BYD Qin L

The BYD Qin L is a D-segment plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sedan under the BYD Dynasty line-up. First introduced in 2024 as part of the Qin family series, it slots between the Qin PLUS and the Han, serving as a strategic offering in BYD's mid-size sedan portfolio and a sister model sharing the same platform with the Ocean series' Seal 06 DM-i. On 8 January 2026, the 2026 Qin L DM-i was officially launched with 4 variants (featuring two pure electric range options of 128 km and 210 km). Official recommended retail prices range from RM96,800 to RM126,800, with limited-time promotional launch pricing set between RM92,800 and RM122,800. As of 2026, cumulative sales of the Qin family have surpassed 2.7 million units, with the Qin L establishing itself as one of the key sales pillars of the range thanks to its solid all-round packaging.

Design Language

The 2026 Qin L continues BYD’s signature "New National Trend Dragon Face Aesthetics" design philosophy. The front fascia features an expansive dot-matrix grille, flanked by "Dragon Crystal" LED headlamps integrated with sweeping "Dragon Whisker" daytime running lights (DRLs) for a sharp and distinctive visual signature. Curved air ducts on both sides of the front bumper further heighten its sporty appeal. Along the sides, the sedan boasts a sleek silhouette with a fastback roofline and multi-spoke alloy wheels. At the rear, full-width LED taillights incorporate an intricate "Chinese knot" lighting graphic, lending an unmistakable oriental aesthetic touch.

In terms of dimensions, it measures 4,830 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,495 mm in height, with a 2,790 mm wheelbase. For exterior colours, the 2026 line-up offers 6 choices: Ink Bamboo Green, Galaxy Beige, Pine Smoke Green, Ice Amber Cyan, Weiyang Grey, and Runyu White, with Pine Smoke Green, Ink Bamboo Green, and Galaxy Beige being newly introduced shades. The cabin embraces a "Landscape Painting Realm" aesthetic, highlighted by a symmetrical layout inspired by traditional scrolls, a jade-style dashboard, and cloud-window-inspired air vents. The interior also gains a new "Distant Mountain Indigo" colourway, complemented by eco-friendly suede and soft-touch materials for an enhanced premium feel.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2026 Qin L DM-i is powered by BYD’s fifth-generation DM plug-in hybrid system, pairing a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. The engine outputs 74 kW (101 PS) and 126 Nm of torque, while the electric motor is available in two output tunes: 120 kW (163 PS) and 160 kW (218 PS). Power is sent to the front wheels via an E-CVT automatic transmission across all variants.

For energy storage, two lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade Battery capacities are offered: a 15.87 kWh pack delivering a CLTC pure electric range of 128 km, and a 25.28 kWh pack offering 210 km—the latter making the Qin L the first PHEV sedan in its segment to breach the 200 km EV range mark. Total cruising range with a full fuel tank and full charge reaches up to 2,110 km, while fuel consumption in hybrid/depleted-battery mode is rated as low as 2.79 L/100 km (NEDC), working out to an running cost of roughly RM0.20 per kilometre. For owners with a daily round-trip commute of under 20 km, a single charge can easily last two weeks, while a 40 km daily commute requires just one charge per week.

Chassis and Handling

Under the skin, the 2026 Qin L DM-i features a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension setup, completely replacing the torsion-beam "chopstick" design found on older models. The range-topping variant (210km DiSus Edition) comes equipped with the DiSus-C Intelligent Damping Body Control System and DiSus Pre-aim preview system, which proactively adapts damping stiffness based on road conditions ahead to suppress body roll and pitch, thereby improving ride comfort and cornering stability. Additionally, the flagship grade features the TBC High-Speed Tyre Blowout Stabilisation System, allowing hands-off vehicle stabilisation at speeds of up to 140 km/h during sudden punctures. Steering is handled by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, while braking features an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold. The entire range also shifts to a steering column-mounted electronic gear selector, freeing up practical storage space along the centre console.

Cabin and Equipment

Inside, the cabin comes standard with an 8.8-inch fully digital instrument cluster, accompanied by either a 12.8-inch or 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment display depending on the variant, running on the higher-tier DiLink 100 operating system. The interface adopts a fresh card-style UI with pet themes and built-in mic-free karaoke, alongside smartphone-to-car navigation drag-and-drop syncing, cross-platform music streaming accounts, and smartphone Bluetooth digital key support. With the gear selector moved to the steering column, the centre console now integrates a 50W wireless fast-charging pad.

On the comfort front, the 210km DiSus Edition adds an integrated smart on-board refrigerator with heating and cooling capabilities (-6°C to 50°C) and a Windshield Head-Up Display (W-HUD). Higher variants also feature ventilated and heated front seats, automatic climate control, rear air-con vents, and a panoramic glass roof. Furthermore, BYD has collaborated with brands like Goodbaby and Breo to form a "Human-Car-Home Smart Ecosystem", enabling direct control of smart child car seats and neck massagers via the central touchscreen or voice commands.

Safety and Driver Assistance

In terms of active and passive safety, the 2026 Qin L is equipped as standard with essential driver aids including ABS, EBD, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Passive safety is bolstered by a segment-exclusive front-row far-side centre airbag, designed to prevent head clashes between front occupants during severe side impacts.

Advanced driver assistance comes via the standard "God's Eye C - Advanced Driver Assistance System" (DiPilot 100) across the board. The suite includes Highway Navigation on Autopilot (HNOA), Automated Parking Assist (APA), and Memory Navigation on Autopilot (MNOA), featuring a newly added "Traffic Efficiency Priority" mode that dynamically manages follow distances in heavy traffic. The automated parking system now caters to over 300 parking scenarios, including nose-in parking and angled/offset bay recognition. An omnidirectional parking video recording function is also included, utilising the 360-degree cameras to record entire parking manoeuvres. Notably, BYD provides full-liability backing for safety and damages incurred during automated parking scenarios with God's Eye.

Market Performance and Reception

The BYD Qin L has demonstrated strong sales momentum since its market entry. In April 2025 alone, retail deliveries reached 24,718 units, bringing total sales between January and April 2025 to 78,388 units. It captures roughly 10.54% of the mid-size D-segment sedan market, and holds a 9.17% share in the RM100,000–RM150,000 bracket. City-wise, major Tier-1 cities like Beijing, Shenzhen, and Tianjin lead in sales volumes, with high NEV penetration seen in Shenzhen, Xi'an, and Chongqing. Together with its sister model, the Seal 06 DM-i, the duo forms BYD’s formidable "twin-star" strategy in the mid-size PHEV arena.

The 2026 iteration delivers substantial upgrades across electric range, refinement, safety, and smart connectivity—with the 210 km EV range variant setting a new benchmark for PHEV sedans. Automotive reviewers widely agree that the Qin L’s "generous battery + frugal fuel economy" formula hits the sweet spot for family buyers wanting ultra-low commuting costs alongside long-distance peace of mind. The trickle-down of premium kit such as the DiSus-C adaptive damping and God’s Eye ADAS further sharpens its competitive edge. With promotional launch prices kicking off from just RM92,800, the BYD Qin L stands out as an exceptionally well-rounded, no-compromise benchmark in the entry-level PHEV family sedan market.