At the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, Chinese automaker BYD made a resounding statement about its ambitions in the global electric vehicle (EV) market. With a dazzling display of new models, cutting-edge technology, and bold design choices, BYD and its sub-brands—Denza, Fang Cheng Bao, and Yangwang—demonstrated that the future of mobility is not just electric, but also increasingly diverse and innovative. The show underscored BYD’s commitment to covering every segment, from affordable city cars for Europe to ultra-luxury hypercars that challenge the world’s most storied marques.
On April 24 and 25, BYD’s presence at the Beijing Auto Show was impossible to ignore. According to Electrek, Fang Cheng Bao, BYD’s personalization-focused sub-brand, revealed its first electric sedan and the striking Formula X sports car. This marks a significant shift for a brand best known for its high-end off-road SUVs like the Bao 5 and Bao 8, as well as the more family-oriented Tai 3 and Tai 7. The new Formula S series—comprising the Formula S three-box sedan, Formula S GT shooting brake, and Formula SL—each stretches over five meters in length and two meters in width, with a three-meter wheelbase. The design language draws inspiration from a cheetah, featuring a low-slung, athletic stance, “Cheetah Eyes” headlights, and “Infinity Ring” taillights. All three sedans are expected to launch in the third quarter of 2026, with the Formula X sports car, touted as being “80% identical to the real car,” slated for a 2027 debut.
But Fang Cheng Bao wasn’t the only BYD brand making waves. As reported by Electric Cars Report, Denza—the premium arm of BYD—unveiled the Denza Z, an all-electric supercar that signals the brand’s entry into the ultra-high-performance segment. Designed by Wolfgang Egger, the Denza Z boasts over 1,000 horsepower and can rocket from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in under two seconds. The supercar integrates BYD’s latest battery technology and ultra-fast FLASH Charging, promising both blistering speed and long-distance usability. Already tested at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the Denza Z is set for a global debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, positioning itself as a serious competitor to European supercar legends.
Meanwhile, BYD’s Ocean Series expanded with the introduction of the SEAL 08 sedan and SEALION 08 SUV. These models are aimed squarely at premium family buyers, offering upscale interiors, zero-gravity seats, massage functions, and advanced technology. Both vehicles utilize BYD’s second-generation Blade Battery and FLASH Charging, enabling rapid charging and improved efficiency, along with advanced suspension systems for a smoother ride. The SEALION 08, with its three-row, six-seat configuration, emphasizes practicality without sacrificing luxury or style.
Looking even further ahead, BYD presented the OCEAN-V concept—a “mobility cube” that reimagines the car interior as a flexible, multi-use space. Configurable for driving, entertainment, or even camping, the concept reflects a broader trend in the industry: vehicles are evolving from mere transportation to lifestyle hubs, especially for families and younger consumers seeking versatility.
In the realm of high-performance, Yangwang, BYD’s ultra-luxury sub-brand, showcased the production version of the U9 Xtreme hypercar, now christened “The Dawn.” With a top speed of 496 km/h and a Nürburgring lap time under seven minutes, the U9 Xtreme is aimed at collectors and driving enthusiasts who demand both speed and exclusivity. Yangwang also introduced the U8L Four-Seater Dingzang Edition, a luxury SUV with a four-seat layout, premium materials, and the latest in battery and motor technology.
Not to be overshadowed, BYD’s mainstream models continue to push boundaries in affordability and technology. The third-generation Yuan PLUS (also known as ATTO 3 globally) was updated with FLASH Charging, LiDAR-assisted driver assistance, and a refreshed interior focused on connectivity and practicality. With over a million units sold worldwide, the Yuan PLUS plays a central role in BYD’s global strategy.
While BYD’s luxury offerings grabbed headlines in Beijing, the company’s efforts to democratize EVs are perhaps best exemplified by the Dolphin Surf. As reviewed by Car and Driver and AOL on April 24, 2026, the Dolphin Surf stands out as one of the most affordable EVs in Europe. This supermini, measuring just 157.1 inches in length, is available in three variants: Active, Boost, and Comfort. U.K. pricing ranges from £18,650 ($25,200) to £23,950 ($32,350), undercutting most competitors in its class. The base Active model features a 30-kWh battery and 87 horsepower, while the Boost and Comfort models use a 43-kWh battery, with the Comfort boasting a 154-hp motor. Although the Dolphin Surf’s styling has been described as “gawky” and less refined than European rivals, its technology is far ahead of its price tag.
The Dolphin Surf is built on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0, which fully integrates the cobalt-free Blade battery pack as a structural element. This platform is shared with larger models like the Atto 3 and Seal, and allows for modular drive configurations—though the Dolphin Surf is front-wheel drive only. The car’s electronic systems are consolidated into a single module, integrating the drive motor, transmission, battery management, DC converter, microcontroller, and charger into a compact, space-saving unit. Despite some cost-saving measures—such as the absence of a rear wiper, parcel shelf, and the use of basic plastics—the Dolphin Surf comes well-equipped. Features include cloud connectivity for over-the-air updates, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, a digital key, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen that rotates between landscape and portrait (though portrait mode disables phone connectivity).
Performance is modest, with the Boost model achieving a 0-62 mph time of 12.1 seconds and a real-world range of around 150 miles. The car is best suited to city driving, where its compact size, efficient packaging, and comfortable front seats shine. However, reviewers noted that the ride can be stiff and the driving dynamics somewhat unrefined, making longer journeys less appealing. Still, as Car and Driver pointed out, BYD’s rapid iteration and technological integration mean that each new generation is likely to close the gap with established European brands even faster.
BYD’s comprehensive showcase in Beijing highlighted not only its technological prowess but also its strategic vision. From affordable superminis like the Dolphin Surf to hypercars and luxury SUVs, BYD is positioning itself as a force to be reckoned with in every segment of the EV market. Its relentless pace of innovation, combined with a willingness to experiment and adapt, suggests that the company’s influence will only grow—both in China and far beyond its borders.
With each new unveiling, BYD is making it clear: the electric future is already here, and it’s coming in every shape, size, and price point imaginable.