The Qin started out as the plug-in hybrid version of the BYD Surui, and was introduced in the Chinese market in August 2012.

The Qin is the successor of the BYD F3DM, the world's first mass-produced PHEV automobile which launched in China in 2008.

[5] The second generation model includes two variants was released in September 2018 as the BYD Qin Pro, which was available as an ICE vehicle, PHEV and BEV.

The BYD Qin concept car was unveiled at the 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition.

[8][10][11] The plug-in hybrid variant (which was the only variant available in the beginning) currently offers a NEDC all-electric range of 82 km (51 mi)[12] and a hybrid electric powertrain that can extend the car's total range to a distance similar to that of a conventional petrol-powered vehicle.

The LiFePO4 battery has a high energy density, can withstand up to 4,000 charges and still retain 80 percent performance, and uses no toxic heavy metals in its manufacture.

BYD said the Qin would be seven percent more efficient with savings in power and energy in all-electric (EV) mode.

[16] The BYD Qin EV300 is powered by a 218 hp electric motor and a battery pack that is expected to deliver a range of 300 km (190 mi).

With its enlarged dimensions, the sedan occupies a higher segment, commonly known as the "A+ class" in China which is larger than the global C-segment.

[24][25]BYD offered three different powertrains on the model: the Qin Pro was available as an all-electric car, as a plug-in hybrid and as a conventional gasoline ICE vehicle.

Compared to the Qin Pro, it features restyled front and rear ends, while dimensions are unchanged.

[27] BYD started selling a sister model of the Qin Plus DM-i, the Destroyer 05 in March 2022.

[29][21] The DM-i powertrain of the Qin Plus combines a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine with a single electric motor for a total output of about 170 horsepower (127 kW; 172 PS).

[21] In February 2023, BYD introduced the Qin Plus DM-i Champion Edition with a reduced price.

[30] In February 2024, BYD reduced the price of the vehicle further by introducing the Qin Plus DM-i Honor Edition.