Car manufacturer Byton continues testing its new all-electric SUV called the M-Byte in the harsh weather conditions of Inner Mongolia. The test mules have covered thousands of kilometers of roads in the country where temperatures frequently dropped to -30°С (-22°F). To make sure that all units and components of the new car operate perfectly, the manufacturer even postponed the market launch from January to mid-year 2019.
According to the company, the tests enabled it to collect valuable data concerning the performance of the chassis, traction battery, climate control, engine and other components.
Customers will get two versions of the car to choose between. One of these comes with an electric motor rated at 272 hp / 203 kW, 400 kilometers (250 miles) of NEDC range, and a rear wheel drive. The other one ships with two motors churning out 476 hp (355 kW) working together, an all-wheel-drive system, and 520 km (323 mi) of range.
The final production version of the Byton M-Byte will ship with a humongous 48-inch Shared Experience Display (not touch-enabled), an 8-inch center console display, a 7-inch steering wheel screen, and a couple more touchscreens for the rear passengers.
The production will begin in Nanjing, China, with first vehicles scheduled to arrive to their owners by the end of 2019. Prices start from U.S. $45,000. Byton intends to eventually make the model available outside of China as well.
Photos: Byton