BYD has made headlines by launching its cutting-edge autonomous driving system, dubbed "God’s Eye". This significant addition to their vehicle features aims to broaden the offer of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) across various models, including popular options like the Dolphin Mini.
Announced by CEO Wang Chuanfu during an online event this week, the God’s Eye system reflects BYD's commitment to making advanced technology accessible. It will be available on 21 models manufactured primarily in China, aiming to democratize features usually reserved for high-end vehicles.
The system comprises three tiers: "A", "B", and "C". The base model, God’s Eye C, provides navigation only on dedicated roads through its 12 cameras and 17 radars. The mid-tier version B includes advanced LiDAR technology, capable of sensing objects using laser detection. The most advanced version A boasts three LiDAR sensors and integrates cutting-edge technologies for more sophisticated navigation. Notably, the B and A versions extend their capabilities to city navigation, surpassing what even Mercedes-Benz's advanced Drive Pilot offers. This kind of accessibility is groundbreaking, especially considering the initial price point of the Dolphin Mini starts at R$ 60 thousand, making it competitive.
Speaking about the new system, Wang said, "The God’s Eye C supports navigation only on roads, whereas versions A and B also offer navigation within cities." This multifunctionality is expected to set new standards within the automotive industry.
BYD's decision to implement such advanced technology across its product range contrasts sharply with Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. Tesla has faced criticism for relying solely on cameras, which has allegedly led to inconsistencies and safety concerns. The combination of sensors, radars, and AI adopted by BYD aims to provide superior performance, catering to users who seek reliable technology without exorbitant costs.
According to reports from Noticias Automotivas, the God’s Eye C version delivers semi-autonomous driving capacity right out of the box. It includes 12 cameras, 5 millimeter-wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors—which together grant it a 360° view and remarkable precision. This system can detect objects up to 300 meters away with only 1 centimeter of margin for error, reflecting significant advancements over existing options.
The power of the system lies not just in its components, but also its processing capabilities—ranging from 100 to 600 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second) depending on the version. This increased processing power enables faster response times and more accurate environmental interpretation. Such advancements mark BYD's positioning at the forefront of autonomous driving technology.
The announcement not only showcases innovation but also indicates BYD’s growing market influence. The company reported a staggering 41% increase in sales year-over-year, contrasting sharply with the declining stock of its competitors XPeng, NIO, and Li Auto post-announcement. Meanwhile, Tesla continues to grapple with challenges surrounding its FSD, which is criticized for safety lapses and overly ambitious timescales for achieving true autonomy.
Overall, BYD's God’s Eye is more than just another product rollout; it's a statement—the automaker is ready to redefine the standards of accessibility and functionality within the autonomous driving market. By offering these enhancements at no additional cost, BYD sets the stage for industry transformation and increased consumer expectations. While Elon Musk continues to face scrutiny for Tesla's shortcomings, BYD seems primed to take the lead, making autonomy attainable for many rather than just the affluent.
The automotive world is watching closely as BYD carves out its space among the giants, and with innovations like the God’s Eye, the future of driving is undeniably exciting for all consumers.