The fact that people turn around in Germany after the BYD Tang, is already on the unknown emblem in the grille. Attention also attracts the shape of the rear side windows of the Chinese plug-in hybrids. The detail has been designed by Wolfgang Egger. The former Audi designer wants to clearly differentiate the Tang from its western competitors. What he succeeded.

The proof of origin "made in China" is still associated with cheap goods in Europe. In the automotive industry, however, this is no longer appropriate - as the example of Tang can be seen. The trade fairs in Beijing and Shanghai have also recently shown that the engineers have greatly improved design and quality and that cars are now reaching Western standards. Plump pirated copies are virtually gone.

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BYD SUV: What the Tang Can Do

Nevertheless, China owes much of its successful efforts to catch up with established corporations. "Through joint ventures with European car brands, a lot of know-how has flowed to the east," says China expert Peter Fintl from the technology consulting company Altran.

BYD is considered a particularly aggressive attacker. A name that has made the company, in which US billionaire Warren Buffett is involved, especially with electric cars. With Mercedes there is a joint venture. The Stuttgart sell via BYD in China, the electric car Denza. In Europe, BYD already has its foot in the door with electro busses. Forklifts and trucks are to follow. And in a few years maybe cars.

That BYD presented the SUV Tang now at the Nürburgring, however, has more to do with the home market. The racetrack is considered a famous benchmark in China. Who performs well on the Nordschleife, is gaining in reputation. The course also reveals weaknesses.

Power from three engines

But the Tang was solid, with harmonious suspension tuning, comfort, low wind and rolling noise, a precise steering and grippy brakes of the renowned manufacturer Brembo. Responsible for the chassis is Heinz Keck, former chassis developer of Mercedes.

In addition, the Tang surprises with its forward thrust. Behind this is the combination of two-liter turbo gasoline engine and two electric motors. BYD claims 530 horsepower and 950 Newton-meters of torque, making it one of the most powerful SUVs in the world. 200 hp comes from the combustion engine, 150 from the front and 180 hp from the rear electric motor. Only 4.5 seconds should pass for the sprint from zero to 100 km / h. That's Porsche level.

But the Tang can also be quiet and emission-free. In E-mode, activated by a switch on the center console, up to 80 kilometers of electrical range should be possible. BYD even offers an even bigger battery for the Tang. It bunkers electricity for 100 kilometers. This is unusually high for a plug-in hybrid, western vehicles of this design do not do that. On this point, China - after the GDR State Council Chairman Walter Ulbrich - overtook without overtaking.

Display can be rotated 90 degrees

In the interior, the car also lives up to its claim as the brand's flagship. The cockpit is very neat layout with virtual instruments, few switches and a laptop-sized, free-standing 14.6-inch screen.

Because a display in landscape mode, according to BYD, is easier to use, whereas a vertically positioned display is easier to read, it can be rotated by 90 degrees with a tap of the finger. The workmanship is solid, decorative elements are neatly fitted, the surfaces are pleasant. Contrasting double seams create a bit premium atmosphere. In a Kia Sorento or Toyota Land Cruiser it does not look upscale. The seats are sourced from Faurecia's BYD, with electronics from Bosch, Continental and Siemens.

Chinese middle class is getting richer

In terms of safety, the Tang also reaches the level of Western competition, at least as far as the assistance systems are concerned. Distance radar, reversing camera, tracking, blind spot warning and emergency braking are standard on board. In crashes, the car should meet international standards, assures the corporate headquarters in China.

The basic version of the Tang costs 239,900 yuan, which is about 32,000 euros. For the fully equipped top model BYD demands about 44,000 euros. That may be a bargain in Europe, but in China it is a high-end price range. However, such cars can increasingly afford members of the middle class in the People's Republic of China.

Since its launch in the summer of this year, BYD has sold more than 88,000 units. In October, the Tang has already driven up to number one SUVs with alternative propulsion.