BYD Tang review: Electric SUV with seven seats and good range

The BYD Tang, the flagship model of the world's largest electric vehicle manufacturer, BYD from China, will be presented in 2025 as a completely redesigned, all-electric 7-seater SUV for the European market. With its combination of performance, range, and family friendliness, it aims to set new standards in the electric family SUV segment.

The Tang first came onto the market in 2015. Named after the important Tang Dynasty, one of the most important periods in Chinese history, the Tang was initially introduced as a plug-in hybrid and later supplemented by fully electric variants. Since 2021, the vehicle has also been available in Europe, with Norway as its first market. The current generation The Tang was last redesigned in 2024 and now offers a new design, longer range, and faster charging speeds. We tested the 7-seater electric SUV for you. Here are our results.

tl;dr (conclusion) on the BYD Tang: Good value for money

The BYD Tang facelift impresses with its luxurious appearance, excellent craftsmanship, and solid technical specifications. The facelift is particularly notable for its new 108,8 kWh Blade battery, produced in-house, and faster charging with up to 170 kW. The seven-seater configuration also makes the Tang a versatile, all-electric family SUV. Its real-world range of up to 460 kilometers (530 kilometers according to the WLTP) makes it suitable for everyday use, while the comfortable features, including massage seats, a panoramic glass roof, and a rotating display, leave nothing to be desired. With 380 kW (517 hp) and all-wheel drive, the Tang also offers impressive performance despite its 2,6-ton curb weight.

Compared to its competitors, the BYD Tang is positioned with a Price of 75.000,00 Euro Also attractively priced. Similarly equipped 7-seater electric SUVs such as the KIA EV9 starting at €82.380,00 or the Tesla Model X starting at €120.170,00 (each including 19% VAT) are more expensive and offer lower warranties.. Minor weaknesses include the lack of one-pedal driving, the somewhat lower charging capacity compared to the competition, and the overloaded infotainment system with some hard-to-find functions in the submenus. Overall, however, the BYD Tang offers a convincing overall package and is therefore particularly recommended for large families looking for good value for money.

 

Strengths and weaknesses of the BYD Tang at a glance

✅ Advantages:

• Powerful all-wheel drive with 517 hp, 700 Nm torque and 4,9 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h.

• Realistic range of up to 460 km (530 km according to WLTP).

• Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function for external power supply.

• Good, consistently high charging curve.

• Luxurious materials such as nappa leather and suede trim.

• Rotatable 15,6-inch touchscreen for horizontal/vertical viewing.

• Wireless charging (50W) and numerous USB ports (Type A and C).

• Heated, ventilated front seats with massage function and easy entry system.

• Competitive price and comprehensive warranty package: up to 8 years/200.000 km on the battery.

 

❌ Disadvantages:

• No one-pedal driving.

• Weaknesses of automated driving in construction areas.

• Charging power of maximum 175 kW is rather average compared to the competition.

• Piano lacquer surfaces are susceptible to fingerprints.

• Overly cluttered infotainment system with hard-to-find functions in submenus.

 

Picture: TechnikNews

 

Design and exterior of the BYD Tang: functionality meets elegance

The exterior of the BYD Tang was completely redesigned in 2024 and features a revised "Dragon Face" design. The new front end appears stylish and powerful—but at the same time, less bulky than the previous model. A chrome trim strip that extends across the entire front acts as a unifying element and gives the SUV a tidy appearance.The expressive design is also enhanced by the LED headlights with dynamic welcome and farewell lights (headlights switch on in advance/off with a delay), which ensure good visibility in the dark and feature automatic high beam.

Standing on 21-inch alloy wheels, the new BYD Tang with its long, curved roofline and tapered, tinted windows gives it a dynamic appearance. The side view appears sporty thanks to the sloping roofline, without compromising the practical characteristics of a family SUV. When the doors are opened, the driver is greeted by a nice animation on the display, which rounds off the overall experience.

Picture: TechnikNews

Picture: TechnikNews

 

Interior of the BYD Tang: High-quality workmanship, but lots of piano lacquer

The interior combines luxurious materials with high-quality craftsmanship. The diamond-quilted nappa leather seats and the suede-trimmed dashboard lend the Tang a sophisticated feel.. The interior colors brown and black are available, each creating a different mood. The large panoramic glass roof (electrically opened and darkened) provides plenty of light in the interior and further enhances the feeling of space..

The ambient lighting, with 31 colors and various color gradients, can also be synchronized to the rhythm of the music and is a real eye-catcher. Also practical is the conveniently placed button for the electric trunk lid, which is located where the fuel cap lever would normally be on a combustion engine, making it very easy to reach. One small point of criticism is the use of too much piano lacquer in the center console, cockpit and on the door handles, which looks classy but quickly attracts unsightly fingerprints.

Continue reading:  MGS5 EV review: A new chapter for the traditional brand

Image: BYD Germany

Picture: TechnikNews

 

Space: Plenty of room for family and luggage

The BYD Tang particularly shines with its generous space. The middle row of seats can be split 60:40, offering passengers plenty of legroom. The third row could theoretically accommodate two adults on shorter journeys, although it should be noted that the seats are more designed and suitable for children..

The middle row of seats is also equipped with a USB-A and a USB-C port and has its own climate control, which can be operated via a separate display. The trunk volume is 235 liters with the third row of seats upright, 940 liters with a five-seat configuration, and can be expanded to an impressive 1.655 liters with the middle row folded down..

Picture: TechnikNews

Picture: TechnikNews

 

Connectivity: Modern features

Pairing with a new smartphone and setting up Android Auto or Apple Car Play is pleasingly quick and straightforward. Wireless charging with an impressive 50 watts and USB Type-A and Type-C ports also provide ample options for charging your smartphone.

The offering is rounded off by a BYD app that allows numerous vehicle functions to be controlled remotely – from battery status and door locking to activating the air conditioning. The Tang also offers keyless entry with an NFC card or smartphone.

Picture: TechnikNews

Picture: TechnikNews

 

Comfort: Everything you need

The BYD Tang also impresses in terms of comfort. The Easy Entry function is particularly convenient – ​​the driver's seat automatically retracts, making getting in and out much easier. The system also remembers the settings for two different drivers, which is very useful for changing drivers. Both front seats are heated, ventilated, and feature electrically adjustable lumbar support. The three-zone automatic climate control works very efficiently and cools the interior quickly – sometimes almost too cool.

A real highlight is the front seat massage function, which is not only powerful but also offers a wide range of different modes. A particularly practical feature: There are special buttons on the seat itself that allow you to directly activate and adjust the massage – a welcome alternative to the cumbersome search in the menu, where this function is rather hidden. One minor criticism: The heated steering wheel doesn't turn on automatically when you get in, but must be activated manually. Nevertheless, the BYD Tang impresses with its diverse comfort features, which significantly enhance the driving experience.

Picture: TechnikNews

Picture: TechnikNews

 

Infotainment: Rotatable screen and easy operation

At the heart of the infotainment system is the impressive 15,6-inch touchscreen (enlarged from the previous 12,8-inch display of the previous model), which can be rotated electrically and can be aligned either horizontally or vertically. Rotating the display is surprisingly fast and smooth. Unfortunately, this rotation function doesn't work when Android Auto or Apple Car Play is active, making it more of a gimmick than a useful feature—a minor disappointment in an otherwise very impressive system. The user interface offers numerous customization options, but some functions are hidden in submenus, which can make them difficult to use while driving. Some translations from Chinese to German are also not entirely accurate.

Particularly pleasing are the pleasant-to-the-touch buttons on the steering wheel, which allow intuitive operation of various functions while driving. The system can also be operated via the reliable "Hi, BYD!" voice assistant. The built-in head-up display (HUD) is also particularly impressive.. To ensure that the systems are always up to date, the OTA function automatically updates the vehicle via radio.

Picture: TechnikNews

Picture: TechnikNews

Sound: Almost premium audio quality

The Dynaudio sound system with twelve speakers ensures very good sound quality. It delivers clean highs, clear mids, and rich bass – overall, a good audio performance. In direct comparison with a AKG sound system like in the Cadillac Lyriq However, the Dynaudio system has to admit defeat, as it sounds even better with 19 speakers and more advanced technology. 

Thanks to the good sound insulation, hardly any driving or wind noise penetrates the interior, even at higher speeds – a plus for long journeys.

Drive of the BYD Tang: Powerful electric motors and all-wheel drive technology

The BYD Tang is powered by two electric motors that deliver a system output of 380 kW (517 hp). A 180 kW (245 hp) engine is installed on the front axle, while a 200 kW (272 hp) engine provides additional thrust on the rear axle. Together, both engines develop an impressive torque of 700 Nm. Thanks to the electric all-wheel drive, the 2,6-ton SUV accelerates from 4,9 to 0 km/h in just 100 seconds – a speed that would make many a sports car jealous.. Unfortunately, the top speed is electronically limited to 190 km/h.

The automatic switching between all-wheel and front-wheel drive is a clever solution. During normal driving, only the front axle is driven to save energy. When necessary—for example, during hard acceleration or on slippery surfaces—the system automatically switches to all-wheel drive.. Noticeably missing is the one-pedal driving function, which in many other electric vehicles ensures comfortable driving and can also extend the range. There's still room to improve this, as this feature would be particularly useful in city traffic.

Driving dynamics and handling: agility despite size and weight

Despite its heavy weight of over 2,6 tons, the BYD Tang handles surprisingly lightly. While the adaptive suspension with adaptive damping is designed for comfort, it also performs more than adequately in high-speed corners in Sport mode.. There is no excessive rocking or strong body roll, as one might expect from a vehicle of this size.

DThe steering is pleasantly direct and provides a good feel for the road, but lacks responsiveness. The turning circle of 11,8 meters is quite respectable for a vehicle of this size, although rear-axle steering could further improve maneuverability.. At higher speeds on the highway, the Tang stays on track and provides a safe driving experience.

Safety and assistance systems: Extensive equipment, but not perfect

The BYD Tang facelift features a comprehensive range of driver assistance systems. A total of 32 assistance systems support the driver in various situations.. Standard equipment includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, lane change assist, blind spot warning, high beam assist and a 360-degree camera, which is particularly helpful when maneuvering the large SUV. In my test, the systems worked largely reliably and contributed to a relaxed driving experience. The BYD Tang also achieved the maximum 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test, underscoring its safety credentials. The electric SUV also features Child Presence Detection (CPD).

The traffic sign recognition works very well and accurately identifies speed limits. However, the automated driving system (ADAS) shows weaknesses in construction zones, where the Smart Navigator doesn't always work reliably and steers far too late. There's still room for improvement here. A particularly useful feature, however, is the speed limit warning, which is automatically activated every time the car is started, which can be deactivated with a click on the display when it's not needed.

Consumption and range of the BYD Tang: New blade battery performs well

The BYD Tang facelift is equipped with the state-of-the-art Blade Battery which is based on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and is free of cobalt, manganese and nickel. With a usable capacity of 108,8 kWh (111,0 kWh gross), it offers significantly more energy storage than the 86,4 kWh of the previous modelThe standard heat pump also contributes to efficient energy management, reducing power consumption for heating, especially at low outside temperatures, and thus preserving the range.

The increased battery capacity has a direct impact on the range, which is now 530 kilometers according to the WLTP standard – an increase of 130 kilometers compared to the predecessorIn practice, the consumption review with mixed driving was around 24-25 kWh pro 100 kilometers, which corresponds to a realistic range of about 400-460 kilometers. With a relaxed driving style and skillful use of recuperation, which can be controlled via a toggle switch on the center console, 460 kilometers without a recharging stop is quite realistic. For a vehicle of this size and performance level, this is a respectable figure. However, in winter, consumption can rise to as much as 32 kWh/100 km at low temperatures, reducing the range to 340 kilometers.

Charging with the Tang: Improved charging performance and practical V2L function

The BYD Tang facelift has significantly improved its charging performance. Its 800-volt system charges at DC fast-charging stations with up to 175 kW—a significant increase over the 120 kW of the previous model, but unfortunately still not a great value. Thanks to the increased charging speed, the charging time from 30 to 80 percent battery capacity is 30 minutes.. A charge from 10 to 80 percent takes about 46 minutes. The competition, such as the Kia EV9 or the NIO EL8, can do this much better. A special feature of BYD's battery technology is its unusual charging curve. While many electric vehicles reduce charging power as the state of charge increases, the Tang maintains its maximum charging power even at higher levels. This makes short recharging stops sensible and practical, even at relatively high battery levels..

There have also been advances in AC charging: The Tang now features a three-phase 11 kW onboard charger (previously a single-phase 7 kW), which significantly reduces charging times at a wallbox. A full charge at an 11 kW wallbox or AC charging station takes approximately 11,5 hours. Another practical advantage of the new bidirectional onboard charger is the standard Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function. It works reliably and transforms the Tang into a mobile 4 kW charging station that can supply external devices such as laptops, coolers, or even e-bikes with power from the vehicle's battery—ideal for camping or outdoor activities.

Price and warranty of the BYD Tang

The BYD Tang facelift is available in Germany exclusively in the well-equipped flagship version. The price is €75.000,00 (including 19% VAT), with the Austria package (underbody sealing for the Alpine region, velour floor mats, charging cable, V2L adapter) adding an additional €390.. The exterior colors are Mountain Grey (at no extra cost), Silver Sand Black and Snow White (each for an additional charge of 1.300 euros).. The interior is available in brown and black.

A real highlight is the comprehensive warranty packaget that BYD offers its customers. The general vehicle warranty is 6 years or 150.000 kilometers. For the high-voltage battery, BYD even provides an 8-year or 200.000-kilometer warranty, and a minimum capacity of 70 percent is guaranteed at this time. These above-average warranty periods underscore the manufacturer's confidence in the quality of its products and make the Tang an attractive option for long-term buyers. In detail, the warranty package includes a 72-month basic warranty, 96 months for the high-voltage battery, 48 months for specific assemblies, 96 months for the drive unit, and an impressive 144 months of corrosion protection.. The service intervals are 24 months or 30.000 kilometers.

Many thanks to BYD Germany for providing the BYD Tang for this review.