BYD's flagship SUV debuts with a magnetic shortcut controller that looks strikingly similar to Xiaomi's idea.
BYD has unveiled the new Great Tang in China, and one unusual feature immediately caught the attention of industry observers. The flagship SUV comes equipped with the new BYD Smart Button, a compact wireless controller that attaches to the cabin using magnets and provides quick access to various vehicle functions.
The accessory supports single presses, double presses, and rotational inputs, and can be customized to control more than 20 different features. According to BYD, the idea is to let drivers adjust key settings without taking their eyes off the road or navigating through touchscreen menus.
What has sparked discussion, however, is how familiar the concept looks. Xiaomi recently introduced a nearly identical solution for its YU7 crossover. That system also relies on magnetic buttons that can be positioned throughout the cabin and programmed to control both vehicle functions and smart-home devices.
The timing is particularly interesting given recent comments from BYD executives, who argued that Chinese automakers should focus more on developing their own technologies rather than borrowing ideas from rivals. Still, competition in China's EV market is fierce, and manufacturers have become increasingly quick to adopt successful concepts introduced by others.
As for the Great Tang itself, the SUV remains one of BYD's most highly anticipated launches. The company says preorders have already topped 100,000 units. Positioned as the new flagship of the Dynasty lineup, the all-electric SUV is claimed to offer up to 590 miles of range under the Chinese CLTC testing cycle.
The story surrounding the magnetic controller is unlikely to create any serious friction between the two automakers. If anything, it highlights just how rapidly useful design ideas spread across China's fast-moving automotive industry.