Honda Ye Series EVs Unveiled Ahead Of Auto China 2024

The newly unveiled Honda Ye series of EVs for China sees three initial models ready - the P7 and S7 crossovers, plus a sleek GT Concept.

Meet the new Honda Ye Series that’s set to see the Japanese automaker take the fight directly against EV-making giants BYD. Made both for and in China, the trio of cars unveiled – which includes a sleek GT – are the first of six planned in total by Honda under this Ye sub-banner.

Before you ask, ‘Ye’ is pronounced similarly as you would say ‘yay’ – like the short nickname of rapper Kanye West. In Mandarin, “Ye” (烨) translates to “shine” and, aptly, that’s the adjective that best describes the designs each model  wears.

All three sport distinct and prominent designed befitting of its 'Ye' naming, which translates to 'shine' in Mandarin. All also bear the new flattened white 'H' brand emblems too.

Set to join alongside Honda’s existing e:N series are the Ye P7 and Ye S7 crossovers duo. Whilst these are presented as ‘concepts’ now, they appear to be in near-production state, and Honda reportedly plans to market the P7 and S7 in China later this year.

The third model, dubbed the Ye GT Concept, is a fastback four-door saloon instead. Unlike its crossover cousins mentioned, this sharper and more grounded number is poised to enter production and go on sale in China before the end of next year (2025).

Notably, the Ye sub-brand will be operated by Honda’s China-based joint-venture partners Dongfeng Honda and GAC Honda. All three also share the new flattened version of the Honda ‘H’ emblem rendered in white.

Set to go on sale later this year are the P7 and S7 crossovers duo, and each are set to offer both single- and dual-motor powertrain choices too.

Both the P7 and S7 duo each offer the choice between a single-motor, front-wheel-drive (FWD) or dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) setups, with Honda claiming the former promising “sporty and crisp handling”. The latter instead promises to up the ante with more performance too.

No interior images were released, but Honda says both will come primed with LED instrument displays, as well as a built-in AI-powered assistant. Beyond which, other details remains sparse, but more has been promised once the Auto China 2024 expo kicks off later this month in Beijing.

The GT Concept will see a production version enter the Chinese market next year instead, and it promises "dynamic performance" according to Honda.

As for the Ye GT Concept, Honda also remains coy about its mechanical specs and interior images, but the Japanese automaker did promise this low-slung fastback in having “race driver” driving position with “dynamic performance” to match. Of note here too is its extra-wide windscreen.

Sources online speculate the designs adopted by the Ye trio underpins Honda’s MM (Man Maximum, Machine Minimum) concept. Each also wears a distinct front fascia thanks to its headlights design, with the S7's styling appearing slightly sportier than its P7 sibling.

Expect more details once all three models are shown at Auto China 2024 next week.