Byton K-Byte History

Byton revealed the K-Byte Concept just ahead of CES Asia in Shanghai in June 2018, previewing a larger, more upscale companion to the M-Byte SUV. The three-box sedan measured 4,950 mm long on a 3,000 mm wheelbase — notably roomier than the M-Byte — and shared the same 72/95 kWh CATL battery and 200 kW motor architecture, with a claimed range of up to 323 miles (520 km) on the larger pack.

A key technology focus was autonomous driving: Byton announced a partnership with Aurora to develop Level 4 autonomy, integrated with a proprietary LiBow sensor bar housing front and rear lidar units across the roofline. The cabin carried forward the M-Byte's full-width shared display concept and was pitched at the premium segment alongside the likes of the Audi e-tron GT and Mercedes EQS.

Byton publicly targeted a 2021 market introduction for the K-Byte, stating it would follow the M-Byte into production. Neither milestone was met: the company suspended Chinese operations in July 2021, its German subsidiary entered bankruptcy in April 2021, and the K-Byte never advanced beyond concept/prototype stage.