BYD Sealion 6, Sealion 7 get a child brother with electrical energy

As promised, BYD is rapidly increasing its lineup of Sealion-badged automobiles, with the newest being an Atto 3-sized electrical SUV.

In China, the BYD model presents a variety of automobiles below the Dynasty collection, and a equally sprawling lineup of Ocean automobiles. In Australia, we get a mixture of Ocean (Seal, Dolphin and so on.) and Dynasty (Atto 3) automobiles.

The Sealion 05 EV, because it’ll be recognized in China, has been revealed in a Chinese language Ministry of Trade and Info Know-how (MIIT) submitting shared by Automobile Information China.

It follows the launch earlier this yr of the Sealion 05 DM-i plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which options considerably completely different styling; BYD has accomplished the identical factor with EV and PHEV fashions below the Seal banner.

100s of recent automobile offers can be found by means of CarExpert proper now. Get the consultants in your aspect and rating an ideal deal. Browse now.

The electrical SUV measures 4520mm lengthy, 1860mm vast and 1630mm tall on a 2720mm wheelbase. That makes it 65mm longer, 15mm narrower and 15mm taller than an Atto 3 on an equivalent wheelbase.

Kerb weight ranges from 1670kg to 1780kg.

The submitting confirms the Sealion 05 EV, as anticipated of a BYD, makes use of a ‘Blade’ lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. Nonetheless, it doesn’t specify the capability.

There’s a selection of two electrical motors, nonetheless – one with 140kW of energy, the opposite with 160kW.

The Sealion 05 EV is recognisably an ‘Ocean’ BYD, with headlights just like different Seal and Sealion fashions and tail lights like these on the Dolphin.

The straighter aspect creases and easy entrance, bereft of an higher grille, give it a distinct look from the Sealion 05 DM-i that additionally measures 190mm longer and 20mm wider on an 8mm shorter wheelbase.

The Sealion 05 DM-i presents a selection of 12.9kWh and 18.3kWh batteries, mated with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, with WLTC vary of between 64km and 93km.

Each fashions sit inside a rising vary of Sealion automobiles, which incorporates the Sealion 6 PHEV offered right here in Australia (recognized in different markets because the Seal U) and the Sealion 7, an electrical Tesla Mannequin Y rival due right here in February 2025.

It’s unclear if BYD will convey the Sealion 05 to Australia, the place it already has a pair of mid-sized SUVs with one other on the way in which.

In China, the model presents small, medium and huge sedans and SUVs, in addition to small and mid-sized hatchbacks plus a variety of individuals movers.

It not too long ago moved to trademark the Atto 3 Up nameplate, suggesting it might convey the Yuan Up small electrical SUV to Australia as a brand new entry-level SUV.

“The brand new product pipeline is tremendous thrilling. We’re exploring your complete BYD vary and if the demand is right here for a particular mannequin or section, the car might be introduced in,” stated a BYD Australia spokesperson final week.

The pinnacle of BYD’s native distributor, EVDirect, has beforehand stated the model will deal with utes and SUVs Down Below.

“The chance for us is that there’s a lot product to select from. My choice is ute and SUV, that’s the place the massive segments are in Australia,” David Smitherman instructed CarExpert in November.

“And so our focus is actually on that. We’ve bought the Shark 6 right here, the Sealion 7 might be launched in February, that’s our subsequent car.

“After that, you’ll see a continuing rollout of merchandise.”

The corporate goals to double final yr’s gross sales tally this yr, and proceed on that progress trajectory.

“Final yr we offered 12,500 automobiles and I’m very joyful to go on document that yr after yr we’re trying to double these gross sales, as long as we will get the automobiles in market on the proper time,” stated Mr Smitherman in October.

“So our expectations might be for subsequent yr to double gross sales once more and to aggressively develop our market share as we convey new fashions on.”

If BYD doubles its gross sales goal in 2024 and subsequent years, it could promote 50,000 automobiles in 2025, and 100,000 automobiles in 2026 – the latter a determine that was achieved final yr by solely Toyota and Mazda.

MORE: BYD nonetheless aiming for Australian market dominance
MORE: BYD prioritising SUVs and utes in Australia