Why was the BYD L3 discontinued?
2 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.
