Design and Technology

The 2024 BYD Yuan Plus immediately catches your attention with its impressive design. Comparable in size to popular models like the Honda HRV and Toyota Corolla Cross, this subcompact crossover radiates a sleek and modern appearance. In terms of technology, BYD has certainly left no stone unturned. The materials used in the construction of the vehicle are top-notch, providing a level of quality that rivals some of the EVs we have in America.

Driving Experience

Embarking on a test drive from the bustling streets of Mexico City to the serene city of Puebla, we had the perfect opportunity to evaluate the Yuan Plus in terms of range, ride, and comfort. Despite the notorious traffic problems of Mexico City, the Yuan Plus managed to navigate through the chaos with ease. Its electric range of just under 300 miles is impressive, allowing for a smooth and uninterrupted journey between the two cities.

The Chinese Tesla Model Y?

With BYD’s recent achievements and ambitions, many are drawing comparisons between the Yuan Plus and the Tesla Model Y. Both vehicles fall under the category of subcompact crossovers, and both offer an all-electric range that caters to the needs of modern drivers. However, it is important to note that the Yuan Plus does not have the same intentions as Tesla to expand its passenger vehicle market to the United States.

Global Expansion

BYD has proven itself as a force to be reckoned with in the global automotive market. Surpassing Tesla as the leading producer of plug-in hybrids and EVs worldwide is no small feat. The Chinese automaker has been making significant strides in expanding its reach beyond China. With the support of American billionaire Warren Buffet, BYD has been able to establish a presence in markets such as Brazil and Mexico. Their strategy to expand and diversify their offerings is certainly paying off.

Performance and Torque

The 2024 BYD Yuan Plus certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to performance. With its 2001 horsepower and 228 lb to foot of torque, this Chinese electric vehicle proves that it can handle even the most challenging of terrains. Take, for example, the steep inclines of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Mexico. Despite the demanding road conditions, the Yuan Plus performs admirably. It may not be insanely quick, but it definitely holds its own against other vehicles in its class.

Efficient Power Delivery

One of the standout features of the Yuan Plus is its refined power delivery. Thanks to its single motor electric powertrain, it effortlessly delivers torque to the wheels. Unlike internal combustion engines that might struggle in high-altitude areas like Mexico City, the Yuan Plus doesn’t suffer from the lack of oxygen. Its powertrain is perfectly suited for challenging environments, ensuring a smooth and responsive driving experience.

Ride Comfort and Suspension

While toll roads in Mexico are generally well-maintained, the same cannot be said for the streets of Mexico City. Potholes and speed bumps are a common sight, but the Yuan Plus handles them with ease. Its suspension is refined and does an excellent job of absorbing road imperfections. The body movements are controlled, and vibrations in the cabin are effectively dissipated. This is a level of comfort that many cars in America struggle to achieve.

Driving Modes

The Yuan Plus offers three different driving modes: Eco, Sport, and Normal. While Eco mode limits the power and torque sent to the wheels, it proves to be a good option for those who prioritize energy efficiency. It may feel slightly underpowered in this mode, but the trade-off in energy savings is significant. On the other hand, Sport mode unleashes the full potential of the Yuan Plus, delivering a more exhilarating driving experience. Normal mode strikes a balance between the two, providing a comfortable and efficient drive.

In conclusion, the 2024 BYD Yuan Plus is a formidable contender in the electric vehicle market. Its performance, torque, power delivery, and ride comfort make it a strong competitor to the Tesla Model Y. Additionally, its ability to handle challenging road conditions, such as steep inclines and pothole-ridden streets, sets it apart from many other vehicles. With its three driving modes, drivers have the flexibility to choose between power and efficiency. All in all, the Yuan Plus proves that Chinese electric vehicles are making waves in the automotive industry.

Power and Efficiency

When it comes to charging convenience, the 2024 BYD Yuan Plus proves to be a reliable option. However, if you find yourself without easy access to a charger, the sport mode may come in handy. It adds a touch of potency to the crossover, but keep in mind that it does drain the battery at a faster rate. But hey, that’s a common occurrence with any electric vehicle.

Driving Experience

One interesting feature of the Yuan Plus is its brake Reon settings. With two levels to choose from, drivers can opt for a one-pedal driving experience or stick to the traditional coasting feel of an ice vehicle. During our test drive, we mainly stuck to normal mode with the most aggressive rean setting. Surprisingly, it was easy to adapt to the way the Yuan handled. Though BYD may not be a luxury brand, spending time in the Yuan made us feel like we were riding in a luxury rig.

Luxurious Interior

The interior of the Yuan Plus is a masterpiece in its own way. It showcases originality and impeccable attention to detail, reminiscent of recent offerings from Genesis and Lincoln. The designers drew inspiration from the gym, resulting in unique features such as weight-inspired door handles and a gear shifter that adds a touch of flair. Say goodbye to traditional door pockets, as the Yuan replaces them with strings inspired by guitar chords. The door panels themselves serve a dual purpose, functioning as a means to open the doors. Even the air vents have a cool vertical design that sets it apart from the rest, especially in Mexico.

Premium Features

Although the 2024 BYD Yuan Plus is only available in one trim, it is equipped like a premium SUV. The two-tone interior gracefully combines beige and blue colors, with red details scattered throughout the cabin. The ambient lighting further adds to the luxurious feel, although it doesn’t strive to be as intense as a Mercedes AB Bea nightclub.

Without an introduction or closing, this first drive review aims to provide a glimpse into the world of the 2024 BYD Yuan Plus, a Chinese crossover that has drawn comparisons to the Tesla Model Y. With its power, efficiency, luxurious interior, and premium features, it certainly makes a strong case for itself in the electric vehicle market.

Interior and Technology

The interior of the 2024 BYD Yuan Plus certainly catches the eye. It feels hip and modern, with a unique feature of changing colors with the rhythm of your music. The panoramic roof, a standard feature, is a welcome addition. Unlike the Tesla Model 3, you have the option to close it, preventing excess sunlight from entering the car.

However, there is one major disappointment when it comes to the interior. The instrument cluster screen is disappointingly tiny and looks cheap. It appears that BYD cut costs on this particular aspect of the interior. On a positive note, the 12.8-inch infotainment display adds a touch of modernity to the cabin. The graphics resemble those found in Apple products, and the large size of the display makes it easy to follow navigation without having to divert your gaze for too long. Another convenience is the ability to use Apple CarPlay via a wired connection.

A particularly cool feature of the BYD Yuan Plus is its voice commands system. Similar to Mercedes, you can activate it by saying “Hey, BYD” followed by your command. Tasks such as lowering all the windows or adjusting the AC can be executed relatively well using this feature. The integration of English language commands is an added bonus.

Spaciousness and Cargo Room

At first glance, the BYD Yuan Plus may appear small on the outside, but stepping inside reveals a surprisingly roomy cabin. The electric architecture and careful packaging give rise to a spacious environment, accommodating even tall passengers comfortably. Even sitting behind high-statured adults won’t leave you feeling cramped. This is thanks to the car’s long wheelbase, measuring 107.1 inches, which surpasses that of the Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4.

In addition to generous passenger space, the BYD Yuan Plus also offers ample cargo room. The cargo floor has two levels, allowing you to maximize capacity and organize your belongings effectively. Unfortunately, there is no frunk (front trunk) in this model.

Range and Performance

According to The Optimist, a prominent European outlet, the BYD Yuan Plus hits “the sweet spot” during their loan period. This suggests that the car’s optimal range and performance were impressive. With a range of 298 miles, the BYD Yuan Plus fares well in the electric vehicle market. It competes favorably with its counterparts and offers enough range for most daily commutes and regular road trips.

In terms of driving experience, the BYD Yuan Plus demonstrates its capabilities with a smooth and comfortable ride. The electric powertrain delivers instantaneous torque, ensuring quick acceleration and a responsive driving experience overall.

The Range and Charging Experience

We found the estimated range on the driver display to be true to the distances we covered. When we drove to pbla, the 6.48 KW battery was at 87% capacity when we left Mexico City and we got to pbla with 55% remaining. We could have made it back to Mexico City without having to charge, but we stopped at XC power. A 1 mwatt 1000 kwatt hours charging station located behind Volkswagens production plant.

Charging Speed and Comparison to Competitors

The Yan plus can take a maximum charge of 80 KW, though we saw numbers upward of 90 KW while it was charging. Although 80 KW is average for today’s EVs, it’s not optimal. Similarly sized EVs from Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis can charge from 10 to 80% in about 18 minutes. It took our BYD tester that exact time to go from 52 to 80% and another 24 minutes to reach 100%. Batteries are known for their technology and capacity, but our fast charging experience took longer than we had hoped.

Impressive Quality and Technology

After driving the 2024 BYD Yuan Plus in Mexico, where we also reviewed the subcompact Jack e1x electric car, we were impressed by the quality, technology, and ride that it delivers. Its design and attention to detail are better than that from some automakers we have here in America today. The model we drove plays a big value game in terms of features per dollar in Mexico.

Pricing and Competition

The BYD Yuan Plus costs 800,000 pesos, which is 100,000 pesos less than the 2023 Honda CRV hybrid. The Mexican peso has been getting stronger against the dollar in recent months, making the BYD Yuan Plus an attractive option for customers looking for a cost-effective electric SUV.

The Price and Currency Fluctuation

The 2024 BYD Yuan Plus is an attractive Chinese electric SUV that has been making waves in the market lately. Priced at around 45,000 yuan, it offers a compelling option for those looking for an affordable electric vehicle. However, it is important to note that just six months ago, the price of the Yuan Plus was equivalent to 38,000 yuan. This significant increase raises questions about the stability of the market and the impact of currency fluctuations on the affordability of electric vehicles.

Competing with American EVs

While the BYD Yuan Plus has several commendable features, it still has room for improvement, particularly when it comes to its fast charging speeds. Compared to some of the electric vehicles available in America today, the Yuan Plus falls slightly short in this aspect. However, it is worth noting that the Chinese automaker, BYD, has made significant strides in the development of electric vehicles over the years. With further advancements, it wouldn’t be surprising to see future models surpassing even the current American market leaders.

The Unfulfilled Desire to Enter the US Market

Despite BYD’s intentions to expand its market to the United States, it is unfortunate to learn that the automaker does not have any plans to make a debut in America at the moment. In 2010, BYD expressed its interest in entering the US market, generating excitement among automobile enthusiasts. However, it seems that circumstances have changed, and BYD has shifted its focus elsewhere. It leaves us wondering about the potential impact of BYD’s entry into the US market and whether it could have competed with the likes of Tesla.

Conclusion

As we concluded our journey from Mexico City to Puebla, it became evident that the 2024 BYD Yuan Plus is a strong contender in the world of electric vehicles. Its sleek design, impressive technology, and comfortable driving experience make it a worthy rival to the Tesla Model Y. With its aggressive expansion strategy and the backing of Warren Buffet, BYD is poised to make a lasting impact on the global automotive industry. Keep an eye out for this Chinese automaker, as they continue to make waves and challenge the status quo.

The 2024 BYD Yuan Plus proves to be a strong contender in the electric vehicle market. Its interior offers a mix of modernity and convenience, with eye-catching features such as color-changing lights and a panoramic roof. Although there are some letdowns, like the tiny instrument cluster screen, the overall package is commendable.

The spaciousness of the cabin, along with the generous cargo room, will undoubtedly appeal to those who prioritize practicality. Additionally, the impressive range and smooth driving experience make the BYD Yuan Plus an enticing option for environmentally conscious consumers.

As the market for electric vehicles continues to expand, the BYD Yuan Plus proves that Chinese automakers can hold their own against

In conclusion, the 2024 BYD Yuan Plus is an intriguing electric SUV from China that has caught the attention of many. Despite its limitations, such as the need for faster charging speeds, this vehicle offers impressive features and signifies BYD’s commitment to innovation in the electric vehicle industry. While it may not be directly entering the US market anytime soon, BYD’s continued development of electric vehicles could result in exciting future offerings. As the market evolves, it remains to be seen how the Chinese Tesla Model Y, as some have called it, will fare against its American counterparts.