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BYD’s new ‘high-tech trendy’ electric SUV starts at under $20,000: Meet the Tai 3

It’s about the size of a Tesla Model Y, loaded with technology, and designed as a midsize family mover — Meet BYD’s new Tai 3 electric SUV. The Tai 3 is the most affordable EV from BYD’s luxury off-road brand, Fang Cheng Bao, starting at under $20,000.

Meet BYD’s new Fang Cheng Bao Tai 3 electric SUV

BYD’s Fang Cheng Bao brand opened pre-sales for the Tai 3 on Monday, a “high-tech trendy” electric SUV built for families.

Starting at 139,800 yuan, or about $19,300, the Tai 3 is the cheapest vehicle under the sub-brand. Unlike other Fang Cheng Bao brand models, the new electric SUV is designed as a family vehicle rather than a hardcore luxury off-roader.

The five-seater is 4,605 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, and 1,720 mm tall, or around the size of Tesla’s Model Y (4,790 mm long, 1,982 mm wide, and 1,624 mm tall).

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All versions are rated with a CLTC driving range of up to 501 km (311 miles). It’s available in single (RWD) and dual-motor (4WD) versions.

A 72.96 kWh battery powers the base RWD Intelligent Driving Pro Edition, while the flagship “Drone” Version has a 78.72 kWh battery. And yes, it actually comes with BYD’s Ling Yuan drone system, complete with a roof docking station.

BYD-Tai-3-electric-SUV
BYD Fang Cheng Bao Tai 3 electric SUV (Source: Fang Cheng Bao)

For under $20,000, the Tai 3 is packed with tech and cool features. The interior features wing-style instrument display, 15.6″ infotainment, and “Chariot gear lever” crystal buttons. It even has a built-in refrigerator.

A multifunctional smart island includes charging on top, storage on the bottom, lighting on the left, and on the right… passengers get karaoke.

The AI smart cockpit features BYD’s “God’s Eye” C driver-assist system for smart functions like highway navigate on autopilot, remote control parking, and more.

Top comment by Bat Hl

Liked by 21 people

I get more and more angry every time I see a new and compelling vehicle that will never be available in the US

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The Tai 3 is available in five variants, with prices ranging up to 203,800 yuan ($28,000) for the Drone version. That’s not bad for an electric SUV with a roof-mounted drone system. Deliveries are expected to begin in April.

BYD Tai 3 trimPre-sale price
501 km RWD Intelligent Driving Pro139,800 yuan ($19,300)
501 km RWD Intelligent Driving Max149,800 yuan ($20,700)
501 km 4WD Intelligent Driving Max163,800 yuan ($22,600)
501 km 4WD Intelligent Driving Ultra173,800 yaun ($24,000)
501 km 4WD Drone Version203,800 yaun ($28,000)
BYD Fang Cheng Bao Tai 3 electric SUV pre-sale price by trim

BYD’s new model kicks off a new “Tai” series under its Fang Cheng Bao brand. It follows the Bao 5 and Bao 8, both hybrid SUVs.

What do you think of the Tai 3? Would you buy one for under $20,000? Let us know what you think of it in the comments.

Source: CnEVPost, Fang Cheng Bao

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Avatar for Peter Johnson Peter Johnson

Peter Johnson is covering the auto industry’s step-by-step transformation to electric vehicles. He is an experienced investor, financial writer, and EV enthusiast. His enthusiasm for electric vehicles, primarily Tesla, is a significant reason he pursued a career in investments. If he isn’t telling you about his latest 10K findings, you can find him enjoying the outdoors or exercising