BYD undercuts the Tesla Model 3 with its new Formula S EV, starting at under $29,000 — SkimNews
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- BYD launched the Formula S series — its first sedan and grand touring models — under the Fang Cheng Bao sub-brand, priced 189,900–239,900 yuan (~$28,000–$35,000).
- Formula S sedan starts at 189,900 yuan with 750 km of CLTC range, while the Tesla Model 3 RWD starts at 235,500 yuan (~$35,000) with 634 km of range — a ~46,000 yuan gap on base trims.
- Formula S lineup includes three sedan variants (RWD, long-range RWD, AWD) and two GT variants (RWD, AWD), with the long-range sedan offering up to 900 km and the GT RWD hitting 850 km of CLTC range.
- All Formula S models feature God's Eye B ADAS with high-speed autopilot and full-scenario intelligent parking, and charge from 10% to 70% in five minutes via flash charging with Blade Batteries (10% to 97% in nine minutes).
- Formula S sedan measures 5,060 mm long with a 2,960 mm wheelbase — slightly larger than the Model 3 — and comes with a 26-inch AR-HUD, zero-gravity passenger seat, and 6.9L smart refrigerator.
- Fang Cheng Bao is BYD's fifth sub-brand alongside Denza, Yangwang, Dynasty, and Ocean series; international launch of the Formula S is undecided, though FCB's Ti 7 recently debuted in the UK and Europe.
Why it matters: BYD now offers Chinese buyers a sub-$29,000 sedan delivering up to 750 km of CLTC range — longer than the Model 3's 634 km and priced about 46,000 yuan below the base Model 3 RWD. This intensifies cost pressure on Tesla in China and resets the value bar for mass-market electric sedans like the Xiaomi SU7.
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