BYD owes much to Toyota. Its best-selling model, F3, is a copycar of Corolla. The newly-released M6 imitates Previa. On September 15, BYD is going to launch its first SUV, the Lexus RX 350-inspired S6.
Debuted at 2010 Beijing Auto Show, the S6 mid-size crossover-SUV has a 2740mm wheelbase. 4810mm long, 1855mm wide, 1680mm high, it is longer and wider than the second generation Lexus RX 350, but significantly lighter, weighing 1620-1700 kg, partly because BYD skips the four-wheel drive.
Upon the September release, S6 will get two engine options: Mitsubishi 4G69 2.4L rated at 118kw/ 5800rpm and 215Nm/3500- 4500rpm, and BYD483QB 2.0L rated at 103kw/ 6000rpm and 186Nm/4000-4500rpm. The 2.0L will be paired to a 5-speed manual transmission, the 2.4L to a 4-speed auto. Thus, S6 will get exactly the same powertrains as the two current members of the BYD 6-series: the F6 mid-size sedan and the M6 MPV.
Luxury options will include keyless entry, automatic lights, parking assist, 11-speaker DVD theater, and digital TV.
Prices are likely to range between 130,000 and 170,000 yuan.
Above, BYD S6. Below, Lexus RX 350.
