Why was the BYD Surui discontinued?

[DiCassandra]

The main reasons for the discontinuation of the BYD Surui are insufficient product competitiveness and dismal sales, which no longer meet BYD's future development needs. Below are some of the reasons for the discontinuation of the BYD Surui: 1. Insufficient product competitiveness and dismal sales: The Surui's best period was between 2012 and 2014, when monthly sales could maintain over 8,000 units, peaking at 12,000 units. However, after that, the Surui's sales gradually declined until mid-2017 to 2018, just before its discontinuation, when monthly sales dropped to only about 500 units. This issue is largely related to the Surui's overall lack of product competitiveness. 2. The Surui no longer aligns with BYD's future development: BYD's current vehicle names are all named after Chinese dynasties, such as Tang, Song, Yuan, and Qin, which appear as a cohesive whole and are easier for consumers to remember.

[DeVictoria]

Back when I bought the Surui, it was all about its affordability and spaciousness. It really was a sturdy ride. But now that it's discontinued, it simply couldn't keep up with the times. The car's been out for seven or eight years—its specs didn't keep up with the mainstream, and the interior feels outdated. Young people just aren't into it anymore. BYD is now fully focused on hybrids and pure electrics, with new models like the Qin PLUS featuring DM-i technology. Naturally, older fuel cars like the Surui have to make way for these new models. Look at how the Geely Emgrand and Changan Eado have gone through multiple updates—the Surui just can't compete anymore. Add in the implementation of the China VI emissions standard, and retrofitting the old platform isn't cost-effective. The manufacturer did the math and realized it was time to cut it. Old owners still miss its long warranty benefits, but the market is just that ruthless.

[SanPiper]

When selling cars in the showroom, I clearly noticed fewer and fewer people inquiring about the Surui. Back in 2018, its monthly sales could still exceed 10,000 units, but by the time it was discontinued, monthly sales had dropped to just two or three hundred. The most common complaint from owners was the high fuel consumption—the outdated 1.5T engine couldn’t keep fuel economy below 9L/100km in city driving. Competing models like the Yidong had already switched to new platforms and offered features like panoramic sunroofs and voice control. BYD itself was unwilling to invest further in a facelift, shifting its focus entirely to the Song series and Han models. In the end, the automotive market moves too fast—if you don’t update for five years, you’re out. What stuck with me most was a customer pointing at the display car and saying, 'This infotainment screen isn’t even as big as my phone.' That’s when I knew this model was done for.

[VanJuliette]

From an experienced mechanic's perspective, the discontinuation of the Surui model is quite understandable. Its chassis still mimics the old Corolla design, with the persistent issue of rear suspension knocking noises over speed bumps never being resolved. The fatal blow came with China's Stage 6 emission standards - its electronic fuel injection system simply couldn't meet requirements. Retrofitting the engine would be more costly than developing a new car. Nowadays, new models are competing in hybrid technology; even BYD's own DM-i system has reached cost parity with conventional fuel vehicles, making this outdated model redundant. Critical parts suppliers have stopped supporting older models, making maintenance increasingly difficult. Frankly, at the 80,000 yuan price point, the fourth-generation Emgrand is now a far better choice.