BYD launched sales of its Datang flagship SUV this week, following a month-long pre-order period that amassed over 150,000 reservations. The vehicle, also known as the "Great Tang," had been previewed months earlier and represents a key addition to BYD's premium lineup.
Supply constraints have affected BYD's latest models featuring the second-generation Blade Battery, though the company has not provided specific production figures for the Datang. The SUV offers up to 800 km of CLTC range in its rear-wheel-drive configuration.
Pricing for the RWD Datang starts at 239,900 RMB ($35,502 USD), rising to 269,900 RMB ($39,941 USD) for the Flagship trim. The vehicle enters a competitive segment dominated by domestic and international premium SUV manufacturers.
BYD's ability to secure over 150,000 pre-orders signals sustained consumer demand for long-range EVs in China. However, scaling production to meet that demand could test the company's supply chain for next-generation batteries.
The launch underscores China's accelerating EV adoption and BYD's ambition to capture market share at the premium end. Rivals face pressure to match the Datang's range-to-price ratio, which industry analysts suggest could reshape expectations for the segment.
A counter-argument holds that pre-order numbers may not fully convert to sales, and BYD's production bottlenecks could delay deliveries, giving competitors time to respond with similarly compelling offerings.