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 under its Fang Cheng Bao (FCB) sub-brand — FCB's first sedan and GT models — with 5 variants priced from 189,900 to 239,900 yuan (~$28,000–$35,000).
- Fang Cheng Bao is BYD's fifth sub-brand alongside Denza, Yangwang, and the Dynasty/Ocean series, previously known for rugged off-road SUVs like the Bao 8 and Bao 5.
- The Formula S sedan undercuts the Tesla Model 3 RWD in China on both price (189,900 yuan vs. 235,500 yuan) and CLTC range (466 miles vs. 394 miles).
- All Formula S models come standard with BYD's God Eye B ADAS system (high-speed navigation on autopilot, full-scenario parking) and second-gen Blade Batteries with Flash Charging that goes from 10% to 70% in 5 minutes, or 10% to 97% in 9 minutes.
- The Formula S sedan measures 5,060 mm long with a 2,960 mm wheelbase — slightly larger than the Tesla Model 3 — and ships with either DiSus-A or DiSus-M intelligent body control, marketed as 'one car, two personalities.'
- BYD's overseas Formula S plans remain uncertain, but FCB models are already expanding abroad — the Ti 7 (global version of China's Tai 7) recently launched in the UK and Europe.
Why it matters: The Formula S undercuts the Tesla Model 3 RWD by roughly $7,000 (189,900 vs. 235,500 yuan) while delivering 72 more miles of CLTC range and 5-minute fast-charging — a direct price-and-spec attack on Tesla's core Chinese sedan. For Tesla, that widens the value gap in a market where domestic rivals already outsell it, and for Chinese EV buyers it blurs the line between 'budget' and 'premium' electric sedans.
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