BYD Tang

Like its exteriors, the interior cabin of the BYD Tang generates a pleasant first impression, which is backed up by the premium fit and finish and long list of features on board.

While the three-spoke steering wheel and the blue backlit instrument console are quite simple to look at, the center console and the colored textures on the dashboard do mention special attention. The center console consists of a large 12.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with all the modern smartphone connectivity options and a collection of three different and special round elements above it. The center one houses a full LCD compass, while the outer ones are turbine shaped AC vents.

The dual tone black and tan finished interiors make the cabin look rich and premium, while the dark black faux wood texture on the dashboard and lower portion of the center console uplift the luxury ambience of the vehicle. With a massive panoramic sunroof above, the cabin feels spacious in the first and second rows, however, the third row can be a squeeze for adults with limited knee room and legroom.

Seldom there are seven-seater SUVs which have a curvaceous design which is good to look at, and the BYD Tang succeeds in that front. The Tang with its crossover styled design elements and a large footprint has a good and demanding road presence.

The front view of the BYD Tang is a big mix-up of curves and edgy elements, with a sleek hexagonal grille with chrome touches on the outer edges and boomerang-shaped chrome elements below its lower edges. The edgy full LED headlamps with daytime running LEDs adds up in its authoritative front fascia.

The side profile of the Tang ditches the conventional seven-seater SUV roots for a more rounded design. The angular A and D pillars give it a touch of modernity, while the chrome surrounds around the side windows and lower portion of the doors, machined alloy wheels and silver finished side steps give it a premium touch.

At the rear, the BYD Tang continues its aggressiveness and modernity of its design with nicely styled full LED tail lamps with a thick and edgy chrome slat between them and large dual exhaust outlets.

The BYD Tang comes with large 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels and a slightly lowered ground clearance as compared to the conventional SUVs. This combination allows the BYD Tang to feel planted on all the roads with minimal body roll. However, the Tang suffers from a big turning radius of 5.9m, which might be an issue for some in city maneuverability.

The BYD Tang has been blessed with an excellent hybrid powertrain, which is a combination of a 2.0-litre gasoline powered turbocharged engine and a 3.3kW motor. While the gasoline engine produces 205 PS of power and 320 Nm of torque, the electric motor generates 150 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque. In combination, this hybrid powertrain, coupled to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, produces 505 PS of maximum power output. In the purely electric mode, the Tang has a maximum range of 80 kms.

Like its comfort and convenience feature list, the list of safety features in the BYD Tang is also quite long. The SUV features six airbags, ISOFIX mounts for child seats, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, engine immobilizer, six reverse radar sensors, Electronic Stability Program, Traction Control and electronic parking brake.

To start with, the BYD Tang has got all the basics right, with an abundance of style and features in and out, which is a must for a modern SUV. With a seven-seater layout and large dimensions, it has the authoritative road presence expected from an SUV of this size. And with the excellent and futuristic powertrain under its hood, it is a technological marvel as well.