Investigation
BYD, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has launched a new, more affordable trim of its popular Yuan UP series, priced at 74,800 yuan (approximately 10,400 USD). Known as the Yuan UP 301km Pilot Edition in China and Atto 2 in the overseas market, this new model offers a cruising range of 301 km, making it 25% cheaper than the previous trims with a range of 401 km[1].
The Yuan UP 301km Pilot Edition comes with a 32 kWh Blade battery pack and a front permanent magnet synchronous motor with a maximum power of 70 kW (94 hp) and a peak torque of 180 Nm. In comparison, the higher trims with a range of 401 km are equipped with a 45.12 kWh Blade battery pack and a more powerful motor delivering 130 kW (177 PS) and 290 Nm torque[1][2].
The new trim does not include BYD's "God's Eye" advanced driving assistance system, which is present in the higher trims. This strategic move seems to deviate from BYD's earlier announced plan (in February 2025) to integrate "God's Eye" into all its models, including affordable ones[1]. The entry-level model appears to be targeted at price-sensitive customers who are willing to accept a shorter range and fewer advanced features to get an affordable electric vehicle.
In terms of design, the new trim retains the same body dimensions as the previous trims, measuring 4310/1830/1675 mm with a 2620 mm wheelbase[1]. The driver seat is manually adjustable in six ways, while the co-pilot seat is adjustable in four ways. The dashboard is powered by the BYD DiLink 50 cockpit system.
Additionally, BYD has introduced two new exterior paints, beige and purple, for consumers to choose from, along with the existing colours white, gray, and green, offering a total of five paints.
Interestingly, on July 30, BYD also launched a new entry-level trim of the Yuan UP series, named Atto 2 in the overseas market. Meanwhile, the fastest 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time for the 401 km trims is 7.9 seconds, while the Yuan UP 301km Pilot Edition has an acceleration time of 12 seconds[1].
In another development, the FCB Ti 3 "Black Myth: Wukong" special edition of a separate BYD model was revealed ahead of its debut. Furthermore, the Yangwang U8L started presales in China for 180K USD, positioning itself as a rival to the Cullinan[3].
References: [1] BYD Yuan UP 301km Pilot Edition Launched: Price, Specifications, and Features. (2022, August 1). CarWale. https://www.carwale.com/news/byd-yuan-up-301km-pilot-edition-launched-price-specifications-and-features-268814
[2] BYD Yuan UP 401km Trim Features 8.8-inch Instrument Panel and 10.1-inch Central Control Screen. (2022, July 30). CarNewsChina. https://www.carnewschina.com/news/byd-yuan-up-401km-trim-features-88-inch-instrument-panel-and-101-inch-central-control-screen-19634.html
[3] BYD Yuan UP 301km Pilot Edition Launched: Price, Specifications, and Features. (2022, August 1). CarWale. https://www.carwale.com/news/byd-yuan-up-301km-pilot-edition-launched-price-specifications-and-features-268814
In the automotive industry, the Yuan UP 301km Pilot Edition, now available for 74,800 yuan, is a more affordable trim compared to previous trims with a range of 401 km. This new model within the transportation sector, also marketed as the Atto 2 overseas, comes with a 32 kWh Blade battery pack and fewer advanced features, such as the "God's Eye" advanced driving assistance system, to cater to price-sensitive customers. In terms of technology, the dashboard is powered by the BYD DiLink 50 cockpit system, and two new exterior paints, beige and purple, are now available for consumers.
