BYD Yuan UP Debuts At Guatemala Auto Show

At the 2025 Guatemala International Auto Show, BYD Yuan UP made a strong debut as a pure electric SUV. With the technical accumulation of e platform 3.0 and precise market positioning, it has become the focus of attention in the Latin American market. This car not only carries BYD's ambition for globalization strategy, but also redefines the value standard of CNY100,000 pure electric SUV with the dual labels of "high cost performance + intelligence".

Yuan UP is built on BYD's fourth-generation pure electric exclusive platform e3.0, and its core advantages lie in high integration and safety. The eight-in-one electric powertrain adopted by the platform deeply integrates modules such as motors and electronic controls to increase system efficiency to 97%. With CTB battery-body integration technology, it not only increases the body torsional stiffness to 40500N・m/deg, but also optimizes the battery energy density to 160Wh/kg. The direct benefits of this technological breakthrough are: 401km CLTC range (actual urban working condition achievement rate is close to 100%) and ultra-low power consumption of 12kWh/100km, which perfectly meet the commuting needs of Guatemala City.

In addition, the wide temperature range heat pump system can work stably in an environment of -30℃ to 40℃, and with the intelligent thermal management technology of the blade battery, it can ensure the stability of endurance even in the face of extreme temperature differences in plateau areas. For the mountainous terrain common in the Latin American market, the front McPherson + rear torsion beam suspension of Yuan UP has been specially adjusted, and the minimum turning radius of 5.25 meters and the power output of the 130kW motor make it easy to perform in narrow streets and steep slopes.

The biggest innovation of the Yuan UP Intelligent Driving Edition is that the entire series is equipped with the "Eye of God C - High-end Intelligent Driving System". This system achieves multi-scene coverage through 29 sensors (including 5 mm-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic radars and 12 cameras). On highways, its high-speed navigation function can automatically complete ramp entry and exit, lane keeping and smart overtaking; on urban roads, the full-scene parking assistance and 3D transparent imaging system solve the parking pain points of novice drivers. What is more noteworthy is that the system supports full-scene SR rendering, can recognize traffic signs in real time and project them to the HUD, which is a first in CNY100,000-level models.

In terms of the cockpit, the Yuan UP is equipped with the DiLink 100 intelligent network connection system, and the 12.8-inch rotating central control screen and the 8.8-inch instrument form a dual-screen interaction, supporting 3D car control, four-tone zone voice interaction and a million-level application ecosystem. Configurations such as 50W wireless fast charging and VTOL mobile power station (reverse power supply 3.3kW) further strengthen its "mobile smart terminal" attributes. For the family travel scenarios preferred by Latin American consumers, the 2620mm wheelbase brings a flat rear platform and 1320L expansion space, combined with the panoramic skylight and rear air-conditioning outlets, provides a leapfrog ride comfort.

BYD's layout in the Guatemala market reflects the dual logic of "technology accessibility" and "scenario adaptation". The entry-level model of Yuan UP (99,800 CNY) has a standard 401km range and L2-level assisted driving, which is an absolute advantage over fuel vehicles of the same level. In response to the Latin American market's dependence on pickup trucks, BYD uses the "SUV + pickup truck" dual product line strategy, with Yuan UP focusing on urban new energy transformation, and simultaneously introducing Jiangling and JAC pickup trucks to strengthen the commercial vehicle market, forming a complementary effect.

In terms of channel construction, BYD has established a KD factory in Guatemala, and through cooperation with the Continental Group, has expanded its after-sales service network to many countries in Central America. Its six-year/150,000-kilometer vehicle warranty + three-electric lifetime warranty policy effectively eliminates local consumers' concerns about new energy vehicles. Data shows that since its launch in 2024, Yuan UP has been the sales champion of Chinese brand small SUVs for 8 consecutive months, and its monthly sales in January 2025 exceeded 24,000 units, confirming its market acceptance.

Although Yuan UP is competitive in technology and configuration, the particularity of the Latin American market still needs to be addressed. For example, the coverage rate of charging infrastructure in Guatemala is less than 30%. BYD is cooperating with the government through an integrated solution of photovoltaic storage and charging, and plans to deploy 200 fast charging stations in major cities in the next three years. In addition, in response to localized production needs in Mexico, Brazil and other regions, BYD has launched a feasibility study on building a second factory in Latin America to avoid potential trade barriers.

The debut of BYD Yuan UP in Guatemala is not only a market expansion for a model, but also a microcosm of the transformation of Chinese auto brands from "product output" to "technology output". The core of its success lies in: using e-platform 3.0 as a technical anchor, through a combination of intelligence and high cost performance, it accurately cuts into the demand gap in the Latin American new energy market. As the global energy transition accelerates, Yuan UP may become a model for Chinese auto companies to "break through" in emerging markets.