Original Source: BCC Global
February 12, 2025 | 09:31
Introduction
On February 10, BYD announced at its Intelligent Strategy Launch that its “Eye of the Gods” smart driving system will be available across all its models. For vehicles priced above CNY 100,000 (USD ~14,000), the system will be standard, while most models under CNY 100,000 will also feature it, ushering in the era of “smart driving for all.”
BYD’s “Eye of the Gods” Expands Across the Entire Lineup—The CNY 100,000 Market Takes Center Stage
At the February 10 launch event, BYD introduced its latest advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS), “Eye of the Gods,” covering all its models. For vehicles priced above CNY 100,000, the system will be fully integrated, while most sub-CNY 100,000 models will include it, marking the arrival of the “universal smart driving era.” Among 21 new models set to launch in 2025, all but the lowest trims will feature this system, covering MPVs, sedans, SUVs, and more. For instance, the new mid-to-large MPV “Xia” comes standard with “Eye of the Gods C”, selling over 10,000 units in its first month.
The “Eye of the Gods” system is divided into three versions: A, B, and C.
- “Eye of the Gods A”: A high-end three-lidar version (DiPilot 600) designed for Yangwang-branded models. It features a 508 TOPS smart driving chip, three lidar sensors, 11 cameras, 5 millimeter-wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic radars.
- “Eye of the Gods B”: A laser-enhanced high-level ADAS (DiPilot 300) used in Denza and BYD models. It includes a 254 TOPS smart driving chip, one or two lidar sensors, 11-12 cameras, 5 millimeter-wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic radars.
- “Eye of the Gods C”: A tri-camera high-level ADAS (DiPilot 100) for BYD models. It features an 84 TOPS smart driving chip but no lidar. Instead, it relies on 12 cameras, 5 millimeter-wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic radars, including:
- 3 x 8MP front cameras
- 4 x 3MP surround cameras
- 4 x 3MP side cameras
- 1 x 3MP rear camera
Hardware-Heavy + Data-Driven Approach—Can BYD’s System Compete with Seasoned Drivers?
Sensor Configuration
- “Eye of the Gods A”: Deployed in Yangwang U8 and similar models, featuring three lidar sensors and 12 cameras with 508 TOPS computing power, enabling “racing-level autonomous driving” even in complex environments.
- “Eye of the Gods B”: Uses a 254 TOPS smart driving chip, one or two lidar sensors, 11-12 cameras, 5 millimeter-wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic radars.
- “Eye of the Gods C”: Implements a world-first tri-camera + 5R12V12U sensor array, consisting of 3 x 8MP front cameras, 5 millimeter-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic radars, and 12 surround/side cameras, totaling 29 sensors for 360-degree coverage.
Feature Highlights
- Highway NOA (Navigate on Autopilot): Supports automatic on/off-ramp handling, intelligent lane changes, and overtaking. The system can predict exits 1 km in advance and alert the driver, with lane changes reportedly as smooth as a veteran driver’s maneuvering.
- Smart Parking: Leverages high-precision sensors to identify tight parking spots and execute one-tap parking maneuvers. Reverse parking trajectories are highly accurate, though parallel parking adjustments still need refinement.
- Data-Driven Learning: BYD leverages a cloud database from 4.4 million L2+ vehicles, accumulating 72 million km of training data daily. The algorithm updates every seven days, meaning the more the system is used, the smarter it gets.
Comparing “Eye of the Gods” with Huawei, XPeng, and Tesla’s Smart Driving Systems
Technical Pathways & Algorithm Logic
- “Eye of the Gods” follows a multi-sensor fusion + pure vision dual-track strategy.
- The A version uses lidar + millimeter-wave radar + camera fusion, while
- The C version adopts a cost-effective “tri-camera + 4D millimeter-wave radar” approach.
- BYD’s proprietary “Xuanji Architecture” ensures a closed-loop data cycle, processing 12 million km of real-world driving data daily.
- The model updates every seven days, prioritizing scale-driven data learning.
- However, its urban NOA coverage is still catching up.
- Huawei ADS: Relies on multi-sensor fusion + high-precision mapping, combining lidar, millimeter-wave radar, and cameras for safety and stability. The ADS 3.0 system employs end-to-end AI models, backed by Huawei’s HarmonyOS and cloud computing. It currently covers over 40,000 urban areas in China but has high hardware costs due to lidar.
- XPeng XNGP: Focuses on “strong perception, minimal mapping”, leveraging the XNet deep vision network and game-theory algorithms to handle complex city environments like densely packed electric scooter lanes. Its BEV + Transformer architecture reduces reliance on HD maps, allowing for faster deployment in unmapped areas.
- Tesla FSD: Sticks to a pure vision + end-to-end AI model, trained on over 2 billion km of global driving data. While this ensures strong adaptability, it struggles with China’s chaotic road conditions, such as three-wheeled vehicles and unpredictable lane changes. Data export restrictions have also slowed localization efforts in China.
Industry Shake-Up & Consumer Shifts—How Will Mass-Market Smart Driving Change the Game?
Industry Impact
- Accelerated Adoption: BYD’s cost-reduction strategy brings highway NOA to CNY 100,000 cars, forcing competitors to follow suit and democratizing smart driving.
- Technology Differentiation: Huawei and XPeng focus on urban NOA, while BYD’s strength lies in its massive data ecosystem and full-stack R&D, potentially expanding to higher-tier urban navigation in the future.
Consumer Behavior Shift
- Buying Criteria Changes: BYD’s CEO Wang Chuanfu predicts, “By 2025, car buyers will prioritize smart driving.” In 2-3 years, ADAS may become as essential as seatbelts, and non-ADAS models could become a niche category.
- User Experience Upgrade:
- New drivers will benefit from automated parking and traffic-jam assist.
- Families may prefer MPV models like the Xia, with rear-row luxury features like massage seats and onboard refrigerators.
Supply Chain Implications
- Surging Demand for Hardware: The boom in lidar, high-performance chips, and sensors has already sent related stock prices soaring.
- Policy Catalysts: Shenzhen is pioneering “vehicle-road-cloud integration” pilot programs, improving legislation and insurance to support smart driving commercialization.
Conclusion
BYD aims to replicate its EV market success in the smart driving sector with “Eye of the Gods.” However, urban NOA is not yet available on sub-CNY 200,000 models, leaving it behind Huawei and XPeng’s “point-to-point” full-scene coverage. Nevertheless, breaking into the CNY 100,000 market with ADAS is a critical milestone—as smart driving moves beyond luxury vehicles, China’s global competitiveness in the auto industry is set for another leap forward.
[Disclaimer] The content above is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Please exercise caution when making investment decisions.