BYD launches Tesla Model Y rivaling Sea Lion 07 starting at $26K
BYD officially launched its new Sea Lion 07, a mid-size smart electric SUV poised to rival Tesla’s top-selling Model Y. Starting at 189,800 yuan ($26,250), the BYD Sea Lion 07 is the first EV based on its new e-Platform 3.0 Evo.
After unveiling the Sea Lion 07 at the Guangzhou Auto Show in November, BYD officially launched the new electric SUV last week.
BYD said it was its first “medium-sized urban smart electric SUV.” It’s also the first EV based on BYD’s new e-Platform 3.0 Evo. The new EV platform is an upgrade from the e-Platform 3.0 with improved charging and powertrain capability.
BYD says the platform features the “world’s first full scenario intelligent pulse self-heating technology.”
Even in extremely cold environments (-25°C), BYD claims the platform shortens full charging time by 40%. The electric SUV can charge from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes. It’s also the first to be able to fully utilize the maximum (180 kW) GB15 (China’s charging network standard) public DC fast charging capacity.
With a 12-in-1 smart e-drive system, the new platform features the world’s highest-speed production motor (23,000 rpm).
BYD officially launches Sea Lion 07 electric SUV
BYD officially launched the Sea Lion 07 with prices starting at 189,800 yuan ($26,250) on Friday. The electric SUV is available in four variants:
| BYD Sea Lion 07 trim | Starting price | Range (CLTC) |
| 550 Standard | 189,800 yuan ($26,250) | 550 km (341 miles) |
| 610 Long Range | 199,800 yuan ($27,625) | 610 km (379 miles) |
| 610 Smart | 219,800 yuan ($30,389) | 610 km (379 miles) |
| 550 4WD Smart Navigation | 239,800 yuan ($33,154) | 550 km (341 miles) |
Designed by ex-Lamborghini and Audi designer Wolfgang Egger, the Sea Lion 07 is a sleek, modern electric SUV. As you can see, it’s arguably one of BYD’s best designs so far.
The new electric SUV has three powertrain options, including two 2WD and one 4WD model. The single motor model offers up to 550 km (341 miles) or 610 km (379 miles) CLTC range powered by 71.8 kWh and 80.64 kWh BYD blade batteries, respectively. Meanwhile, the dual motor model offers up to 550 km (341 miles) CLTC range.
As another first, the new EV is the first BYD vehicle to include DiPilot 100 “God’s Eye” ADAS. The system consists of 12 ultrasonic radars, five mm-wave radars, and 11 cameras for advanced drive assist features.
At 4,830 mm, 1,925 mm wide, and 1,620 mm tall, the Sea Lion 07 is poised to compete in Tesla’s sweet spot with the best-selling Model Y (4,760 mm long, 1,921 mm wide, and 1,624 mm tall).
The Sea Lion 07, starting at 189,900 yuan ($26,250), undercuts Tesla’s Model Y, which starts at 249,900 yuan ($34,550) in China. The RWD Model Y offers a CLTC range of up to 554 km (344 miles).
The Long Range AWD Tesla Model Y starts at 290,900 yuan ($40,200) with up to 688 km (434 miles) CLTC range.
What do you guys think of BYD’s new electric SUV? Can it compete with Tesla’s Model Y? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: CarNewsChina, BYD
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