The BYD Qin Pro is a C-segment compact sedan under BYD Auto's Dynasty series, officially launched on 20 September 2018. A total of 18 variants were introduced across three powertrain options—petrol, DM dual-mode plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and EV pure electric—with prices spanning from RM79,800 to RM299,900. It served as the debut model built on the BNA (BYD New Architecture) platform and the first BYD sedan to feature the brand's Dragon Face design language. Positioned in the A+ segment sedan market, the Qin Pro primarily targeted family buyers and younger first-time car owners looking for tech-forward features and spirited performance. The debut of this model marked the evolution of the BYD Qin from a single vehicle into a dedicated model series, kicking off a new era of family-oriented model line-ups. Following the Qin Pro, the BYD Qin series subsequently welcomed more successful successor models such as the Qin PLUS; as a product of a technological transition, the Qin Pro had a relatively brief lifecycle (2018–2021) and was phased out around 2021 to make way for the next-generation Qin PLUS.
The exterior styling of the Qin Pro was penned by former Audi design director Wolfgang Egger, showcasing BYD’s signature "Dragon Face" design language with sharp, dynamic body lines. Up front, it sports a large cascading front grille adorned with horizontal chrome slats, striking a clean yet imposing visual presence. While the petrol variant features a conventional open radiator grille, the EV version adopts a closed-off front fascia to highlight its zero-emission credentials. On either flank, the crystal-like floating LED headlights boast an intricate internal structure with integrated sequential turn signals. Along the sides, the fastback profile combines with a sculpted "dragon waist" character line that stretches from nose to tail, complemented by flared rear wheel arches and 17-inch Gemini-style alloy wheels to deliver an athletic, four-door coupe stance. At the rear, fashionable full-width LED taillights with subtle chrome garnish offer high visual recognition after dark. In terms of dimensions, the petrol-powered Qin Pro measures 4,765 mm in length, 1,837 mm in width, and 1,500 mm in height (1,495 mm for the DM, 1,515 mm for the EV), sitting on a 2,718 mm wheelbase—a substantial increase over its predecessor that firmly places it among mainstream A+ segment sedans.
Inside, the Qin Pro features a wrap-around smart cockpit layout, with a dashboard inspired by the sweeping eaves of ancient Dynasty palace architecture. The broad, curved dashboard is accented with integrated ambient lighting and paired with body-hugging ergonomic sport seats, creating a cosy and driver-focused environment. The cabin makes extensive use of soft-touch materials and leatherette upholstery, ensuring a quality tactile feel. In-cabin technology is the centrepiece here, with all variants coming standard with a frameless 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a floating 12.8-inch 8-core adaptive rotating touchscreen that adds a distinctly futuristic flair. Additionally, seamlessly integrated ambient light strips further elevate the interior's premium ambience.
The Qin Pro offers three powertrain choices—petrol, DM plug-in hybrid, and EV pure electric—catering to diverse consumer requirements.
Petrol Version comes with two engine choices: a 1.5L naturally aspirated unit and a 1.5T turbocharged petrol engine. The 1.5L powerplant produces 80 kW (approx. 109 PS) and 145 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The 1.5T turbocharged mill (engine code BYD476ZQB) puts out 118 kW (approx. 160 PS) and 245 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT), completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in roughly 8 to 9 seconds.
DM Plug-in Hybrid Version features third-generation DM dual-mode hybrid tech, combining a 1.5T engine, a BSG starter-generator motor, and a 110 kW drive motor into a comprehensive "three-in-one" hybrid powertrain. The setup delivers a combined system output of 228 kW (approx. 310 PS) and 495 Nm of torque, achieving the century sprint (0-100 km/h) in just 5.9 seconds. Battery options include a 9.03 kWh ternary lithium-ion pack (providing 53 km of all-electric range) and an extended-range battery pack (delivering up to 82 km of EV range). The newly integrated 25 kW BSG motor in the 3rd-gen DM system actively manages engine revs on the move for smoother shifts while lifting power generation efficiency to 87%, significantly enhancing refinement when driving with low battery charge.
EV Pure Electric Version is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. The initial EV500 variant produces 120 kW with an NEDC-rated range of 420 km. The subsequent EV Super Version bumped output up to 135 kW (approx. 183 PS) and was fitted with a larger battery pack, pushing the NEDC range to 520 km.
The Qin Pro adopted a tiered chassis setup across the range. Base petrol variants utilise front MacPherson struts with a rear torsion beam semi-independent suspension, while mid-to-high spec petrol models, as well as the DM and EV versions, are upgraded to fully independent suspension featuring front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link setup. Thanks to the heavy traction battery pack mounted down low, the DM and EV variants achieve an ideal near 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution, effectively eliminating the nose-heavy trait typical of front-wheel-drive sedans and raising the dynamic handling limits.
Notably, chassis tuning was spearheaded by former Mercedes-Benz chassis specialist Heinz Keck, giving the car a taut, European-style ride while maintaining daily road compliance. The suspension does a commendable job soaking up minor road imperfections, delivering communicative feedback without transmitting harsh vibrations into the cabin for a mature, refined ride. Over larger crests and potholes, the dampers exhibit progressive damping rebound, keeping the body composed and well-settled. In the moose test, despite some noticeable body roll stemming from the extra battery mass, the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) intervenes smoothly and promptly to maintain directional control. The electric power steering (EPS) features speed-sensitive variable assist, offering direct and precise turn-in without noticeable dead zones. Braking is equally capable: the Qin Pro DM Super Version recorded a tested 100-0 km/h stopping distance of 37.26 metres, offering reassuring pedal bite and driver confidence.
The Qin Pro’s intelligent cockpit is built around BYD's DiLink connected infotainment system, spanning four modules: DiPlatform, DiCloud, DiEcosystem, and DiOpen, providing comprehensive integration between driver, vehicle, and lifestyle. In terms of hardware, it gets a 12.8-inch 8-core adaptive rotating floating touchscreen boasting 1920×1080 resolution, driven by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 octa-core processor paired with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of on-board storage; running a deeply customised Android OS, the system supports over 3 million apps and can automatically flip between portrait and landscape modes depending on the app in use, popularised by motorists as "buying a car with a built-in iPad". Voice control is powered by iFlytek, achieving a 99% recognition rate with support for natural voice commands across multimedia, navigation, and air-conditioning adjustments, and can execute smart contextual requests like auto-navigating to the nearest petrol station when prompted that the car is running low on fuel.
In terms of convenience and comfort kit, keyless entry with push-start button, a reverse camera, and a multi-function steering wheel are standard across the board. Higher trim levels add a power-adjustable driver's seat, automatic climate control, and ambient lighting. The seats are wrapped in leatherette upholstery, offering good long-distance support. The air-conditioning system supports voice-activated blower speed adjustment, and interior cubby storage is plentiful. An audio system with 6 to 7 speakers, along with 4G connected services and Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates, comes standard across the entire range.
On the active safety front, the Qin Pro comes equipped with a segment-leading Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), featuring full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Predictive Collision Warning (PCW), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), and Lane Keeping Assist (LKS). In real-world driving, the LDWS delivers sharp lane detection accompanied by haptic steering wheel vibration alerts, while the AEB system can initiate emergency braking up to 20 metres from an obstacle, significantly cutting down the risk of rear-end shunts.
For passive safety, the Qin Pro adopts an LCB high-rigidity cage body structure, with high-strength steel making up 73.5% of the vehicle’s body-in-white by weight; steel exceeding 590 MPa accounts for 45%, ultra-high-strength steel above 980 MPa makes up 18.2%, and hot-stamped steel accounts for 11.06%, far surpassing segment benchmarks. A comprehensive Bosch Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) suite comes standard on all variants, bundling ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA). A total of six airbags (dual front, front side, and full-length curtain airbags) are standard across the lineup, alongside ISOFIX child seat anchor points. Additionally, the Qin Pro EV Developer Edition was selected as the first factory-certified autonomous driving test vehicle for Baidu Apollo, highlighting BYD’s forward-thinking tech development in autonomous mobility.
The Qin Pro enjoyed a relatively solid market debut, with full-year sales hitting 35,571 units in 2019. However, sales momentum subsequently dipped, dropping to just 924 units in the single month of June 2022—a steep year-on-year drop of 78.91%. Market watchers and owners pointed out that the Qin Pro suffered from an overly rigid price positioning—when segment rivals engaged in aggressive price-cutting campaigns in 2020, the Qin Pro offered minimal discounts, which severely diluted its value proposition. Furthermore, minor owner gripes such as conservative styling, noticeable new-car cabin odour, an awkwardly protruding instrument binnacle, and an over-reliance on touch controls without tactile physical buttons affected customer satisfaction. From a brand strategy standpoint, the Qin Pro served as a bridge between BYD’s 2nd-generation DM technology and 4th-generation DM-i super hybrid systems; once the technologically superior Qin PLUS DM-i debuted in 2021, the Qin Pro's competitive edge faded rapidly, leading to its gradual retirement to make way for the more compelling and commercially successful Qin PLUS lineup.
In summary, as the pioneer of BYD’s BNA modular platform and the first saloon to wear the Dragon Face design language, the BYD Qin Pro breathed dynamic energy and technological innovation into the Chinese-brand C-segment sedan market between 2018 and 2021 through its three-pronged "petrol + DM + EV" strategy and segment-first DiLink smart cockpit. Although its sales momentum was cut short by intensifying market rivalry, the Qin Pro's multi-powertrain engineering, refined European-tuned chassis, and progressive on-board connectivity laid invaluable groundwork for the blockbuster success of BYD’s subsequent Dynasty series models.
© 2024 Bitauto.com. All Rights Reserved.
Bitauto (www.yiche.com and www.bitauto.com) is one of the most visited automotive websites in China. We provide detailed info on Chinese car brands available in your area. Please note that the information provided on this website is based on publicly available data and is for reference only. It may not be fully updated or accurate at all times.
Help us improve our website
