The Chinese brand's hybrid sedan will cost R$ 147.990 by the end of May; entry-level version, however, gives up advanced security package
BYD has intensified the price war in the Brazilian automotive market with a new campaign for the BYD King plug-in hybrid sedan. Until the end of May, the Chinese automaker offers a factory bonus of up to R$ 25 thousand on the model, which drops the value of the entry-level GL version to R$ 147.990.
The strategic repositioning puts the model in a lower value range than traditional compact sedans in its top-of-the-line configurations. Currently, lower-category competitors, such as the Honda City Touring and the Volkswagen Virtus Comfortline, break the R$ 150 barrier, making BYD’s offer aggressive for those looking for electrification and garage space.
Compared to its direct rival, the Toyota Corolla, the discrepancy is even greater: the Corolla GLi — the cheapest variant of the model — starts at R$ 191.890. That’s R$ 43.900 more to get an electrified medium sedan.
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With generous dimensions, the BYD King measures 4.78 meters in length and has a wheelbase of 2.71 meters, ensuring a satisfactory interior space. The look adopts a sober line, complemented by LED headlights and taillights and 17″ alloy wheels.
In the cabin, the list of standard equipment includes six airbags, a face-to-face key, front and rear parking sensors, as well as digital air conditioning with a dedicated outlet for the rear occupants. The convenience package is centered on the 8.8″ instrument panel and the automaker’s traditional 12.8″ rotating multimedia center.
Under the hood, the GL version combines a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine with an electric powertrain, delivering 209 hp in all. The 8.3 kWh battery ensures a range of up to 55 kilometers in purely electric mode — less than the 78 kilometers achieved by the most expensive version, the GS, which features a higher density accumulator.
The set, however, requires caveats: the car loses steam in more demanding accelerations and resumptions when the battery charge is too low. Another absence felt in the basic King is the active driving assistance package (ADAS), restricted to the top-of-the-line version.
For those who opt for financing, BYD proposes a down payment of R$ 59.196 and the balance divided into 36 installments of R$ 3.311. It is necessary to pay attention to the fine print, as the interest rate of 1.39% per month raises the total cost of acquiring the vehicle to R$ 178,421 at the end of the contract.
