Byton M-Byte Prototype Teased, Previews The 2019 Production Model

The Byton M-Byte is inching closer to production as the company has released a new promotional video that shows their “first drivable” prototype.

Dressed in heavy camouflage, the prototype appears to remain pretty faithful to the concept which debuted at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. However, the clip reveals a handful of minor styling changes.

Up front, the crossover has been equipped with a new fascia that features an additional vent and restyled air intakes. The video also reveals the model has new headlights which are significantly larger than those used on the concept.

Elsewhere, we can see the prototype has been outfitted with traditional mirrors and door handles. These components replace the “invisible” door handles and “side-view cameras” which were used on the concept.

Byton didn’t say much about the prototype, but the company has previously said the production model will be built in Nanjing, China and go on sale in that country towards the end of 2019. European and US sales are slated to begin in 2020 and the company has said pricing will start at $45,000.

The entry-level model will be rear-wheel drive and feature a single electric motor that produces 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. The crossover will also have a 71 kWh battery pack which allows for a range of up to 248 miles (400 km).

Byton will also offer a four-wheel drive variant which has two electric motors that develop a combined output of 469 hp (350 kW / 475 PS) and 523 lb-ft (710 Nm) of torque. This model will come with a larger 95 kWh battery pack which enables the M-Byte to travel up to 323 miles (520 km) on a single charge.

Byton has also said the crossover will be launched with a Level 3 semi-autonomous driving system. That will later be upgraded to a Level 4 system, via a software update, in 2020.