BYD tackles Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series head-on

More details have broken in China about the 2027 BYD Great Han – a full-size luxury flagship promising up to 1008km of driving range – via the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

Previewed for some time alongside an SUV called the Great Tang, the new limo sits at the top of BYD’s Dynasty range and is designed to compete with established luxury models such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series.

Available with battery-electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains, the Great Han claims a combination of long-range capability, ultra-fast charging and advanced chassis technology.

It measures 5256mm long, 1999mm wide and rides on a substantial 3130mm wheelbase; figures that make it the largest passenger car BYD has produced to date.

Powertrain choices start with a rear-drive 370kW EV sustained by an LFP battery of unstated size.

It’s going to have to be big because BYD is claiming a huge 1008km range based on the generous Chinese CLTC testing cycle. Even with that pulled back to a more realistic WLTP rating, the Great Han will still be among the longest-range production EVs currently on sale.

Next in the line-up is a dual-motor EV flagship generating 570kW and an 880km claimed range. BYD claims a top speed of 270km/h, which is high for an EV, but the sort of number needed to be taken seriously against the autobahn-crushing German luxury cars.

BYD will also offer a plug-in hybrid option, pairing a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 200kW electric motor and a 54.5kWh battery pack.

The hybrid can supposedly travel up to 370km on electric power alone before relying on its petrol engine, while fuel consumption is rated at just 4.6L/100km once the battery has been depleted.

MIIT data quotes a kerb weight between 2210kg and 2505kg, so it’s a substantial vehicle.

The Great Han also debuts a suite of high-end technology including BYD’s latest DiPilot driver assistance system, supported by a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor.

Other features include rear-wheel steering, height-adjustable air suspension, the latest DiSus-A chassis control system and compatibility with BYD’s next-generation Flash Charging network.

The Great Han is scheduled to go on sale in China before the end of 2026, but BYD has yet to confirm export plans.

If BYD, which is more commonly associated with affordable vehicles, did decide to bring the Great Han to Australia, it would undoubtedly become the most expensive and technologically ambitious vehicle in its lineup.

Alternatively, it could become part of the range offered by its luxury subsidiary, Denza.

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