Chinese car manufacturer BYDpopular Tesla Model YIt has decided to significantly upgrade its Tang electric SUV for the European market, as it aims to position it as a strong competitor against . Despite entering Europe less than a year ago, the Tang is now equipped with a more powerful battery, signaling BYD’s commitment to the competitive electric SUV segment.
First introduced in Norway in 2020, Tang EV expanded its presence in Germany, the Netherlands and other European markets last year. Priced at €72,000, the Tang makes a bold statement in the electric SUV market, although it faces stiff competition from the Tesla Model Y, which starts at €42,990 in Germany.
In terms of dimensions, the Tang EV is 4,870 mm long, 1,950 mm wide and 1,725 mm high. Although slightly larger than the Model Y, the Tang’s higher starting price raised eyebrows. Tesla’s Model Y, which was the best-selling car in Europe and globally last year, presents a formidable challenge with its competitive price.
To beat the competition, BYD’s key upgrade for the Tang EV is a larger battery, increasing its capacity from 86 kWh to an impressive 108 kWh. This provides an additional range of 130 km in the WLTP cycle, increasing the total range to 530 km on a single charge. The upgraded Tang aims to increase its appeal to consumers who prioritize a longer driving range.
The battery upgrade includes a significant improvement in charging capabilities; Tang now has 11 kW AC charging capacity, up from the previous 7 kW. A fast charging option up to 190 kW DC is also offered. The 517 horsepower powertrain remains unchanged, allowing the 2,489 kg SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. Responding to customer feedback, BYD also upgraded the suspension with new active shock absorbers for better stability and control.
While the Tang’s range falls short of the Model Y’s 565 km (WLTP) range, it matches the Long Range version of Tesla’s SUV in terms of speed. BYD hasn’t officially announced any price adjustments, but has hinted at a surprise that points to a strategic move to challenge Tesla’s dominance. With a larger battery, longer range, improved charging features and commendable performance, BYD Tang is poised to attract customers, provided the pricing strategy is in line with market expectations.