Why was the BYD L3 discontinued?
4 Answers
Due to various shortcomings of the BYD L3, there were fewer buyers, resulting in low sales volume. The manufacturer discontinued production, leading to the discontinuation of the BYD L3. Here are some of the issues with the BYD L3: 1. The BYD L3 had interior noise issues, slightly rough craftsmanship, and poor handling; 2. The interior was rough, and the craftsmanship needed improvement; 3. The brand's reputation was poor, and the tuning of the engine and transmission was not optimal; 4. In terms of power, it was equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine with a maximum output power of 80kW, maximum horsepower of 109, and peak torque of 145 N·m. The transmission options were a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission, which resulted in insufficient power.
The discontinuation of the BYD L3 was primarily due to market competition and corporate strategic adjustments. At that time, the A-segment car market was fiercely competitive, with Japanese and Korean models like the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra selling well, while the L3 had mediocre sales. The product lacked competitiveness, with unremarkable design and performance, leading consumers to shift to more advanced models. BYD itself was also upgrading, introducing replacements like the Surui, which boasted more advanced technology. The company's strategy shifted toward new energy vehicles, phasing out traditional fuel models like the L3. As a car enthusiast, I believe this reflects the rapid iteration of the auto market—now, BYD's electric models like the Han DM-i are truly appealing. In fact, the discontinuation of similar models is common; for example, Geely has also phased out older models. Automakers must always evolve and optimize their product lines. Although the L3 was discontinued, it helped BYD accumulate experience, driving them toward more advanced technologies. Ultimately, poor sales lead to natural disappearance—the market is ruthless, but innovation persists.
From an automotive market perspective, the discontinuation of the BYD L3 was a typical business decision. At that time, its sales in the compact car segment remained sluggish, facing immense pressure from competitors like the Volkswagen Jetta. Consumer preferences had shifted toward tech-savvy features and fuel efficiency, making the L3's specifications appear outdated. Internally, BYD optimized its resources to focus on new models such as the Surui and its new energy vehicle series. Policy factors also played a role, as government subsidies favored new energy vehicles while traditional fuel-powered cars received less attention. As an industry insider, I've witnessed similar cases, like the discontinuation of the Chery QQ for comparable reasons. I recommend owners consider BYD's current bestsellers, such as the Qin PLUS, which show significant advancements in energy efficiency and smart features. In short, discontinuation isn't uncommon—automakers must adapt to shifting demands to stay competitive and avoid wasting resources on outdated products.
I drove a BYD L3 for several years and quite miss it, but why couldn't I buy it later? Poor sales were the key reason. Back then, the car market was fiercely competitive, and the L3 couldn't sell well, so it was naturally discontinued. The update cycle was fast—once the Surui came out, the L3 became outdated. BYD was busy developing electric vehicles, focusing on new models like the Qin and Tang. As an ordinary user, I feel a bit regretful, but that's how the automotive industry is—new technologies always replace the old ones. Nowadays, BYD's electric cars are much more fuel-efficient and hassle-free, and the discontinuation of the L3 actually drove progress.
