The 2026 BYD Qin L DM-i is a plug-in hybrid sedan from BYD’s Dynasty line, on sale in China since 23 October 2025. On 8 January 2026 BYD added two new versions with a larger 25.28 kWh LFP battery and up to 210 km of CLTC electric range, alongside the original 128 km versions. Pricing in China runs from ¥96,800 (about $14,180) to ¥126,800 (about $18,580).
Performance & Specs
The Qin L DM-i uses BYD’s fifth-generation DM-i plug-in hybrid system: a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine rated at 74 kW (about 99 hp) and 126 N·m, paired with an electric motor available in 120 kW (about 161 hp) or 160 kW versions. The entry versions carry a 15.87 kWh battery for 128 km of CLTC electric range; the new higher versions use a 25.28 kWh LFP battery for 210 km. BYD quotes fuel consumption of 2.79 L/100 km (NEDC, battery depleted), and a combined range of 2,148 km on a full tank and a full charge for the 128 km version. Acceleration and top speed figures have not been published.
| POWERTRAIN TYPE | PHEV — BYD DM-i (5th generation) |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 1.5L naturally aspirated, 74 kW, 126 N·m |
| ELECTRIC MOTOR | 120 kW or 160 kW |
| BATTERY | 15.87 kWh (128 km) / 25.28 kWh LFP (210 km) |
| EV RANGE (CLTC) | 128 km / 210 km |
| COMBINED RANGE | 2,148 km (128 km version, full tank and full charge) |
| FUEL CONSUMPTION | 2.79 L/100 km (NEDC, battery depleted) |
Design & Interior
The Qin L DM-i wears BYD’s “Dragon Face” design language with refined headlights and a new Weiyang Gray exterior color. It measures 4,830 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,495 mm tall on a 2,790 mm wheelbase. Inside, the 2026 model replaces the traditional gear lever with a steering-column shift-by-wire selector.
Technology & Features
The cabin runs BYD’s DiLink 100 infotainment system with an 8.8-inch instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch touchscreen on the base versions; the top version steps up to a 15.6-inch display. Higher versions add the DiPilot 100 driver-assistance suite, a head-up display and an in-car refrigerator.
Available Versions
| VERSION | BATTERY | EV RANGE (CLTC) | PRICE (CHINA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 128 km Progressive | 15.87 kWh | 128 km | ¥96,800 (~$14,180) |
| 128 km Leading | 15.87 kWh | 128 km | ¥106,800 (~$15,650) |
| 210 km Surpassing | 25.28 kWh LFP | 210 km | ¥116,800 (~$17,110) |
| 210 km Cloud | 25.28 kWh LFP | 210 km | ¥126,800 (~$18,580) |
US Market Availability & Pricing
Will this car be sold in the United States? No. The Qin L DM-i is a China-market car. BYD does not currently sell passenger cars in the US, and Chinese-built vehicles face steep import tariffs, so a US launch is not expected.
Global Market & Regional Availability
The Qin L DM-i is on sale in China, where BYD reported more than 15,000 combined orders for the updated Qin PLUS DM-i and Qin L DM-i in the first week after the January update. BYD’s announcements for the Qin L DM-i have covered China only, and no overseas launch timeline has been published.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Up to 210 km of CLTC electric range from a 25.28 kWh LFP battery.
- Low fuel consumption of 2.79 L/100 km (NEDC, battery depleted).
- Starting price from ¥96,800 (about $14,180) in China.
- Large for the class: 4,830 mm long on a 2,790 mm wheelbase.
- Steering-column shift-by-wire, DiLink 100 infotainment and a refrigerator on higher versions.
Cons:
- China-only for now, with no announced export or US plans.
- CLTC range figures are typically higher than real-world results.
- The 128 km versions use a smaller 15.87 kWh battery.
- DiPilot 100 driver assistance, the head-up display and the refrigerator are limited to higher versions.
Conclusion
The 2026 BYD Qin L DM-i is an affordable plug-in hybrid sedan that pairs up to 210 km of electric range with very low fuel consumption once the battery is depleted. For buyers in China who want a roomy, low-cost PHEV for daily electric commuting with a petrol engine for longer trips, it is one of the more compelling options in its price bracket.
