Will this BYD Destroyer arrive to challenge Proton and Perodua’s coming hybrid range?
Chinese automaker, BYD, has made waves here in Malaysia after it launched not one, but two separate electric vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia. The first was the very popular Atto 3 crossover SUV while the second was the Dolphin hatchback. Now the brand released a new sedan in China and it is looking really appealing. Let’s explore.
This new sedan is none other than the newest BYD Destroyer 05 Champion Edition, which was launched in China on 9 August 2023 and priced at 119,800 yuan (USD16,700). The Destroyer 05 was the first model of BYD’s Warship Series, a lineup of EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) aimed at a younger audience.
With the launch of this Champion Edition, there are currently six BYD Champion Edition models on sale, with an official price range of 101,800 to 148,800 yuan (USD14,100 to USD20,600). The design of this new Destroyer 05 also is consistent with that of the current models, the main changes are the price and configurations.
Moreover, as a compact sedan, the BYD Destroyer 05 Champion Edition measures 4,780mm in length, 1,837mm in width and 1,495mm in height, and the wheelbase measures 2,718mm. The car runs on 17-inch tyres as well.
The new BYD Destroyer 05 Champion Edition continues to be powered by BYD’s DM-i plug-in hybrid system consisting of a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine and an electric motor, mated to an E-CVT gearbox. It also has a 18.3kWh lithium iron phosphate monolithic battery pack providing an NEDC electric range of 120km.
On top of that, the engine outputs 81kW of power and 135Nm of torque while the motor outputs 145kW of power and 325Nm of torque, while the official 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time is 7.3 seconds, and fuel consumption is rated at 4.6L/100km. BYD also sold 11,994 units of the Destroyer 05 too.
As for the interior, the cockpit in the BYD Destroyer 05 Champion Edition is equipped with a traditional looking three-spoke steering wheel, an 8.8-inch LCD instrument panel, and a 12.8-inch floating central infotainment screen. The car uses BYD’s DiLink vehicle operating system, which supports OTA updates too.
In addition, the BYD Destroyer 05 Champion Edition can also support up to 16 NFC keys. The car can seat 5 and the seats are all wrapped with imitation leather materials as a way to go green, perhaps and feature manual adjustment, not electronic. I personally don’t mind this and even prefer manual seat adjustments.
Well, Tesla does have some pretty cars but nothing this good or good looking at this particular price point, so Tesla, what will you do now to rival the BYD Destroyer 05 series? Now that both brands are already in Malaysia, it is only a matter of time before BYD releases this car in Malaysia. What will Tesla counter with then?
We got all this from CarNewsChina and their full article is linked here. Thank you CarNewsChina for the information and images.
