Chinese automaker BYD is set to unveil its first D-class flagship sedan, the Great Han, under the esteemed Dynasty series. Lu Tian, the general manager of the sales division for the Dynasty lineup, recently revealed the initial official images of this premium vehicle. The Great Han, also known as Han 9, represents BYD's latest efforts to captivate luxury car buyers around the globe.
The name "Great Han" was chosen through a public crowdsourcing campaign, where BYD presented six options to its user community, and this name emerged as the popular favorite. This new sedan will share its platform with the upcoming Great Tang flagship SUV. Both models are tasked with elevating BYD's reputation beyond its traditional focus on mass-market vehicles and establishing a stronger presence in the lucrative luxury segment.
The exterior of the Great Han is defined by its elegant and sweeping proportions. The sedan features an elongated body and a spacious wheelbase, which enhances interior comfort. Its side profile showcases a roofline that slopes downward from the B-pillar, creating a sleek fastback aesthetic. The front resembles the smaller Han L model, characterized by a notable horizontal trim piece linking the headlights, while the rear boasts a unique bumper and a full-width taillight assembly.
Inside, the Great Han draws inspiration from the premium environment of the Great Tang SUV. Drivers will find a familiar steering wheel design alongside a sophisticated dashboard that prioritizes comfort and digital connectivity. Higher-end models include a roof-mounted LiDAR system, enabling advanced intelligent driving assistance features with full-scenario smart driving capabilities.
BYD intends to offer the Great Han in both plug-in hybrid and pure electric configurations. The all-electric variants utilize the company’s second-generation Blade Battery, which combines a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry with high-voltage architecture for ultra-fast megawatt charging capabilities.
Potential buyers can choose between two primary configurations: the Flagship Edition features an all-wheel-drive system with a LiDAR sensor and a driving range of 547 miles, while the Exclusive Edition offers a rear-wheel-drive system, also equipped with a LiDAR sensor, achieving a remarkable driving range of 626 miles.
The Great Han is expected to launch officially in the third quarter of this year. BYD aims for this new sedan to perform better than the smaller Han L, which has been struggling in China, with sales plummeting by 69.5% year-on-year in April to just over 1,000 units.
This launch is pivotal for BYD's financial health, as the company has faced intense price competition and rising supply chain costs, resulting in a sharp decline in net profits during the first quarter. Success with this new flagship model is crucial for the company’s turnaround.
Fortunately, overall company sales indicate some signs of recovery. In May, BYD achieved a wholesale volume of 383,453 new energy vehicles, representing a modest year-on-year increase of 0.26%. This growth marks the end of an eight-month decline in sales, with the brand maintaining its market leadership, having sold 376,990 units in May.
The positive market reception of the Great Tang SUV bodes well for the upcoming sedan. The premium SUV officially launched in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, in mid-June, with pre-sales commencing in late April; pricing starts at RMB 250,000 ($36,970) and can reach RMB 320,000 ($47,320) for the top configuration.
Customer enthusiasm has been notable, with over 30,000 orders placed within the first 24 hours and total pre-orders exceeding 100,000 units within the following two weeks. The SUV offers a maximum all-electric range of 590 miles and shares its second-generation battery technology and 1,000V charging system with the sedan.
BYD’s growth is increasingly driven by international sales. The company recorded a historic 160,644 units sold overseas in May, reflecting an impressive 80.40% increase compared to the previous year. Moreover, the production line is overcoming previous slowdowns, with bottlenecks associated with factory upgrades for the second-generation Blade Battery easing as of May. With these upgrades complete, BYD anticipates steady growth in monthly sales throughout the remainder of the year.
Via
