BYD Unveils the All-New Yuan UP, Expanding Its Electric SUV Dynasty

The new model, which is part of BYD's renowned Dynasty series, debuted with three versions, with prices starting at an attractive 96,800 yuan ($13,400 USD).

The Yuan UP is the first compact pure electric SUV built on the BYD e-platform 3.0, boasting impressive CLTC-rated ranges of 301 km and 401 km. Designed to appeal to a diverse market segment including young families and professionals, the Yuan UP goes on sale complementing the existing Yuan PLUS in the brand's expanded lineup.

Here are the introductory prices for the different versions:

301km range "Leading Type" for 96,800 yuan ($13,400 USD)

401km range "Leading Type" for 109,800 yuan ($15,200 USD)

401km range "Surpassing Type" for 119,800 yuan ($16,600 USD)

Key Features

On the exterior, the Yuan UP presents a balance between soft and hard design elements, maintaining the dragon-inspired aesthetic of the Dynasty range while integrating a fusion of modern and youthful details. The new design includes a sleek, closed front grille adorned with a black panel and the Yuan logo in Small Seal Script, complemented by extended narrow headlights for a layered look.

The vehicle's profile benefits from hidden door handles enhanced with black trims and chrome accents, while the rear enjoys a full and rounded contour, accentuated by a horizontal light strip that matches the stylishly quirky character of the car. Notably, the Yuan UP carries the BYD logo on the back rather than the Small Seal Script emblem found on other Dynasty models.

The compact SUV's dimensions span 4310/1830/1675 mm (length/width/height) with a wheelbase of 2620 mm. Buyers can also choose from four different colors.

Inside, the Yuan UP features a black-and-beige color scheme enriched with a panoramic roof, creating a spacious and bright cabin atmosphere. The interior showcases a distinct BYD family design, enhanced by a 12.8-inch central control screen coupled with an 8.8-inch LCD instrument cluster – significantly elevating the vehicle’s tech appeal. The design incorporates physical buttons near the multifunction steering wheel and gear shift, catering to users preferring tactile control.

The unique ring-shaped door handles inside stand out as a highlight, symbolizing a sense of "energy" that complements the interior. The concentric circle design carries an inspiration from 3D Chinese knotting, echoing the Chinese knot taillights of Dynasty series vehicles.

The Yuan UP features an electrically adjustable driver's seat and flaunts a comfortable and flat rear floor, ensuring comfort for the middle seat. It also comes equipped with rear USB ports and mini storage compartments – pointing to a well-thought-out user experience.

Proposition & Market Competition

The Yuan UP enters a market with few competitors in the electric small SUV segment, including vehicles like Neta AYA and Baojun E300 Plus. Offering distinctive features and benefits, the BYD Yuan UP is poised to make a splash with its bountiful configurations and appealing price point.

The vehicle's powertrain options include two electric motor versions, yielding maximum powers of 70 kW and 130 kW, and peak torques of 180 N·m and 290 N·m, respectively.

With its robust product strength, the BYD Yuan UP is anticipated to achieve substantial sales performance. Competing in a segment with sparse rivalry, the new model is expected to face reduced competitive pressure and potentially become another hit product for BYD in the burgeoning market for small electric SUVs.