BYD plans to launch its new Sea Lion 07 in the first half of 2024 as it seeks to compete with Tesla’s popular electric crossover Model Y.
The Chinese electric vehicle giant has yet to disclose more details about the new model. However, the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has already revealed the Sea Lion 07’s specifications, offering potential buyers a clear idea of the model’s offered technology and capabilities.
Regulatory filing
On January 15, the MIIT released the latest list of car models that will soon be available for public comment in China. The list includes the new BYD Sea Lion 07, as reported by CnEVPost.
The MIIT will accept public feedback from January 16 and January 22, the last primary regulatory process before obtaining sales permits in the world’s largest auto market.
In hindsight, BYD initially introduced the new Sea Lion 07 at the 2023 Guangzhou International Auto Show in November. It is part of BYD’s Ocean series that will pave the way for a new sub-brand of electric vehicles.
Design
Former Audi and Lamborghini designer Wolfgang Egger supervised the overall design of the Sea Lion 07.
The Sea Lion 07 is a mid-size fastback SUV with a cool exterior design. It features a round-ish layout with a sloped bonnet line.
It has front headlights similar to the popular BYD Seal and Seal-U (Song Plus), Car News China noted. In addition, it offers retractable door handles, a ducktail spoiler, and a roof spoiler.
As for the dimensions, it has a length of 4,830 mm, a width of 1,925, and a height of 1,620 mm. For comparison, the Tesla Model Y is 4,760 mm long, 1,921 mm wide, and 1,624 mm tall.
Inside, its CTB (Cell-to-body) design enables the battery top cover’s integration into the floor to offer more space.
Powertrain and pricing
BYD has yet to announce the battery capacity of the new Sea Lion 07. However, the regulatory filing revealed that the electric fastback SUV will offer the following electric motor configurations:
| Peak Power | Rated Power | Top Speed | |
| Single-motor | 170 kW | 70 kW | 210 km/h |
| Single-motor | 230 kW | 70 kW | 225 km/h |
| Dual-motor 4WD | 390 kW (160 kW + 230 kW) | 145 kW (75 kW + 70 kW) | 225 km/h |
BYD Ocean series sales division general manager announced on November 19 that the automaker expects the model to have a price range of RMB 200,000 ($27,888) to RMB 260,000 to compete with the Tesla Model Y in China. BYD aims to launch the Sea Lion 07 as early as the first half of the year.
