Can You Get a LiDAR for $14,000? Several New Cars Say Yes

By 2026, LiDAR will no longer be exclusive to premium vehicles. As costs decline, even compact cars priced around RMB 100,000 are beginning to offer this advanced intelligent driving hardware. BYD’s new Seagull and Dolphin models now offer LiDAR as an optional feature, supporting the "God's Eye B" system for both highway and urban navigation assistance. Leapmotor is taking an even more aggressive approach: since last year, it has launched LiDAR-equipped versions of models like the B10, B01, and Lafa5, priced at just RMB 110,000–120,000. Its all-new A10 will also come with LiDAR and support point-to-point parking assistance. Changan’s Qiyuan Q05 already introduced two LiDAR variants back in November 2025, though related features are still awaiting activation via OTA updates. Currently, most sub-RMB-100,000 LiDAR-equipped models are either high-end trims or optional configurations, and some functions remain unavailable, requiring users to wait patiently for future software upgrades. Nevertheless, the barrier to entry for smart driving technology has significantly lowered, offering consumers a much wider range of choices.