China’s leading electric car company BYD (Build Your Dreams) has released teaser images for its upcoming premium off-road vehicle that will hit the market later this year. The automaker’s new product will be a global model, like the BYD Atto 3, and will be sold under a new independent company sub-brand internally codenamed F-Brand. BYD aims to take on Mercedes-Benz G-Class when the new SUV arrives.
The new BYD off-roader will be available in pure electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions and it is rumored that the EV model will generate around 500 kW (670 hp), while the The PHEV model will have a range of 1,200 km (CLTC). The new luxury off-road vehicle will incorporate BYD’s existing DM-i and DM-p technologies. In terms of dimensions, the upcoming model is expected to be around 5,000 mm in length with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm. The new SF (codename) will make its global debut at next month’s Shanghai Auto Show in China with the launch taking place later in the year. The SUV will start rolling into other global markets from 2024 onwards.
Also read: Auto Expo 2023: BYD Seal electric sedan launched in India, delivered in Diwali
The upcoming premium off-road vehicle will be sold under the new F-Brand (codename) name exclusively for SUVs
Other notable features to be expected on BYD’s premium all-terrain electric off-roader include all-wheel drive, torque vectoring between the rear wheels, a ladder-on-frame chassis, as well as micro-locks. front axle, center and rear axle. The EV and PHEV versions will come with an automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels.
Details on the G-Class rival are scarce at the moment and we expect important announcements at the Shanghai Auto Show. Expect the SUV to go a long way in terms of technology, as all new-generation electric vehicles tend to do so. It remains to be seen whether the company will launch the new sub-brand globally for its upcoming SUVs or its electric luxury off-road vehicles that retail under the BYD name in markets outside of China. New offers will also take over Land Rover DefenderJeep Wrangler, and the like when it came out.
Also read: BYD Atto 3 First Drive review: Expensive but promising electric SUV!
The upcoming premium electric all-terrain vehicle is expected to produce around 670 hp, while the PHEV variant is expected to have a range of 1,200 km (CLTC).
For the Indian market, BYD has only entered the passenger car segment and mainly retails products in the premium segment. The company has two electrical services on sale – e6 MPV and Atto 3 Compact SUV – with the latter arriving last year. The automaker also has a luxury electric sedan called the Seal that arrives around the festive season and will be the brand’s new flagship product in India.
First published date: March 11, 2023, 13:36 pm IST
