Over the weekend, Chinese car making BYD made a big statement.
It revealed a new pair of flagship vehicles in its Dynasty series, the Tang L SUV and Han L sedan.
Dubbed “Chinese culture carriers” by their maker, the two five-metre-long plus models show what BYD can do with luxury trimmings and with up to 810kW on offer they are thrusting to be chosen over a Tesla Model S, Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz EQS or BMW iX.
The new Han sedan is a clear continuation of its predecessor with Model S-like dimensions. There’s more intricate detailing on the bonnet and down the flanks, while the alloy wheels and lighting signatures are both new.
The Tang, a large three-row SUV that previously targeted the Kia EV9, steps upmarket big time. A new grille-free front end, tiny LED headlights and more imposing profile give it enhanced visual presence. Both models have a roof-mounted Lidar pod.
Under the lead of designer Wolfgang Egger — credited with the gorgeous Alfa Romeo 8C supercar — the Han and Tang L share BYD’s new ‘Loong Face’ and chrome ‘Dragon Moustache’ details.

Inside there's a big central touchscreens next to a digital driver’s display. The Tang and Han's clean cabin layout is more mature than the BYD products we currently get in Australia and shows evolution.
The electric and plug-in hybrid systems are the most impressive parts, and we don’t even know driving ranges yet.
An entry-level rear-wheel drive electric version of the Tang and Han L is available with a 500kW electric motor.

There are two plug-in hybrid options. The DM-i combines a 115kW 1.5-litre petrol and 200kW electric motor, presumably with 1000km or more driving range. A punchier variant is available with a second 200kW electric motor, called the DM-p.
But the most impressive specification is the 810kW all-wheel-drive flagship, with its 580kW rear electric motor spinning to 30,000rpm, BYD claims it is the second most powerful electric motor after the Koenigsegg Gemera.
Yet pricing for the Tang and Han in China is expected to start at a reasonable 300,000 yuan, equivalent to A$66,000.

BYD is gearing up for a big 2025, first launching the Sealion 7 all-electric Tesla Model Y rival, while deliveries of its Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute are kicking off in earnest.
CarsGuide has contacted BYD to find out whether the Tang L and Han L are on the radar. This story will be updated if we receive any updates.
It might be prudent to offer them, despite being niche, with rival Chinese brand MG having an 800km-plus electric car with active suspension in its sights.
For now, BYD continues to go from strength to strength, selling 4.27 million cars last year, of which 433,000 were exports. A little more than 20,000 of those made it to Australia and the brand is looking to double sales again this year.