Introduction: A Bold Entry into Luxury Electric Vehicles

The BYD Han is a fully electric mid-size luxury sedan from the Chinese automaker BYD (Build Your Dreams). While this vehicle isn’t available in North America and probably never will be, it’s already making waves globally. Competing with cars like the Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Lexus ES, the Han brings a unique blend of luxury and innovation. Today, we’ll explore the quirky features and impressive elements that make the BYD Han stand out.

What is the BYD Han?

The BYD Han is one of China’s flagship electric vehicles, primarily sold in China but also available across Asia, Europe, and Latin America. With over 200,000 units sold globally in its most recent year, the Han is gaining attention as a serious contender in the electric sedan market. Although it’s not offered in the U.S., this car would sit comfortably alongside other premium sedans if it were sold here.
Under the hood, or more accurately, under the floor, the BYD Han is powered by a range of electric motors. Depending on the version, it delivers anywhere from 220 to 520 horsepower. The performance model can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, and BYD takes an unconventional approach by placing the 0-60 time right on the back of the car instead of traditional badges. It’s a quirky but bold move that sets the tone for the car’s eccentricities.

Quirky Design Features

One of the first things you’ll notice when looking at the BYD Han is the phrase “Build Your Dreams” printed across the rear trunk. This optimistic motto is spelled out in individual letters for everyone behind you to see. It’s a bold branding choice and one of many quirks that give the Han its unique character.
Inside, the luxury of the BYD Han is surprisingly impressive. The interior boasts stitched leather, soft-touch materials, and an overall design that competes with many premium sedans. While it may not lead the class in terms of opulence, the Han is far from feeling like an afterthought. Its interior could easily compete with rivals from Europe, defying many people’s preconceived notions about Chinese vehicles.

The Rotating Infotainment Screen

One of the Han’s most innovative and fun features is its rotating infotainment screen. You can switch between landscape and portrait orientations at the touch of a button, offering flexibility depending on your preferences. Whether you’re navigating or enjoying entertainment, the rotating screen makes sure you’re never limited to one view. This screen also controls many of the car’s advanced features, but its real party trick is the karaoke function. Yes, you read that right—BYD has built a karaoke app into the car’s entertainment system, complete with a BYD-branded microphone that comes with the car.

The Built-In Camera

Another quirky addition to the Han’s list of features is the built-in camera, which functions much like the camera on your smartphone. You can use it as a dashcam or even flip it to record yourself and your passengers—perhaps while you’re belting out a karaoke number. BYD even thought to include a little sliding cover for the camera, giving you privacy when you don’t want to be on film.

Interior Features: Where Luxury Meets Technology

Moving deeper into the interior, the BYD Han showcases a wealth of modern conveniences. The climate control system, for example, includes air purification technology. Given the concerns about air quality in many Chinese cities, this feature lets you monitor the air quality outside and inside the car, offering real-time updates on how purified the cabin air is.
For tech enthusiasts, the Han offers a “turbo mode” for its infotainment system. While many cars have a turbo mode to enhance performance, BYD takes a different approach—turbo mode here refers to the screen’s processing power, minimizing background tasks to ensure faster screen response.

Impressive Rear-Seat Comfort

The rear seats in the BYD Han offer a level of luxury often reserved for higher-end sedans. In China, where many people employ drivers, rear-seat comfort is crucial. The Han’s back seats are power-adjustable, complete with buttons that control both seat position and climate. The rear-seat passenger even has the ability to control the front passenger seat, moving it out of the way for extra legroom.
In the center, a fold-down armrest reveals a touchscreen that gives rear passengers control over the car’s media, lighting, and climate settings. It’s a thoughtful inclusion, reinforcing the idea that the back seat of the BYD Han is designed to be a luxurious, tech-savvy space.

Driving Experience: A Blend of Power and Comfort

Now, let’s talk about how the BYD Han drives. As an all-electric car, acceleration is smooth and instantaneous, especially in the performance-oriented 3.9s model. In Sport mode, the Han delivers on its promise of rapid acceleration. It may not be a direct competitor to performance sedans like the Tesla Model S, but it holds its own in terms of speed.
In terms of handling, the Han offers a comfortable ride for everyday driving. However, it falls short of delivering the responsive, sporty feel that you might expect from a European luxury sedan. Steering and road feel are somewhat lacking, making the Han less engaging for those who value dynamic performance. It’s clear that the focus of this car is more on comfort and luxury than on precision handling, which aligns with the preferences of many drivers in its home market.

Design: Subdued or Just Generic?

The exterior design of the BYD Han is where opinions may diverge. BYD claims the car’s look is inspired by a dragon, with features like “dragon whiskers” on the front grille and “dragon scales” on the side. While these elements might not be immediately apparent to everyone, the design certainly isn’t groundbreaking. It’s modern but arguably too generic to stand out in the competitive luxury sedan market.
However, the Han does include premium features like pop-out door handles, which not only look sleek but also help with aerodynamics. The Brembo brakes are another premium touch, helping the Han stop as powerfully as it accelerates.

Conclusion: A Surprising Contender in the Luxury Electric Market

The BYD Han is full of surprises. From its quirky features like karaoke and rotating screens to its luxurious rear seats, this car offers more than just a glimpse of what the future of Chinese luxury vehicles might look like. It may not win design awards, but its blend of tech, comfort, and electric performance makes it a compelling option in the global electric sedan market.
If you want to explore this unique electric luxury sedan further, check out the full video review here: The BYD Han Is China’s Ultra-Quirky Take On a Luxury Sedan.