Byton previews new concept electric sedan

China-based start-up firm Byton has announced that it will unveil a concept version of its second vehicle, an electric sedan, in June at CES Asia in Shanghai. It has released the first pictures to preview its design.

Even though the images only feature outer lines, they suggest that the model will feature a sleek look akin to its SUV sibling. The sedan is likely to follow the example of the SUV with a focus on interior comfort and connectivity. Like the SUV, the interior will also be dominated by a large touchscreen, with a digital tablet built into the steering wheel.

While the SUV is due to go on sale in China in late 2019 (with US and European sales following in 2020), the sedan is set to be launched in 2021 – most likely with an initial focus on the Chinese market, again.

The machine will be built on the same platform as the previously shown concept SUV. It is the second of three EVs that will form the firm’s early line-up, with a seven-seat MPV set to follow. Benoit Jacob, Byton’s design chief who previously worked at BMW’s 'i' division, said that using the same platform architecture for all three models is what allowed the new firm to launch them relatively quickly without straining the company's production process.

Byton plans to build all its vehicles at its new plant in Nanjing, China, which is also due to be officially opened in June. That facility will have a capacity to produce around 3,00,000 cars a year. Byton may also open a localised plant in the United States, depending on what trade restrictions are in place at the time.