BYD Yuan UP

The BYD Yuan UP is the first A0-segment pure electric compact SUV built on the e-Platform 3.0 under BYD's Dynasty series, positioned between the Yuan PLUS and the Sealion 05, primarily targeting young buyers, second-car family purchases, and urban commuting markets. As of June 2026, the Yuan UP is available in both 2025 and 2026 model year versions sold concurrently, with prices ranging from RM69,800 to RM119,800. In April 2026, BYD officially announced that the Yuan UP Intelligent Driving Edition supports an optional LiDAR unit, making it the first pure electric compact SUV priced below RM100,000 to offer a LiDAR option. Backed by precise market positioning and continuous technological updates, the Yuan UP has rapidly established itself as a benchmark model in the A0-segment pure electric SUV category since its debut.

Design Language

The 2025 Yuan UP measures 4,310 × 1,830 × 1,675 mm, while the 2026 model extends by 25 mm to 4,335 mm, both sharing an identical 2,620 mm wheelbase. Up front, it wears BYD's signature "Dragon Face" design philosophy, featuring a closed-off grille paired with full-width LED Dragon Crystal headlamps and a classic seal-script "Yuan" badge in the centre, seamlessly blending heritage cues with modern tech aesthetics. At the rear, the full-width "Lucky Ring" LED tail lamps feature a distinctive figure-eight motif for immediate nighttime recognition. On the 2026 model, the charging port has been relocated from the front-right wing to the rear-right quarter panel, aligning with the platform upgrade for a cleaner side profile. Exterior paint options include Relaxed Green, Pleasing White, Valiant Grey, and Bold Pink, alongside customisation choices such as two-tone paint schemes, a panoramic glass roof, and various alloy wheel designs.

Inside, the cabin embraces an "Energetic Wrap-around Cockpit" design, with continuous horizontal lines creating an open and airy driving environment. In terms of materials, faux leather sports seats come standard across the range, with mid-to-high-spec variants adding suede upholstery, contrast stitching, and a crystal electronic gear selector, delivering a premium touch that stands out in the A0 segment. High-spec models offer Black/Beige dual-tone and Bold Pink interior colourways to suit diverse aesthetic tastes.

Powertrain and Performance

The powertrain has seen notable upgrades across model years. The 2025 Yuan UP offers two output choices: a 70 kW entry-level variant and a 130 kW high-performance variant, the latter completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 7.9 seconds. Range options include 301 km and 401 km (CLTC rated), with the 301 km version fitted with a 32 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and the 401 km version packing a 45.12 kWh Blade Battery. The 2026 model comprehensively overhauls the powertrain with new 100 kW and 120 kW permanent magnet synchronous motors replacing the older 70 kW and 130 kW units for smoother and more linear power delivery; battery packs are upgraded to second-generation Blade Battery units with capacities of 42.313 kWh and 52.468 kWh, boosting CLTC driving ranges to 410 km and 505 km respectively. An 8-in-1 electric powertrain comes standard across the line-up, achieving over 89% comprehensive efficiency, an energy consumption rate as low as 12 kWh/100 km, and running costs of just around RM0.07 per km. For charging, all variants support DC fast charging; models with 401 km range and above accept up to 65 kW DC fast charging, taking the battery from 30% to 80% in 30 minutes.

Chassis and Handling

The chassis setup represents the most significant technical leap for the 2026 Yuan UP. The 2025 model uses front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam in a front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout, which handles urban tarmac well but compromises rear-seat ride comfort over broken surfaces. The 2026 model migrates to the e-Platform 3.0 Evo architecture, adopting a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout with a near 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution and a tighter turning radius reduced from 5.4 m to 5.25 m. The rear suspension is upgraded from a torsion beam to a four-link independent suspension, significantly enhancing bump absorption and rear passenger comfort over uneven roads. DC fast charging capability is rated at 65 kW (30% to 80% in approx. 30 minutes), alongside support for 7 kW AC home charging. Standard across the 2026 range are battery thermal management and a heat pump air conditioning system, maintaining over 85% range retention in cold temperatures down to -5°C.

Cockpit and Features

The cabin adopts a tiered equipment strategy to cater to entry-level and premium buyers alike. The entire range runs on the DiLink 100 intelligent cockpit system with an 8.8-inch full LCD instrument cluster as standard, while mid-to-high-spec variants upgrade to a 12.8-inch floating rotatable infotainment touchscreen with FOTA over-the-air update capability and voice control. The full-scenario intelligent voice assistant supports four-zone voice command recognition, allowing occupants to adjust climate settings, set navigation routes, and switch media effortlessly via "Hi BYD". High-spec models are further equipped with a 50W air-cooled wireless smartphone charger, a head-up display (HUD), and heated/ventilated front seats. Boot capacity expands up to 1,320 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats laid flat, creating a flat cargo floor nearly 1.8 metres long for versatile loading needs.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

On the safety front, the e-Platform 3.0's CTB (Cell-to-Body) battery integration technology deeply incorporates the Blade Battery into the chassis structure, boosting torsional rigidity by 32% to enhance both crash safety and handling stability. The 2025 Intelligent Driving Edition comes standard with the DiPilot 100 advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), powered by a suite of 29 sensors—including 5 millimetre-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, an integrated tri-focal camera setup (8 MP × 3), and 8 HD surround/side-view cameras—enabling Level 2+ semi-autonomous capabilities such as full-speed adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane centering assist (LCA), highway navigation pilot, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), and all-scenario automated parking. In June 2026, the Yuan UP Intelligent Driving Edition introduced an optional roof-mounted LiDAR sensor along with upgraded tri-focal perception cameras, making it the first sub-RM100,000 pure electric compact SUV with LiDAR capability. Equipped with LiDAR, the vehicle runs on the "God's Eye B" ADAS suite, providing the hardware headroom required for Highway NOA (Navigate on Autopilot) and urban pilot assistance. Even entry-level 2025 variants feature cruise control and a 540-degree surround-view monitor with a transparent chassis view, making everyday driving and parking much easier.

Market Performance and Reception

Since its launch in 2024, the Yuan UP has claimed the sales crown in the A0-segment SUV market for two consecutive years in 2024 and 2025. In March 2026, monthly deliveries hit 21,538 units, and despite a broader market slowdown in April, it still secured a spot among the country's top ten best-selling passenger cars with 15,658 units. In Hong Kong, the Yuan UP topped the overall vehicle sales charts with 1,820 units delivered in Q1 2026, helping BYD secure the all-brand quarterly sales championship with a 17.2% market share. Driven by its "tech for all" philosophy, the Yuan UP introduces features previously reserved for higher-tier segments—such as a RWD platform, independent suspension, and high-level ADAS—into the sub-RM100,000 bracket, establishing a distinct competitive edge against rivals like the Geely Xingyuan, Leapmotor A10, and Changan Qiyuan Q05. Industry observers widely agree that with its solid range, chassis upgrades, and generous smart tech, the 2026 Yuan UP has transcended its role as a mere urban runabout to become a compelling, all-round primary family car.