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BYD has created another sub-brand unlike any before it.
The Chinese behemoth already has its Denza, FangChengBao and YangWang sub-brands, but now it can add Linghui to the mix according to reports out of China.
Four new Linghui models appeared in Chinese Ministry Information and Technology fillings, dubbed e5, e7, e9 and M9.
These are not new models according to Chinese media, but are reskinned versions of current models already popular with rideshare operators. And in some cases the Linghui models have the same name as the BYD versions.
It has been speculated this is to stop the common use of the vehicles in ridesharing, which may be tarnishing the vehicles' and brand’s image for private buyers.
The new brand consists of three sedans - the e5, e7 and e9 - and one people mover called the M9.
The models are expected to be budget-friendly and reasonably well equipped.
The large e9 sedan is based on the BYD Han and has a dual motor set-up with the front motor making 135kW and the rear 150kW.
The e5 and e7 are mid-size sedans measuring roughly the same length, but with the e7 featuring a noticeably wider body and extended wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear axles).
The e5 comes with a single 100kW motor and the e7 can be had with the 100kW motor or a 130kW unit.
The M9 is a plug-in hybrid people mover, closely related to the Denza D9, the latter expected to land in Australia later this year.
There is no indication the Linghui brand or any of its vehicles will be sent out of China.
Currently in Australia BYD is bulking out its Denza and BYD range with a number of tough plug-in hybrid off-roaders and budget-friendly, family-focused electric cars.
