Last week the R7 Autos Carros rode with the new BYD Yuan Plus and the Chevrolet Bolt 2023. Right away it was possible to see some similarities between the electric models. Both have a futuristic and bold look, an engine with more than 200 hp and can travel with a battery charge for more than 400 kilometers. However, there are some important differences between the China model sold by a brand that is taking its first steps and the consecrated GM model. The Chinese, however, stands out for its cost-effectiveness. The details you can find below:
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The first difference between the two is in the proposal. The Yuan has the size of a medium SUV, although it is lower and with a hatchback position. The Bolt is a minivan with a high driving position and plenty of interior space.
Inside, the BYD Yuan Plus is more technological and daring. The boldness of the Chinese model is present in the curved lines on the panel, which are reminiscent of sea waves. In addition, the quality of finish is impressive, as there are no burrs and parts that come apart, similar to premium brands in their entry-level vehicles. On the doors, the SUV has strings, which resemble those of a guitar and emit serious sounds. There are also a good number of storage compartments and good internal visibility with large windows.
The technology is already present in a multimedia center of the floating type and, also, 12.8 inches revolving, that is, it can be vertically or horizontally according to the driver’s taste. The instrument panel is 100% digital and is located on the steering column, which makes it even easier to view.
Regarding Chevrolet Bolt 2023, the model is more conservative, but has a digital panel with a classic design and a large 10-inch multimedia center built into the panel. The device has a wireless connection with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The model also features an induction smartphone charger and has a better sound system than the Chinese electric car, as it is equipped with a Bose system with 7 speakers, which emit good sound quality.
dimensions
Both the Chevrolet Bolt 2023 and the BYD Yuan Plus measure enough to fit in any garage and parking lot in the market or mall without the driver suffering to maneuver.
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The BYD Yuan Plus is slightly larger, as it is 4.45 meters long, 2.72 meters wheelbase, 1.87 meters wide and 1.61 meters high. The Chevrolet Bolt is 4.16 meters long, 2.60 meters wheelbase, 1.76 meters wide and 1.61 meters high. But if you are going to carry a lot of luggage, the model from the United States has 478 liters of capacity against the 440 liters of the car from China.
not frill
BYD Yuan Plus and Chevrolet Bolt 2023 have similar performance. The reason for this is that electric motors deliver practically the same power. The Chinese SUV has 204 hp and 31.6 kgfm, while the North American model delivers 203 hp with a torque of 36.7 kgfm.
The BYD Yuan Plus is light and performs like a sports car. But in Eco mode the performance is a bit limited. Already in Sport it gets more agile with drier responses in hard driving. In normal mode the steering will be extremely light, as well as the brake pedal.
During the evaluation of the R7 Autos Carros, it was possible to notice in the BYD Yuan Plus stronger braking and the ABS acts quickly, which may not please everyone. However, the model proved to be balanced and the damper responses could be a little better and more comfortable. We also noticed that it is not difficult to reach the “end of course” on bumps and ditches.
The Chevrolet Bolt 2023 also has vigorous accelerations, which makes it even easier to go through slopes. Including, the model easily unlocks responding to the touch of the accelerator. The immediate torque makes it jump in front of the other cars in exits and gives agility in retakes. The model also has a stiffer suspension made to face the potholes of Brazilian streets, but nothing that takes away comfort.
Battery and Autonomy
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt and BYD Yuan Plus offer autonomy similar to the advantage of the Chinese model. The Chevrolet Bolt has in theory a greater power with 66 kWh, which gives autonomy of up to 416 km, but in practice it is around 360 km. The BYD Yuan Plus has 60.5 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate Blade LFP batteries, theoretically with less range than the Bolt. However, during our urban test, it allowed the SUV to run 420 kilometers with just one recharge.
Equipment list
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt’s equipment list is big, but less than what the BYD Yuan Plus offers. The GM model comes equipped with radar, as it now has adaptive cruise control, a set of 10 airbags, blind spot alert, lane change assistant, 360º camera, high resolution rear parking camera, stability control, control traction control, high beam assistant, tire monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, among other items.
Sold in a single version, the BYD Yaun Plus has a 360° panoramic camera with 3D mode, Intelligent Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Rear Cross Traffic Alert system, in addition to traction and stability control, 6 airbags: 2 front, 2 on the sides of the seats front and 2 curtain sides, electric front seats, automatic parking, blind spot monitoring, road sign recognition and automatic emergency braking, traction control system, plus Electric parking brake and driving modes – Eco, Normal and Sport, among others.
Which one to choose?
If it’s for the look, the BYD Yaun Plus, for having a bolder interior, wins this battle for those looking for a more futuristic vehicle and also with extended range. The Chevrolet Bolt 203, which also has a different design, but already known, is a good option for those looking for a model with a more conservative interior.
In drivability both will deliver the same power and fun. In autonomy, the BYD Yuan Plus goes further than the Chevrolet Bolt and is also more equipped.
In addition, the price of the BYD Yuan Plus is cheaper, since it costs BRL 269,900 and the Chevrolet Bolt 2023 is offered by the brand for BRL 329,000, a difference of BRL 60,000. However, BYD is technically new in the country when it comes to selling cars, which may cause distrust in a more conservative customer, who is looking for a more consolidated brand in the Brazilian market such as Chevrolet.
*With the collaboration Felipe Salomão