BYD unveils its new autonomous driving system “God's Eye”: Better than Tesla's?

Chinese manufacturer BYD has presented a major update to its "God's Eye" autonomous driving system, extending its functions to its entire range of electric vehicles. With versions adapted for different segments, Even its most affordable model, the $9,500 Seagull EV, will feature advanced driver-assistance capabilities. This move challenges the perception that high-level autonomy is exclusive to luxury cars and positions BYD as a strong competitor in the industry. In addition, the company has integrated DeepSeek artificial intelligence to improve the accuracy and personalization of its AI systems.

Autonomous driving technology for everyone

BYD's "God's Eye" system comes in three versions: A (DiPilot 600) for luxury models, B (DiPilot 300) for premium brands and C (DiPilot 100) for affordable vehicles. The most advanced version has three LiDAR sensors, while the cheapest one is based on a set of cameras and ultrasonic sensors. This technological deployment enables functions such as autonomous navigation on motorways, automatic parking via smartphone and overtaking without driver intervention.

BYD will equip 21 models with this system, setting a new industry standard by offering these features at no additional cost in mid- and low-priced vehicles. With this, the company seeks to make autonomous driving as essential as seat belts and airbags, according to founder Wang Chuanfu.

Challenging Tesla's dominance in China

BYD's strategy represents a direct threat to Tesla's dominance in the electric vehicle market, especially in China, where both companies are competing for supremacy. While Tesla charges RMB 64,000 ($8,800) for its self-driving package, BYD has decided to include these features as standard in vehicles that cost less than $14,000.

Even its most affordable model, the $9,500 Seagull EV, will feature advanced assisted driving capabilities, This marks a milestone in the accessibility of this technology. This strategy of “democratising” autonomy could redefine the market and put pressure on other manufacturers to offer similar features without increasing prices.

AI and autonomous driving: BYD's bet with DeepSeek

The integration of DeepSeek artificial intelligence is another key step in the evolution of BYD's autonomous driving. Its AI model, R1, will be implemented within BYD’s Xuanji framework, optimizing the system’s accuracy and personalization. This advancement will allow vehicles to not only react better to their environment, but also adapt their behavior to the driver's preferences.

The collaboration with DeepSeek is not exclusive to BYD, as other Chinese brands such as Geely and Great Wall Motors have also adopted this technology. This strengthens the position of Chinese AI in the global market, increasing competition with Western companies such as Tesla and Waymo.

Autonomous driving as the new norm

BYD is betting on a future in which autonomous driving is no longer a luxury, but a standard feature in all vehicles. Its new models promise driver-free highway travel of more than 1,000 kilometers, matching or even surpassing Tesla's current performance.

This strategy not only boosts BYD’s competitiveness, but could also redefine consumer expectations of what a smart car is. As more manufacturers jump on the bandwagon, advanced AI features are likely to become a minimum requirement in the automotive industry.

A new paradigm in electric mobility

BYD's decision to include autonomous driving in all its models represents a turning point in the electric vehicle sector. By making this technology accessible at no additional cost, the company is not only challenging Tesla, but also ushering in a new era in mobility.

The future of autonomous driving will no longer be exclusive to luxury cars, but an everyday reality for millions of drivers around the world. By integrating advanced AI and expanding its “God's Eye” system, BYD could be leading the next big revolution in the automotive industry.