Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD has announced plans to install its advanced “God’s Eye” self-driving system across its entire vehicle range, as it looks to challenge Elon Musk’s Tesla even further
The system will equip even BYD’s most affordable models with premium features like remote parking via smartphones and autonomous overtaking capabilities.
This democratisation of advanced driver-assistance technology represents a major challenge to competitors in the world’s largest auto market, where such features have typically been reserved for luxury vehicles.
The “God’s Eye” system comes in three distinct tiers, with varying capabilities based on vehicle positioning.
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The new ‘God’s Eye’ self-driving technology will be backed by DeepSeek AI
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The premium “God’s Eye A” variant, featuring three LiDAR sensors, will be reserved for BYD’s high-end Yangwang brand.
A mid-tier “God’s Eye B” system, equipped with one LiDAR unit, will be fitted to the semi-premium Denza brand and flagship BYD vehicles.
The entry-level “God’s Eye C” utilises 12 cameras and 12 ultrasonic radar sensors, offering highway autonomous navigation with plans to expand to city streets.
All three variants will be integrated with DeepSeek AI to enhance capabilities, just weeks after the Chinese AI technology sent shockwaves across financial markets.
Speaking at an event in Shenzhen, BYD’s founder Wang Chuanfu declared the company was “starting an era where autonomous driving is for everyone”.
He emphasised that advanced driver-assistance systems were “no longer an unattainable luxury, but an essential tool… like safety belts and airbags”.
This marks a significant shift for BYD, which despite being China’s largest EV producer, had previously been viewed as lagging in self-driving capabilities.
BYD has joined several Chinese automakers, including Geely, Great Wall Motor and Stellantis partner Leapmotor, in integrating DeepSeek AI into their vehicle systems.
Analysts anticipate that DeepSeek’s integration will allow for more advanced in-car voice commands and enhanced AI capabilities.
BYD’s announcement of the “God’s Eye” system sent its Hong Kong-listed shares surging 21 per cent over five trading sessions.
The system “filled the void” in the self-driving market for vehicles priced below £16,611, according to S&P Global Mobility analyst Lu Daokuan.
Currently, only about 8.5 per cent of Chinese light vehicles feature Level 2 partial automation, with Chinese consumers showing greater willingness to pay for sophisticated in-car technology.
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BYD is quickly becoming the best-selling electric vehicle brand in the world
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The move puts significant pressure on competitors, including Tesla, which is seeking Beijing’s approval for its “full self-driving” software.
“No matter whether on hardware specifications or smart-driving functions, BYD’s cars are taking the lead over all the competitors in the segment,” said Lu Daokuan from S&P Global Mobility.
