Why Was the BYD L3 Discontinued?
2 Answers
BYD L3 has issues with interior rattling, slightly rough craftsmanship, and poor handling; the interior is coarse with room for improvement in workmanship; the brand's reputation is subpar, and the tuning of the engine and transmission is not optimal; the power is insufficient. The shortcomings of the BYD L3 include: 1. Poor quality feel: The car has a strong odor inside, thin paint, and fragile body panels that dent easily when pressed. The interior is mediocre, with the dashboard and door panels lacking any sense of quality, and the suspension is average. 2. Excessive noise: At speeds of 120 km/h, the engine and tire noise are not ideal. With windows open and no air conditioning, occupants feel uncomfortable at speeds above 100 km/h due to the loud noise. 3. Insufficient power: It is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine with a maximum output of 80 kW, 109 horsepower, and a peak torque of 145 N·m, paired with either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. The power is inadequate, resulting in slow acceleration.
As a long-time owner of the BYD L3, I believe its discontinuation primarily stems from market changes and brand strategy adjustments. Back when I bought this car, it offered great value for money with spacious interiors and decent driving performance. However, over time, BYD shifted its focus to the new energy sector, launching more electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles like the Qin and Song series, which feature more advanced and eco-friendly technologies. In comparison, the L3, as a fuel-powered model, saw declining sales year after year, struggling to compete with joint-venture rivals such as the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic, while also facing higher production costs. BYD's optimization of its product lineup aligns with national policies and evolving consumer preferences—electric vehicle subsidies and stricter environmental regulations have squeezed out older models like the L3. I understand this may disappoint loyal users, but discontinuing the L3 was a strategic move to enhance the brand's competitiveness. I'd recommend keeping an eye on BYD's newer models; their technology is advancing, and overall reliability has improved.
