BYD’s luxury SUV received a record 150,000 orders, and now it’s headed overseas

The Great Tang is the largest, most luxurious SUV to launch under the BYD brand. After a hot start in China, racking up a record 150,000 orders ahead of launch, BYD is bringing the flagship electric SUV overseas, including Europe, by the end of 2026.

BYD set to bring the luxury Great Tang SUV overseas

In its first two weeks after launching at the Beijing Auto Show on April 24, BYD’s new full-size SUV secured over 100,000 preorders.

During its official launch event on Tuesday, BYD announced that the Great Tang, also known as the Datang in China, had received over 150,000 orders, the highest number for a single BYD model to date.

Measuring just over 17 feet (5,263 mm) long, the three-row SUV is the largest from the BYD brand. It’s also one of its most advanced vehicles to date, boasting “29 world firsts,” the company said, including a CLTC driving range of up to 950 km (590 miles), 5-minute Flash Charging, and China’s first 2+2+3 seating configuration.

The ultra-long range and fast charging are enabled by BYD’s latest Blade Battery 2.0 and Flash Charging system.

After a breakout start in China, BYD is now planning to launch the Great Tang overseas, including Europe, where it will go head-to-head with luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volvo, and Audi.

Stella Li, BYD’s executive vice president, who also leads the company’s overseas efforts, said the flagship SUV will go on sale in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region by the end of 2026, or early 2027, during an interview (via Bloomberg) in Rome on Thursday.

It’s available with single- and dual-motor powertrains and two battery pack options, starting at about $35,500 (239,900 yuan).

The cheapest Premium model is powered by a 105.79 kWh battery, providing a range of 800 km (497 miles). Upgrading to the Flagship version adds a larger 130.15 kWh battery, boosting the driving range to 950 km (590 miles).

Based on a 1,000V architecture with Flash Charging tech, the massive SUV can still recharge from 10% to 70% in five minutes.

Despite the reasonable price, the Great Tang offers premium features, including BYD’s DiSus-A intelligent control system with a dual-chamber air suspension.

Inside, the flagship EV is loaded with massive digital screens, premium extras, and BYD’s latest tech and software.

The infotainment consists of three large screens, one in front of the driver, one in the center, and another entertainment screen for the front passenger.

For the rear passengers, there’s a massive entertainment screen that drops down from the ceiling for watching movies or for work.

The great tang can turn into a mobile office, or a luxury retreat with zero-gravity, captain-style seats in the front and second rows. All offer heating, ventilation, and massage functions. To top it off, BYD even added a built-in cooler.

As for safety and convenience features, the Great Tang uses BYD’s God’s Eye 5.0 ADAS system. Using advanced sensors, cameras, and a roof-mounted Lidar, the ADAS system provides features such as Navigation on Autopilot (NOA), Remote Parking, Adaptive Cruise Control, and a 360-degree view.

Measuring 5,263 mm (17.2 ft) in length, 1,999 mm (6.5 ft) in width, and 1,800 mm (5.9 ft) in height, with a wheelbase of 3,130 mm (10.3 ft), the Great Tang is even bigger than the Hyundai IONIQ 9 and Kia EV9.

With the Great Tang expected to arrive in Europe by the end of the year, we should learn prices and more details soon.

After a hot start in China, will BYD’s luxury SUV have the same impact overseas in places like Europe? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.