China’s leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, BYD, is providing a glimpse of an upcoming electric SUV from its Ocean series, the BYD Sea Lion 07, designed under the guidance of former Audi and Lamborghini chief designer Wolfgang Egger.
BYD is making significant strides in the EV market, having sold a record-breaking 151,193 all-electric vehicles in September. The company is on the verge of overtaking Tesla, with a Q3 delivery of 431,603 electric cars, trailing Tesla by only 3,500 units.
Originally a battery manufacturer, BYD’s advantage lies in its ability to produce most components in-house, enabling faster and more cost-effective vehicle design, assembly, and mass production. For instance, the Dolphin electric hatch is entirely built by BYD, except for tires and windows, allowing the company to offer competitively priced vehicles.
BYD’s electric models, such as the Dolphin hatchback and Yuan Plus (Atto 3), are priced between $17,000 and $30,000, making them among the most affordable options. This affordability has fueled substantial growth in overseas markets like Thailand, Brazil, and Colombia, with expansion into key markets like Japan, Mexico, Australia, Hungary, and more.
The new BYD electric SUV, set to debut on November 17, showcases a sleek front face and fastback design, exuding an efficiency-focused aesthetic reminiscent of Lamborghini’s first EV, the Lanzador. The EV will join BYD’s Ocean lineup, and, similar to other Ocean series models, the design is led by ex-Lamborghini and Audi designer Wolfgang Egger.
While specific details about the new model are yet to be disclosed, it is anticipated to utilize BYD’s e-platform 3.0. In 2022, camouflaged images of the Sea Lion 07 emerged, hinting at its mid-size SUV category and positioning it as a competitor to Tesla’s Model Y in China and potentially in international markets.
Although pricing details are not yet available, the new BYD EV is projected to start at approximately $26,000 (190,000 yuan) and is designed to slot below the recently opened pre-orders for the new BYD Song L.
