In China's fiercely competitive mid-size sedan market, the BYD Han DM-i Glory Edition is challenging the long-standing dominance of the Honda Accord. According to Autohome, the comparison at the 200,000-yuan (about $28,200) price point reveals a shifting landscape where Chinese brands now offer more value than their joint-venture rivals.
The 11th-generation Accord, produced by GAC Honda, has been a benchmark in the segment for years. It is available with either a petrol engine or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, with a guide price range of 179,800 to 258,800 yuan (about $25,300 to $36,500). The recommended trim for a 200,000-yuan budget is the Ruite Dynamic Excellence Edition, which is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 192 hp (143 kW) and 260 Nm of torque, paired with a CVT gearbox. Autohome's testing shows a 0-100 km/h time of 9.22 seconds and fuel consumption of 8.6 L/100 km.
In contrast, the BYD Han DM-i Glory Edition, which starts at a similar price point, offers a plug-in hybrid system combining a 1.5-litre engine with an electric motor. The 18.316 kWh Blade Battery provides a pure electric range of 121 km (NEDC), and the official 0-100 km/h time is 7.9 seconds. With a depleted battery, fuel consumption drops to 4.2 L/100 km, and the car supports fast charging up to 40 kW and vehicle-to-load (V2L) discharge up to 6 kW.
Design and interior
The 11th-generation Accord adopts a retro design language, featuring a flat black hexagonal grille and slim LED headlights, evoking a 1990s aesthetic. The Han DM-i, on the other hand, continues BYD's Dragon Face design with a large grille and crystal LED headlights, giving it a more aggressive and modern look. The Han's body has a drag coefficient of 0.233 Cd, aided by hidden door handles.
Inside, the Accord uses soft-touch materials and a honeycomb metal trim across the dashboard, with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen running Honda CONNECT 4.0. The Han features a symmetrical wraparound cabin with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen powered by the DiLink 100 intelligent cockpit system, based on a 6nm chip with 5G connectivity.
Features and value
The Han DM-i Glory Edition comes generously equipped with a 360-degree camera, transparent chassis, remote parking, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver monitoring system, among others. It also includes a 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system, 50W wireless phone charging, and a PM2.5 air purification system. The Accord counters with a BOSE audio system with active noise cancellation and a head-up display.
In terms of practicality, the Accord offers a larger 575-litre boot, while the Han provides 470 litres but includes a powered tailgate. The Han's rear seats cannot be folded, limiting cargo flexibility.
The price difference is significant: the Accord's PHEV version costs nearly 30,000 yuan (about $4,200) more than its petrol counterpart, while the Han DM-i achieves 'electric cheaper than petrol' pricing. The Han also adds more standard safety and convenience features, making it a compelling choice for buyers in this segment. As Autohome asks, which would you choose?
