BYD Teases Stylish New Concept – Could It Preview A Production PHEV?

China’s BYD doesn’t get much attention outside its home market, but that could soon change as the company has released the first teaser image of a stylish new concept.

Looking long, low and sleek, the concept has gently flowing lines and a canopy-like greenhouse. A closer inspection reveals slender LED headlights, large alloy wheels and distinctive carbon fiber side skirts with integrated fins, plus a gently tapered rear end with stylish LED taillights that have a bit of a Porsche vibe.

Little is known about the concept, but Sina suggests it previews a production model that is slated to have a plug-in hybrid powertrain consisting of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor that produces 150 hp (112 kW / 152 PS). There have also rumors about an all-wheel drive variant, which would use an additional electric motor, for a total output of 476 hp (355 kW / 483 PS). This would reportedly enable the car to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 2.9 seconds.

BYD will use the Shanghai Auto Show to introduce the Song Pro crossover. Looking like a larger version of the Song, the Song Pro measures 183.4 inches (4660 mm) long, 73.2 inches (1860 mm) wide and 66.9 inches (1700 mm) tall, with a wheelbase that spans 106.8 inches (2712 mm).

While the exterior styling isn’t revolutionary, the cabin is pretty high-tech as it features a large touchscreen display which eliminates most physical buttons and switches. There are still a few scattered around the cabin, so it appears the company hasn’t gone as extreme as the Tesla Model 3.

Under the hood, there will be three different powertrains. According to Autohome, the standard model has a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine that produces 158 hp (118 kW / 161 PS). There will also be a hybrid variant, which uses the aforementioned internal combustion engine and an electric motor, as well as and an all-electric with 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS).