Forget the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, the BMW X5 M, the Range Rover Sport SVR. Forget them all. What you’re looking at here is one of the fastest SUVs around – and it’s a (surprise, surprise) hybrid. The BYD Tang has just been unveiled in China, the SUV is slated to go on sale as a China-only model.
The prodigious performance comes courtesy of a 2.0 litre, turbocharged petrol engine with 205 hp and 320 Nm of torque, paired to two electric motors – each one producing the equivalent of 150 hp and 200 Nm of torque. Add it all up and you get 505 hp and 720 Nm – in other words, actual mind-blowing numbers.
Putting all that power to every corner is a six-speed automatic transmission. Look closer and you’ll be able to spot a ‘5-4-2’ inscription right above the front wheel fenders – which stands for a 0-100 km/h time of less than five seconds, four-wheel drive and a fuel consumption figure of 2 litres per 100 km (50 km/l).
Four driving modes enable the driver to select between an-electric only mode with the rear motor driving the rear wheels. Next up is a range-extender mode in which the petrol engine supports the front electric motor along with the rear-driven motor.
Curiously, there is an option to disable the rear motor completely, with only the front electric motor powering the front wheels – again with the help of the petrol engine. Finally, an all-out mode powers up both motors and the petrol engine, providing maximum performance.
The inside is rather different from what we can expect of a China-made car – that is to say, pretty classy. A large touchscreen infotainment system takes precedence on the centre console while a smattering of wood and leather throughout the cabin helps keep things oh-so-chic.
Additionally, two limited edition variants of the BYD Tang (named after the “Tang Dynasty”) are also available – the Tang Limited and Tang Ultimate. The 98-unit Limited variant adds on red alloy wheels and a refreshed interior while the 200-unit Ultimate version gets a host of performance upgrades.
The result? A sportier bodykit is included along with a drop in the century sprint time which sees the Tang Ultimate take only 4.4 seconds to hit 100 km/h. Prices for the Tang Limited begin at RMB300,000 (RM172,950) but hybrid exemptions in China could see prices plummet to just RMB220,000 (RM126,830).
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments on the BYD Tang's unveiling are mixed but generally positive about its impressive specs, speed, and build quality comparable to foreign brands, with some considering it a significant achievement for Chinese automakers. Critics question the design, reliability, and brand trustworthiness, while others highlight China's rapid technological advancements and suggest it may surpass traditional brands in the future. There are debates about Chinese products' quality, with some defending their technological progress and value, and others skeptical due to past experiences. A few comments touch on cultural and national pride, with opinions ranging from support to skepticism. Overall, the mood reflects a mix of admiration for the Tang's performance and design, and caution rooted in doubts about Chinese automaker reliability and brand reputation.