain.
Conclusion
For the new Han DM-i and Han EV, while the upgrades are noteworthy, they don't offer groundbreaking changes. However, the BYD Han series still benefits from strong sales, solid brand recognition, and balanced performance, making it a reliable choice in its price segment despite increasing competition.
