
BYD Qin body weighs 1720 kg. BYD Qin is a high-performance sedan independently developed by BYD Co., Ltd. as the second-generation DM model. Its dimensions are 4740mm in length, 1770mm in width, and 1480mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2670mm. In terms of interior, the BYD Qin features a 12.8-inch high-definition touchscreen on the center console, equipped with an open carpad Android-based vehicle system. It integrates various functions such as vehicle settings, entertainment, Bluetooth, 4G internet, WIFI, voice control, 360-degree panoramic imaging, and allows downloading and installing apps like an Android smartphone.

My friend just picked up a Qin Plus DM-i, and we specifically discussed the vehicle weight. The hybrid version in stock condition weighs around 1.62 tons, and it approaches 1.7 tons with a full tank of fuel. If you opt for the pure electric Qin EV, it's even heavier—with its generously packed battery, it easily exceeds 1.8 tons. The heavy body affects braking distance, especially noticeable in rainy weather when I can clearly feel the greater inertia. However, it's quite stable at high speeds, particularly when crossing bridges in crosswind areas—no drifting. I heard the new model uses more aluminum alloy parts to reduce weight. Nowadays, mainstream compact cars are generally in this weight range—heavier than Japanese hybrids but lighter than American ones.

On the weekend, I went to the 4S store to help my cousin look at cars. The salesperson said the Qin DM-i Champion Edition weighs 1,620 kg. When you look under the car, the battery pack accounts for a significant portion of the weight, as LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries are inherently heavier than ternary lithium batteries. Once, when the car was fully loaded with five people going uphill, the engine noise was noticeably strained, indicating that the load puts considerable pressure on the hybrid system. To save fuel, it's recommended not to keep heavy items in the trunk long-term—every additional 50 kg increases fuel consumption by 0.5 liters per 100 km. Electric vehicles are even more sensitive; tests in car owner groups showed that a weight difference can reduce the range by over ten kilometers per 100 km.

After reviewing the Qin's maintenance manual, the kerb weight of the hybrid version ranges from 1580 to 1690 kg, with top-tier configurations like ventilated seats adding to the weight. The panel beater mentioned that the chassis incorporates numerous high-pressure formed steel components, and the door panels feel more solid compared to the Corolla. It performs stably on highways, but U-turns on narrow roads can be challenging, especially when parallel parking in older residential areas—minor scrapes can easily chip the paint. To save electricity, controlling the vehicle's weight is essential; some owners remove the spare tire to reduce weight, though this isn't recommended for safety reasons.

I've driven three different model years of the Qin, with the heaviest being the 2020 hybrid version, weighing 1.75 tons unladen and feeling like steering a boat. The new model shows significant progress in lightweighting, shedding 80 kg with an aluminum hood and resin fuel tank. The heavy body makes the motor whine noticeably during acceleration, and once the front wheels even slipped when I floored it. Tire wear is also rapid, with the factory tires bald by 40,000 km. Compared to the Levin Hybrid I've driven, which weighs just over 1.4 tons, the hybrid Qin is 200 kg heavier - equivalent to carrying three extra adults.


