Why didn't the 2020 Qin Pro fuel version become popular?
3 Answers
Here are the reasons why the 2020 Qin Pro fuel version didn't become popular: 1. Qin PRO new energy version is too strong: Most BYD car buyers choose the brand for its hybrid system, making pure fuel models not the best choice. Additionally, many buyers purchase Qin PRO for ride-hailing services, where pure electric or plug-in hybrid options can significantly reduce operating costs. 2. The 6-speed wet dual-clutch transmission is a major drawback: The Qin PRO fuel version is equipped with a 6-speed wet dual-clutch transmission across all trims, and its performance is indeed mediocre. The transmission exhibits noticeable jerking at low to medium speeds, particularly during downshifts from 2nd to 1st gear, resulting in far inferior driving quality compared to 7-speed wet dual-clutch models. 3. Green license plates don't require lottery: In cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, while blue license plates are the preferred choice, many people fail to obtain one through the lottery system after years of trying. This forces them to turn to new energy vehicles. When considering domestic new energy options, Qin PRO is indeed a worthy choice, especially since its new energy version offers plug-in hybrid technology. This not only meets essential transportation needs but also eliminates range anxiety, satisfying some traditional fuel vehicle users' requirements.
I saw this car in 2020 when I was looking to buy a family car, but didn't proceed after the test drive. Mainly because the price was high - starting at over 130,000 yuan, it was more expensive than the Geely Emgrand GL. The fuel consumption was also significant, around 9L per 100km in city driving, costing more with 92-octane gasoline. The interior materials were average with strong plastic feel, not as good as the soft-touch materials in joint-venture cars of the same class. The rear seating space was compact and uncomfortable for family members. The market competition was fierce - the Changan Eado PLUS was cheaper with discounts, attracting more buyers. BYD was mainly promoting DM hybrid versions, with less marketing for the fuel version. There weren't many online reviews, and the reputation hadn't been established yet. I was worried about fast depreciation if I bought it. In the end, I chose another brand, which was quite disappointing.
From a market perspective, when BYD launched the Qin Pro gasoline version in 2020, the SUV boom squeezed sedan demand. Competing models like the Geely Emgrand GL and Changan Eado PLUS adopted aggressive pricing with high configurations and promotions, making the Qin Pro's starting price of 130,000 RMB uncompetitive. BYD itself was transitioning to new energy vehicles, with its DM-i technology benefiting from subsidy enthusiasm, resulting in fewer resources allocated to the gasoline version. 4S stores were more proactive in promoting electric vehicles. In terms of brand perception, consumers had higher trust in Japanese brands like the Toyota Corolla, while BYD's shorter history with gasoline vehicles amplified quality concerns. By the end of that year, the high penetration rate of electric vehicles and government subsidies steering consumers toward green-plate vehicles made the gasoline version ill-timed, ultimately leading to mediocre sales.
