FACT had the opportunity to get behind the wheel and test the ins and outs of the 2024 all-electric BYD HAN, a premium electric saloon with impressive high-end features.

The Global automotive brand, BYD, has been steadily growing from strength to strength and, over the years, has successfully pivoted from combustion vehicles to battery electric models and plug-in hybrids. BYD achieved a major production milestone by being the first auto manufacturer globally to roll out six million electric vehicles. It has also gone on to become the leader in electric vehicle sales after a massively successful 2023. Among BYD’s notable offerings is its flagship electric saloon, the BYD HAN BEV (battery electric vehicle). The model gets its name from the illustrious Han Dynasty, whose reign is renowned as being a Golden Age in Chinese history. With such an impressive introduction, we were only too thrilled when we got the chant to put the BYD HAN through its paces.

Dynamic Exterior

Design As we set our sights on the vehicle, we were immediately impressed by the striking outline of the HAN. Aimed towards the premium luxury saloon market, the model has been expertly designed by the renowned German car designer Wolfgang Egger and his world-class team – and it shows! Inspired by the Chinese dragon, the new BYD HAN exudes a sporty attitude, with stylish aesthetics from the Orient. At the front, the impressive LED headlights, which BYD refers to as ‘streamers’, have a futuristic feel and create a dramatic blend of technology and beauty. The sides effectively accentuate the model’s elegant lines and the concealed door handles gracefully extend, when needed. The car boasts a confident appearance as it sits imposingly on 19-inch alloy wheels. Moving to the rear, the sleek body contours are punctuated by a sporty, sloped back and the unique ‘Dragon Claw’ full width LED rear combination light bar creates an eye-catching and highly recognisable statement.

Luxurious Interior

Stepping into the car, it didn’t take us long to notice that the excellent exterior is perfectly complemented by a luxurious interior crafted with exceptional materials to bring an air of sophistication to the space. Upholstered in premium Nappa leather, we found the ventilated seats ultra-comfortable. The driver’s seat and the front passenger seat offer convenient eight- and six-way electric adjustment, respectively, with power-operated four-way lumbar support available for both. The refined appearance is further elevated with ambient lighting, darker wooden trims and aluminium accents. Additionally, we found the sleek gear selector to be aptly functional, with physical buttons for switching between driving modes and a visually pleasing design. Space wise, there’s ample head, shoulder and leg room for all passengers. The panoramic sunroof invites natural light, creating an open and airy atmosphere in the cabin, while the luggage compartment, with a storage capacity of 410 litres, can house a couple of suitcases with ease.

High-End Infotainment & Technology

The car’s infotainment system is clean and minimal in design. For the driver, there is a five-inch instrument display and a head-up display projector on the windshield that helps maintain focus on the road. But what truly caught our eye was the central 15.6-inch multimedia touchscreen that can be rotated for use in portrait or landscape mode. Well designed and easy to navigate, using it while driving around was an easy and pleasant experience. A wireless charging pad and USB ports allow convenient smartphone charging while on the move. The vehicle is further set up with a 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system that provides immersive sound quality and clarity that we truly enjoyed.

Imposing Power & Performance

After exploring and getting better acquainted with the various exterior and interior aspects of the model, we were raring to see the HAN’s performance on the road. Equipped with an advanced system that uses an 85.4kWh battery, it provides an impressive range of up to 521km on a single charge. This is possible due to BYD’s game-changing Blade Battery that has passed a series of extreme tests in rigorous conditions making it one of the world’s safest. Even in the case of overload, overheating, crushing or piercing and during the rigorous ‘nail penetration test’, the battery produced neither smoke nor flame and the surface temperature only reached 30 to 60°C. And, when it comes to powering up the vehicle, its 120kW DC fast charging is truly reliable. In ideal conditions, the battery can be quickly recharged from 30% to 80% within 30 minutes.

Moreover, the HAN’s aerodynamic design is a perfect balance for speed, endurance and range. Highly responsive when pushed, the model goes from 0-100km/h in just 3.9 seconds. The electric all-wheel drive operates spectacularly in real time, providing superb traction control. But when called upon, the integrated brake control system reacts on command by effectively reducing brake response time.

Our Verdict

Integrating the most advanced technologies in the electric vehicle industry, this latest BYD HAN model boasts stylish craftsmanship expertly combined with formidable performance. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.BYD.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.