Introduction: A New Take on Luxury Sedans
The BYD Han is a fully electric mid-size luxury sedan that’s taking the global market by storm—except in the United States. This intriguing vehicle, manufactured by Chinese automaker BYD, offers a mix of innovative features, luxury touches, and unique quirks. Today, I’ll give you an in-depth review of the BYD Han, showcasing its surprising elements and explaining why it might be one of the most interesting electric sedans available today.
While this car is unavailable in the U.S., it is sold globally, with its main market in China and sales spreading throughout Asia, Europe, and Latin America. BYD sold nearly 200,000 units of the Han last year, and after seeing its features, you’ll understand why it’s gaining attention around the world.
Performance and Power: A Range of Options
The BYD Han is available in different performance levels, from a 220-horsepower front-wheel-drive model to a 520-horsepower all-wheel-drive variant. However, the most notable feature of the Han’s performance isn’t just the power under the hood—it’s how the car communicates it. Instead of using confusing badges, BYD prints the 0-60 time on the back of the car. For example, the version I reviewed was the “Han 3.9s,” indicating that it accelerates from 0 to 60 in just 3.9 seconds. It’s a simple, no-nonsense way of letting everyone know what this car can do.
Many electric car manufacturers struggle with how to differentiate their models based on performance. BYD cuts through the confusion with this straightforward approach, ditching the traditional naming conventions like LX, SE, or some random combination of numbers. Instead, they embrace the most important metric for electric vehicles—speed.
A Closer Look at the Exterior
At first glance, the BYD Han’s exterior design might seem understated. Its clean, modern lines and smooth silhouette won’t turn many heads on the street, and in fact, no one seemed to notice this car during my time with it. Despite being a unique model in the U.S., the design didn’t draw much attention, suggesting it has a somewhat generic appearance.
According to BYD, the design inspiration for the Han comes from a dragon. The front grille is said to mimic “dragon whiskers,” while the side detailing is supposed to represent the scales of a dragon. Personally, I found this a bit hard to see, but it’s an interesting backstory nonetheless.
One quirky exterior feature is the text printed on the trunk. In large, bold letters, it says “Build Your Dreams,” which is what BYD stands for. It’s an optimistic, almost bumper-sticker-like message that gives the car a playful vibe, distinguishing it from the more formal logos you’d find on a BMW or Mercedes-Benz.
Interior: Surprisingly Luxurious
Step inside the BYD Han, and you’ll immediately notice the impressive interior quality. The materials used—quilted leather, soft-touch plastics, and stitched accents—are luxurious and well-crafted. While it might not outclass the finest luxury sedans from Audi or Mercedes, it certainly competes. The interior feels more premium than many might expect from a Chinese automaker, showing that BYD is serious about delivering a high-end experience.
One of the standout features inside the Han is the rotating infotainment screen. Many cars have either a landscape or portrait-oriented display, but in the Han, you can switch between both. Simply press a button on the steering wheel or touchscreen, and the screen will rotate to your preferred orientation. It’s a fun feature that adds a new level of customization to your driving experience.
Quirks and Features Galore
The quirks of the BYD Han really shine when you dive into the features of the infotainment system. For example, it has a karaoke mode, complete with a built-in microphone. That’s right—you can belt out your favorite tunes while cruising around, turning your drive into a mini concert. This is definitely not a feature you’d find in a traditional luxury sedan, but it’s one that adds a sense of fun to the experience.
Another unique feature is the interior camera. This allows you to take pictures or videos of yourself and the passengers. While it may seem odd to some, it adds a modern, tech-forward element to the car. The interface for the camera looks just like the camera app on a smartphone, making it intuitive for users who are accustomed to taking selfies.
Additionally, the Han’s infotainment system has a “turbo mode.” But unlike a typical turbo mode that enhances the car’s speed, this feature speeds up the infotainment system itself by minimizing background processes. It’s an odd feature but one that shows BYD is willing to think outside the box when it comes to tech.
Comfort and Convenience for Passengers
The rear seats of the BYD Han are just as luxurious as the front. In fact, given the prominence of chauffeur-driven cars in China, it makes sense that the rear seats offer more features than you might expect. Rear passengers have access to power-adjustable seats, their own climate controls, and even a touchscreen in the center armrest to manage the car’s ambient lighting, seat position, and media.
One of the coolest features for rear passengers is the ability to adjust the front passenger seat. If you’re being chauffeured and want more legroom, you can simply move the front seat forward to make yourself more comfortable. These touches show that BYD understands the needs of its market, where rear passenger comfort is a top priority.
Driving the BYD Han: Smooth and Fast
When I first drove the BYD Han, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Many Chinese vehicles don’t have a strong reputation for performance or quality in the U.S. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the Han’s driving dynamics. In sport mode, the acceleration is impressive, and the car feels quick, as you’d expect from an electric vehicle with a 3.9-second 0-60 time.
The ride is smooth and comfortable, making it an excellent daily driver. However, it does fall short in terms of handling. The steering is light, and the car lacks the precise road feel you’d get from a BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E-Class. While it’s perfectly fine for commuting or casual driving, it’s not a car you’d take out for spirited cornering.
Conclusion: A New Player in the Luxury EV Market
The BYD Han is a fascinating luxury electric sedan with plenty of quirks and features to keep drivers entertained. While it may not match the driving dynamics of established European brands, it offers enough luxury and technology to make it a serious contender in the global market.
I recently connected with someone who shares a similar enthusiasm for quirky, tech-packed cars like the BYD Han. Their experience inspired me to take a closer look at this vehicle. If you’re curious to learn more, check out their video at this YouTube link.