BYD Seal U successor revealed in China

BYD has officially registered its new Sealion 06 model with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), revealing plug-in hybrid (PHEVs) and pure electric versions (BEVs) of this latest Ocean series lineup.

It’s worth noting that while this SUV is known as the Sealion 6 in China and some international markets (like Australia and New Zealand), it carries different names in other regions. The same vehicle is marketed in Europe as the BYD Seal U.

BEV and PHEV

Like the current model, the successor will thus be available as a pure electric SUV or a plug-in hybrid. The latter version is equipped with BYD’s 1.5L BYD472QC engine producing 74 kW/100 hp, paired with a TZ210XYC electric motor rated at 70 kW and a peak output of 160 kW.

The pure electric variant will (at least in China) be available with two different motor options: a BYD TZ200XYAJ electric motor with a peak power output of 180 kW/241 hp or a BYD TZ200XSBF electric motor with a peak power output of 170 kW/228 hp.

According to the MIIT filing, the new Sealion 6 measures 4,810 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, and 1,675 mm in height. Its wheelbase is 2,820 mm.

Ocean series family

The Sealion 6 features BYD’s latest design language, with dual-layer headlights and dynamic air intakes on both sides of the front fascia. The plug-in hybrid and pure electric versions share consistent design elements.

The vehicle also incorporates new door handle designs, and the rear features the classic taillight styling characteristic of BYD’s Ocean series family.

Global naming strategy

BYD’s Ocean series currently includes Seagull, Dolphin, Seal, Sealion, and Song Plus models, covering market segments from compact to mid-large sedans and SUVs.

In the future, BYD plans to standardize its naming convention with all sedan models unified under the ‘Seal’ name and all SUV models assembled under the ‘Sealion’ name.

BYD will thus develop a comprehensive product matrix covering small to large vehicles within these two naming categories. It is unclear whether the new naming strategy will be implemented worldwide, but it would improve naming transparency.