Previously, such advanced features were primarily available in high-end models, such as Tesla’s Model 3, which has a starting price of over $32,000 in China.
BYD’s founder, Wang Chuanfu, stated, “Autonomous driving is no longer a remote rarity, it’s a necessary tool,” emphasising that self-driving technology would soon become an essential safety feature, comparable to seat belts and airbags.
The “God’s Eye” system is designed to improve driver assistance capabilities and will be deployed in three versions. The basic version, God’s Eye C, will be used in BYD-branded vehicles such as the Seagull and will feature 12 cameras, five wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic radars.The mid-tier God’s Eye B, which integrates LiDAR, will be introduced in the company’s premium brands, Denza and Fang Cheng Bao. The most advanced version, God’s Eye A, will be exclusive to BYD’s luxury Yangwang series, incorporating three LiDAR sensors and the company’s most sophisticated driver-assistance system, DiPilot 600.
To further enhance autonomous driving capabilities, BYD will integrate software from AI startup DeepSeek, a company that has gained recognition for developing a chatbot rivalling American AI models at a significantly lower cost. The incorporation of DeepSeek’s software is expected to improve vehicle intelligence and personalise user experiences.
Analysts have suggested that BYD’s latest move could intensify China’s ongoing EV price war, as automakers compete for greater market share.
According to a Bloomberg report, China’s automotive sector, the world’s largest, recorded nearly 11 million electric and hybrid vehicle sales in the past year, marking a 40% rise from 2023.
BYD contributed approximately 4.2 million units to this total. The company’s quarterly revenue surpassed that of Tesla for the first time in the third quarter, highlighting its growing dominance in the industry.
