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BYD’s new Yuan Plus recently went on sale in China. The previous generation of this model has been sold globally as the ATTO 3. The new Yuan Plus switched to a new rear wheel drive platform and added flash charging capability (5 min 10-70%, 9 min 10-90%) from the new Blade Battery 2.0. It also added Disus-C active damping and now offers LiDAR-equpped ADAS (big announcement today). Range increased to 540 km in base spec and 630 km in upper trims, while power increased to 200 kW (268 hp) and 240 kW (322 hp), respectively. Both represent larger numbers in base trim than the previous generation top trim models in China. Meanwhile, prices stayed stable at 119,900 to 149,900 RMB ($17,646 to $22,061). The Yuan Plus also grew 210 mm longer (4665 mm long × 1895 mm wide × 1675 mm tall, 2770 mm wheelbase).
Image Credit: BYD
That size puts it in the global sweet spot between the bestselling car for 2024/2025 (Toyota RAV4/Wildlander) and the bestselling car for 2023 (Tesla Model Y). Compared to the Toyota, the new Yuan Plus is more powerful, larger, better equipped and more technologically advanced. However, the Yuan Plus is also less expensive than either the hybrid or ICE Toyota in China, especially when you try to reach similar levels of equipment. Considering that the more advanced Yuan Plus replenishes its range as fast as the RAV4 can refuel, can recharge at home and costs less to buy and operate, you would really need to be an ICE and Toyota loyalist to still pick the RAV4.
