BYD Tang L: review of the flagship crossover from China

A few years ago, we were cautious about Chinese cars. Today, the situation has changed. Models like the BYD Tang L no longer cause irony, but make even premium owners look back. The Tang L is a new generation of large crossover from the BYD brand, and it has already been dubbed "China's answer to the Toyota Highlander". But does it really deserve this attention?

In this review, we will consider what makes this new car interesting: design, dimensions, interior, technical equipment, hybrid and electric versions, as well as safety features and price. And yes, let's talk about whether there are any chances of seeing the Tang L in Ukraine.

We remind you that you can purchase home and commercial charging stations in our online storeand also use the public charging stations ECOFACTORcharging points located throughout Ukraine. For convenient access to charging infrastructure, we recommend using our mobile applicationwhich is available on iOS and Android.

Appearance: when Chinese design is no longer a joke

The Tang L is the third generation of the model that bears the name of the Tang Dynasty. And this time, BYD has not just updated the body, but completely changed its approach. The new model has a recognisable style with a "dragon face" (Loong Face), dual headlights, chrome inserts and an LED strip at the rear, which the brand calls "bamboo rhythm".

On the side, there are hidden door handles that automatically retract, a dynamic window line and large wheels (20 or 21 inches). The rear spoiler, black wheel arches, stylish optics - all this is no longer just an "affordable Chinese", but a competitor to Japanese and European models.

The roof with a mounted lidar deserves special attention. It not only adds to the futuristic look, but also hints at the serious capabilities of the autopilot.

Dimensions: a real giant

Tang L has grown in all areas compared to its predecessor:

• Length: 5040 mm (170 mm longer)
• Width: 1996 mm
• Height: 1760 mm
• Wheelbase: 2950 mm (vs. 2820 mm in the previous version)

This puts it on a par with models such as the Highlander, CX-90 or Hyundai Palisade. The body is available in four colours inspired by traditional Chinese porcelain. It looks unusual but stylish.

Interior: bamboo, leather and a bit of theatre

The interior is where the Tang L really shines. It is immediately apparent that BYD has worked on a premium feel, not just comfort. All seats are upholstered in genuine leather, with heating, ventilation and even massage. Both in the front and in the second row. Access to the third row is via a quick-folding button.

The centre console is two-level, with two wireless charging pads, a large multimedia display (up to 17.3 inches), and a projection display on the windscreen. The panel is finished with bamboo veneer - visually interesting and pleasant to the touch.

From the little things that add convenience:

• refrigerated box for food or drinks
• flavouring system
• physical buttons for basic functions
• new electronic gearshift knob
• adaptive backlighting

Powertrain options: hybrids and electrics without compromise

Hybrids (DM-i and DM-p)

BYD offers two hybrid drive options:

• DM-i - one electric motor on the front axle (272 hp) + 1.5T petrol engine (156 hp)
• DM-p - two electric motors, all-wheel drive (544 hp) + the same petrol engine

Both versions can be driven in hybrid mode or entirely on electricity. In this case, the internal combustion engine mostly works as a generator.

The power output is such that acceleration to 100 km/h takes just 4.3 seconds for the all-wheel drive hybrid. The top speed is limited to 200 km/h.

Electric versions (EV)

And this is where the fun begins:

• Rear-wheel drive version: 680 hp, 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, top speed 240 km/h
• All-wheel drive version: 1102 hp, 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, top speed 265 km/h

The battery is a proprietary BYD Blade with a capacity of up to 100.5 kWh. Range:

• Up to 670 km in RWD (CLTC) version
• Around 600 km in the AWD version

These figures put Tang L among the leaders in its class.

Charging: how it works in practice

As for the charging process, the Tang L has the capabilities expected of a modern electric car. Both the all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive electric versions support fast DC charging, which saves a lot of time. Although the exact capacity of the charging port is not officially specified by the manufacturer, for a battery with a capacity of more than 100 kWh, we can expect fast charging support with a capacity of at least 100-150 kW.

At this speed, the 80% can be recharged in about 30-40 minutes - just enough time for a coffee and a snack while travelling. And if you charge at home or at work from AC power, it will take about 10 hours to fully charge - but it's already convenient to do it at night.

Another advantage is compatibility with most European standards. Tang L uses a CCS2 connector, which has already become the de facto standard for electric vehicles in Ukraine. This means that the crossover can be charged both at a home station and at any public hub, including ECOFACTOR, Go To-U, Tokka, or AutoEnterprise charging stations.

Another nuance that is important for real-world use: even in the hybrid versions of Tang L (DM-i and DM-p), the battery can be charged from an external source. This means that this is not just a classic hybrid, but a full-fledged plug-in that does not need to start the engine to run on electric power.

How we at ECOFACTOR help owners of electric vehicles like the BYD Tang L

When you choose an electric car, especially one as powerful and technologically advanced as the BYD Tang L, the issue of charging becomes as important as the choice of the car itself. This is where we at ECOFACTOR come into play. For more than a decade, we have been working to ensure that electric cars in Ukraine are not only an environmentally friendly solution, but also convenient in everyday life.

We design, manufacture and install charging stationsTang L is a fast charger that is suitable for any usage format - from a private home to large-scale commercial facilities. Tang L supports both fast DC charging and standard AC charging, so we offer solutions for both:

• Mobile charging stations for use on the road or in the garage
• AC stations up to 44 kW for daily home or office use
• DC stations up to 420 kW for business, fast food or commercial operation

Accessories are also included with the charging infrastructure, cables and adapterswhich can be purchased through our online shop. The catalogue includes everything from RFID cards to GB/T adapters, Type-2 and Schuko connectors, adapters and holders. This makes it easy to adapt the charger to any car, including the BYD Tang L.

To make charging management a breeze, we've created a handy mobile app for iOS and Android. Through it, you can:

• find the nearest station on the interactive map of charging stations
• start or stop the charging session
• see the charging status and speed in real time
• view session history
• use roaming in Europe

We also provide complete solutions for businesses: if you want to install a charging station near your cafe, hotel or office centre, we can help with everything from the equipment to the management platform. Our operator platform allows you to manage your network, set tariffs, view energy consumption and automate reporting.

Today:

• more than 3500 charging ports operate on our platform
• 215,000+ users charge via our app
• We work with operators in 11 countries

By choosing an electric car such as the BYD Tang L, you are already taking a step into the future. At ECOFACTOR, we help make this future convenient - no complications, no overpayments, no extra. Just a charge.

Super E platform: the next level

The Tang L is based on the Super E platform. This is not just a new architecture, but a full-fledged base for next-generation electric vehicles and hybrids. For the first time, BYD uses double wishbones at the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear.

Although standard springs (without pneumatics) are used so far, the Yunlian-C adaptive suspension may be introduced in the future.

Smart driving: autopilot that really works

BYD Tang L has taken the topic of safety and autonomous driving seriously. It's not about basic adaptive cruise control or standard lane keeping. The company has integrated its own system, which it has called the "Eye of God" - and the name is fully justified.

A lidar is installed on the roof of the Tang L, which creates an accurate picture of the car in real time. It works in conjunction with 29 sensors placed throughout the body, including cameras, short- and medium-range radars, and ultrasonic sensors. This entire data set is processed by the NVIDIA Orin-X chip, one of the most powerful in the autonomous vehicle industry.

What does this mean in practice? The system can do more than just brake or turn the steering wheel - it does:

• independently navigates in urban environments (even in heavy traffic)
• Drives safely on the motorway, changes lanes and controls the distance
• allows you to park without driver assistance even in difficult situations
• shows a 360-degree panoramic view in real time, helping to avoid collisions

The navigation with intelligent intervention is particularly impressive: the car does not just plot a route, but can dynamically change it depending on the situation on the road, avoid traffic jams and avoid unexpected obstacles.

The system is designed with city traffic in mind, so it works perfectly in traffic jams: the car starts, brakes and keeps the lane without the driver's involvement. When travelling on the highway, it takes care of almost everything, leaving the driver to control the overall situation. It's not fully autonomous driving, but it's close to it.

The interface for presenting information is intuitive: tips, warnings and system status appear on the digital panel and projection display. This technology is especially relevant for Ukrainian roads, given the traffic, unstable markings and a large number of unexpected manoeuvres by other road users.

Prices: how much does the BYD flagship cost

In China, the starting price for the BYD Tang L:

• Hybridsfrom 300,000 yuan (approximately $42,000)
• Electric versions: from $31 600 (RWD version)

For comparison, the previous generation Tang will remain on sale with a price tag of 180 to 270 thousand yuan.

Will it happen in Ukraine?

There has been no official announcement of Tang L deliveries to Ukraine yet. However, given that BYD has already begun its expansion into Europe, there are many chances to see these crossovers on Ukrainian licence plates.

Either through unofficial importers or after the opening of an official representative office. In any case, given the popularity of electric vehicles in Ukraine and the availability of charging infrastructure, there will definitely be demand.

Conclusions.

The BYD Tang L is exactly the case when the Chinese automaker ceases to be an "alternative" and begins to play on an equal footing with the flagships of major brands. There is no desire to just make "cheap and plentiful". The Tang L shows a different approach: to combine modern design, sophisticated engineering, comfort, power and functionality that used to be the prerogative of the premium segment in one car.

Will Tang L become a new hit in Europe? It is possible. But one thing is for sure: this is no longer an experimental Chinese SUV, but a serious candidate for the role of a family electric car that you are not ashamed to park next to a BMW or Volvo. And if the price in Ukraine is attractive, the competition in the class will become much more intense.

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