Tesla rival to equip sub-$10,000 hatchback with premium features.
BYD, China’s leading electric vehicle maker and Tesla’s top rival, has introduced its in-house developed self-driving system, “God’s Eye,” which will be installed across its entire lineup, including the budget-friendly Seagull hatchback priced at Rmb70,000 ($9,600).
The system will bring advanced features typically found in premium EVs, such as remote smartphone-controlled parking and autonomous overtaking. BYD founder Wang Chuanfu described this move as ushering in “an era where autonomous driving is for everyone,” emphasizing that such technology should be as standard as seat belts and airbags.
BYD, known for its cost-efficient, vertically integrated production, has dominated China’s EV market but has lagged in self-driving capabilities. News of the update drove a 21% surge in BYD’s Hong Kong-listed shares over five sessions last week.
Analysts say the launch fills a major gap in the sub-Rmb150,000 self-driving market. “BYD is leading in hardware specs and smart-driving functions in this segment,” said Lu Daokuan of S&P Global Mobility.
China’s appetite for high-tech vehicles is strong, with consumers more willing to pay for in-car technology than their Western counterparts. Meanwhile, Tesla is seeking regulatory approval for its “full self-driving” software in China.
BYD has also joined forces with Chinese AI leader DeepSeek, alongside automakers like Geely and Great Wall Motor, to enhance vehicle intelligence, a move analysts say could drive further innovation in the sector.
