BYD (HKG: 1211, OTCMKTS: BYDDY) has unveiled a sneak peek of the upcoming Sealion 05 EV, a compact all-electric SUV that will join the company’s Oceal lineup. This new model will be the third addition to BYD’s Sealion series, following the Sealion 07 EV and Sealion 05 DM-i.
The Sealion 05 EV will be underpinned by a brand-new platform featuring a rear-wheel-drive powertrain, as revealed by BYD in a recent Weibo post. The company also showcased a video showcasing the exterior design of the Sealion 05 EV, highlighting its sleek and modern aesthetics.
One of the key features of the Sealion 05 EV will be BYD’s advanced God’s Eye smart driving system, promising enhanced safety and convenience for drivers. Zhang Zhuo, general manager of BYD’s Oceal series sales division, shared three design sketches of the model, hinting at a sophisticated and futuristic design language.
Although specific details about the Sealion 05 EV are still scarce, the model has already made its way into China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) regulatory catalog. The catalog lists two versions of the Sealion 05 EV, differing in dimensions and specifications.
The smaller variant of the Sealion 05 EV measures 4,520 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,630 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,720 mm. It weighs 1,670 kg and is powered by a single motor offering peak power options of 140 kW and 160 kW. The car will be available with battery pack capacities of 50.048 kWh and 60.928 kWh, providing ranges of 430 km and 520 km, respectively.
In comparison, the hybrid Sealion 05 DM-i is slightly larger, measuring 4,710 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width, and 1,690/1,720 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,712 mm. The Sealion 05 DM-i features BYD’s latest DM 5.0 hybrid technology, offering a blend of electric and internal combustion power.
BYD’s Sealion lineup also includes the Sealion 07 EV, which is positioned as a competitor to Tesla’s Model Y. With a larger footprint and a starting price range of RMB 189,800 to RMB 239,800 in China, the Sealion 07 EV caters to customers seeking a spacious and premium electric SUV.
The Sealion 05 EV is expected to target a more affordable segment of the market, with an estimated price point of around RMB 150,000. This pricing strategy aligns with the smaller dimensions of the Sealion 05 EV, making it an attractive option for urban commuters and eco-conscious drivers.
As BYD continues to expand its electric vehicle portfolio, the Sealion 05 EV represents a significant step towards offering a diverse range of electrified transportation solutions. Stay tuned for more updates on the Sealion 05 EV as BYD prepares to launch this exciting new model in the near future.