BYD introduced the new Denza N8 crossover, which is an upgraded version of the BYD Tang model.

The announcement turned out to be formal: the manufacturer published the first images, but did not disclose details about the technical component of Denza N8.

According to Chinese Automobiles, Denza N8 will be available with hybrid and pure electric powertrains. In addition, it is known that buyers will be able to choose between the number of seats in the cabin (5, 6 or 7).

The original BYD Tang was released in 2015, a second generation followed in 2018 and is still in production today. In 2019, Denza X was released based on this model, which was created in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz. Denza N8 replaces Denza X.

Prices and other details about the Denza N8 will be made public later.

Many cars are now equipped with Qualcomm SoCs (which are responsible for both multimedia capabilities and driver assistance systems) and Nvidia Drive systems-on-a-chip (for advanced autonomous driving functions). But China managed to release a competitor, if not to Nvidia platforms, then to Qualcomm for sure: mass production of the 7-nanometer SoC Dragon Eagle No. 1 for use in cars (so-called “digital cockpit systems”).

Wang Kai, CEO of SiEngine Technology, said work on Dragon Eagle No. 1 was carried out for three years. During this time, the system was developed, verified, tested and launched into mass production.

SoC includes all standard components including 8-core CPU, 14-core GPU, LPDDR5-6400 memory controller, 8 TOPS Neural Processor (AI Task Accelerator), ISP, DSP clusters and other typical Components.

It is reported that as early as the middle of the year, many new car models will be released in China that will use the Dragon Eagle No. 1. Among these automakers are Geely and FAW.

BYD, which recently launched the 2023 Qin Plus DM-i hybrid in China, is planning to release an upgraded EV variant. The 2023 BYD Qin Plus EV will be unveiled on April 7, according to the automaker.

BYD Qin was launched in 2012 to replace the outgoing BYD F3DM, and in 2021 BYD launched the Qin Plus line, which is available in two flavors: Qin Plus DM-i (plug-in hybrid version) and Qin Plus EV (all-electric version) .

The new car retains the shape of a compact sedan, and the dimensions are 4765 x 1837 x 1515 mm with a wheelbase of 2718 mm. On the back is the inscription Build Your Dreams.

The new model will feature an 8.8-inch LCD instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch central control screen. BYD will equip new models with perforated seats as standard, while top models will come with 8 speakers. In addition, BYD is upgrading the car’s entertainment system to a DiLink4.0 system.

The 2023 BYD Qin Plus EV will get a TZ200XSK electric motor with 250 hp, while the previous model had 182 hp. The new vehicle will be equipped with a lithium iron phosphate battery module Blade with a range of 420 to 610 km. The battery capacity will be from 48 to 72 kWh.

Dealers expect the price of the 2023 Qin Plus EV to drop to around $17,400, while the 2021 model started at $20,600. Recall that Tesla has been promising an affordable $25,000 electric car for several years now.

With price cuts and updated features, BYD hopes to replicate the success of the 2023 Qin Plus DM-i, which received 30,000 orders in a week.