BYD's new electric Tang claims more than 800 km of range from one charge
The range race in China is getting slightly ridiculous
Another week, another Chinese electric SUV with a range figure that makes European EVs look thirsty. BYD has revealed the 8 Series Tang, a large family SUV claiming more than 800 km on a charge, and it is not even the longest-legged car in its own showroom.
The headline numbers
BYD quotes more than 800 km of pure-electric range, drawn from a second-generation Blade battery using lithium iron phosphate chemistry with support for the company's flash-charging technology. Motivation comes from a single permanent-magnet synchronous motor with a peak output of 402 hp, rated at half that continuously, and a top speed of 250 km/h. Exact battery capacity has not been disclosed.
A properly large family car
The Tang is a substantial thing at 5,045 mm long and 1,980 mm wide, riding on a 2,950 mm wheelbase. BYD is positioning it as the king of large five-seat SUVs, aimed at families who want space rather than a third row by default, though regulatory filings show both a five-seat version and one offering five or seven seats. It slots alongside the Tang L and the bigger 9 Series Da Tang in a dual-flagship Dynasty line-up.
Treat that range figure carefully
A word of caution is needed. The 800 km claim comes from BYD without a stated test cycle, and Chinese figures are typically quoted on the CLTC standard, which is considerably more generous than Europe's WLTP. Independent verification is not yet available. Similarly, reports of dual-chamber air suspension and DiSus-A body control are credible but not officially confirmed, so treat those as expected rather than certain.
When, and whether we get it
The Tang is expected to launch in China in the second half of 2026 following its regulatory filing in early July, and BYD has not announced pricing. For reference, the larger 9 Series Da Tang EV starts at 239,900 yuan. There is no confirmation of a European launch, though BYD does sell related models in export markets under the Atto 8 and Sealion 8 names, so a version reaching us is at least plausible.
AutoNext Take
Even allowing for optimistic Chinese test cycles, the pace of progress here is striking. A large seven-seat-capable family SUV with 402 hp and a claimed 800 km-plus range, from a brand that also just launched a 1,194 hp super sedan, shows how relentlessly BYD is expanding in every direction at once. European makers are still arguing over 500 km.
The honest caveat is that we cannot judge the real-world figure until someone tests it on WLTP, and we have no idea what it costs. But as another data point in the rise of Chinese EVs, one now taking a fifth of the European market, it is hard to ignore. We would very much like to see this one make the trip west.
