BYD teases third-generation Qin Plus sedan with new exterior images ahead of major overhaul

• The third-generation Qin Plus EV has appeared in a regulatory filing, measuring 4,840 mm in length.
• Qin family sales totaled 207,589 vehicles in the first 9 months, down 54.71% year-on-year.

BYD (HKEX: 1211) has released high-resolution exterior images of the third-generation Qin Plus, continuing its teaser campaign for an overhaul of the key family sedan after a regulatory filing revealed dimensions and powertrain specifications for its electric version.

Lu Tian, general manager of BYD's Dynasty lineup sales division, shared the images on Weibo on Wednesday, detailing the exterior design after highlighting the car's size and space last week.

The third-generation Qin Plus features a wide front fascia, fastback styling, a broader rear end and full-width Chinese knot taillights, along with a new island blue paint option, Lu said.

The latest teaser provided no pricing or launch date. BYD is releasing details in stages ahead of an update to its important Qin sedan family.

The third-generation Qin Plus EV appeared in a new product catalog released by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on October 16. It measures 4,840 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width and 1,498 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,800 mm.

The electric model in the filing has 5 seats and features a permanent magnet synchronous motor with peak output of 100 kW (134 hp), a lithium iron phosphate battery and a top speed of 170 km/h.

Images accompanying Lu's teaser last week showed the third-generation Qin Plus DM-i plug-in hybrid. The regulatory specifications above apply to the electric version and cannot be directly applied to the hybrid.

The Qin Plus is currently the most affordable product line in the Qin family, offering EV and DM-i versions priced from 79,800 yuan ($11,880) to 131,800 yuan.

The family also includes the Qin L, priced from 96,800 yuan to 139,800 yuan, and the higher-positioned Qin Max, launched in August and priced from 99,900 yuan to 143,900 yuan. Both offer electric and plug-in hybrid versions.

BYD launched the 2026 Qin Plus DM-i in January, increasing its maximum CLTC electric range to 210 km. The third-generation model's teaser campaign marks a further step toward a full model overhaul.

The update comes amid pressure on Qin family sales. The lineup sold 23,472 vehicles in September, down 65.27% year-on-year despite a 7.54% increase from August, according to data compiled by CnEVPost.

In the first 9 months of the year, total sales across the Qin family reached 207,589 vehicles, down 54.71% year-on-year.

BYD has also stepped up updates to its other sedans and small cars, launching the Da Han EV on October 13 and the second-generation Seagull on October 20.