- BYD brings its Super DM technology to the South African market for the first time
- Built on the DMO Super Hybrid Off-Road Platform, BYD Shark 6 achieves enhancements in safety, power, off-road capability, intelligence, and comfort
- BYD SEALION 7 has a top speed of 215 km/h and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 4.5 seconds
- Featuring BYD DM-I technology, BYD SEALION 6 offers fuel efficiency low to 5.5L/100km and up to 1080 km combined range under WLTP
BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles, has officially launched three advanced models—BYD SHARK 6, BYD SEALION 6, and BYD SEALION 7—in the South African market. This marks a significant milestone in BYD’s commitment to providing cutting-edge, sustainable mobility solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of South African consumers.
“We are thrilled to introduce the BYD Shark, SEALION 6, and SEALION 7 to South Africa,” said Steve Chang, Managing Director of BYD Auto SA. “These vehicles reflect BYD’s commitment to technological innovation, sustainability, and excellence. With this launch, we are offering South African consumers a new level of performance, efficiency, and smart mobility solutions.”
In total, BYD currently offers six models in the South African market, highlighting the breadth of the line-up and showcasing the brand’s commitment to the market. In 2023, the compact-yet-practical BYD ATTO 3 was first launched to the market, followed by the agile and versatile BYD DOLPHIN hatchback and the dynamic BYD SEAL sedan. The newly launched BYD SHARK 6, BYD SEALION 6, completes BYD’s PHEVs and EVs dual-product strategy in the South African market.
BYD SHARK 6
BYD Shark 6 is the first bakkie that BYD launched in South Africa. It features the DMO Super Hybrid Off-road Platform, representing the latest technology in BYD’s product portfolio.
Utilize New Tech to Create Unmatched Hybrid Power & Performance
The DMO Super Hybrid Off-road Platform, a core technology of BYD SHARK 6, stands as a revolutionary innovation, seamlessly combining rugged off-road capability and safety features with the comfort of an SUV, all while maintaining impressive energy efficiency.
BYD SHARK 6, with its dedicated rear-drive powertrain, EHS electric hybrid system, and a 1.5T high-power engine, reaches a peak power of over 430 horsepower, equivalent to a 4.0L V8 engine. Its acceleration from 0 to 100 kilometers is only 5.7 seconds. Moreover, harnessing the prowess of intelligent electric AWD, BYD SHARK 6 can precisely adjust the torque distribution between its front and rear wheels in milliseconds, aligning with the optimal adhesion coefficient across diverse road surfaces.
High Ride Quality with Low Driving Cost
As a super plug-in hybrid model, BYD SHARK 6, boasting dual fuel and electric power modes, attains remarkable endurance. Garnering a comprehensive cruising range of 670 km under the WLTP conditions, alongside a pure EV endurance of 85 km, it effortlessly accommodates urban commuting and interstate travel. Also, when the battery runs out , fuel consumption only rises to 9.6L/100km.
Beyond its exceptional performance and driving experience, BYD SHARK 6 prioritizes supreme safety. Integrating the ultra-high safety Blade Battery and a high-strength steel frame through CTC technology, it ensures robust protection. The Blade Battery functions both as an energy unit and a structural component, fortifying both battery and vehicle safety with multi-layered defense. Moreover, a 22% increase in body torsional rigidity significantly enhances handling and stability, bolstering reliability on challenging off-road terrain.
BYD SEALION 6
The BYD SEALION 6 is designed as the perfect family SUV, offering an exceptional balance of performance, fuel efficiency, and intelligent features.
Efficient Family Choices
With BYD’s advanced Super DM-I technology, the SEALION 6 delivers a seamless driving experience, whether on city roads or long-distance journeys. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) version accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds, producing a maximum power output of 238 kW and 550 Nm of torque, while the front-wheel-drive (FWD) variant offers outstanding fuel efficiency at 5.5L/100 km (WLTP). On a full tank, the SEALION 6 can travel up to 1,080 km in FWD model and 870 km in AWD model, making it an ideal choice for both daily commutes and extended road trips.
Smart Technology for a Safer and more Connected Drive
Technology is at the core of the SEALION 6, enhancing connectivity and convenience through a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, smart voice control, and an advanced head-up display (HUD). The HUD projects key driving information directly onto the windshield, displaying speed, speed limits, adaptive cruise control data. These intelligent features create a futuristic and user-friendly driving environment, ensuring every journey is both effortless and enjoyable. With its combination of efficiency, long-range capability, and cutting-edge technology, the BYD SEALION 6 redefines what a plug-in hybrid family SUV can achieve in the South African market.
BYD SEALION 7
As BYD’s fourth pure electric model in South Africa, BYD SEALION 7 is a sport-coupe SUV that blends sleek design, advanced EV technology, and superior driving dynamics.
Cutting-Edge E-Motor Technology Plus Ultra-Fast Charging
The heart of any high-performance vehicle is its motor, and BYD delivered a stunning technical breakthrough to power the BYD SEALION 7. Thanks to a range of high-tech achievements, including dual V-shape magnets and an incredibly high slot-fill rate of 92% with flat wire winding, the BYD SEALION 7’s rear motor can run at speeds of up to 23,000 rpm, making it one of the world’s fastest electric motor in mass production. This high technology enables BYD SEALION 7 to deliver a noticeably stronger acceleration of 4.5s from 0 to 100 km/h for the Performance edition and 6.7s for the Premium edition, with a top speed of 215 km/h for both editions.
The SEALION 7 is equipped with BYD’s Blade battery and offers 82.56 kWh battery capacity, with a maximum WLTP range of 482km. Therefore, for short-distance daily commutes, a full charge could last up to 10 days. Also, with Intelligent fast-charging technology, the SEALION 7 battery can be recharged from 20% to 80% within 30 minutes with DC rapid-charging rates of 150KW. Both versions of BYD SEALION 7 get a 7KW wall box charger and a 2.2KW portable charger as standard.
Spacious, Luxury and Versatile, Redefined the Driving Experience
Benefiting from Cell-to-Body (CTB) construction, the BYD SEALION 7 delivers an outstanding cabin space and practicality. Instead of a traditional layout, CTB integrates the Blade Battery into the entire vehicle structure, with the top cover of the pack also acting as the floor of the passenger compartment, allowing generous amounts of headroom, despite the rakish roof-line. The BYD SEALION 7 offers 500L boot capacity with the rear seat in place, and there’s also 58L front boot space that is ideal for an overnight bag.
In terms of in-car tech and comfortability, BYD SEALION 7 is set to raise the standard higher. The centre of the new model’s dashboard houses a 15.6-inch screen that can rotate portrait and landscape orientation and supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to integrate into BYD’s own system and interface. The BYD SEALION 7 also comes with 12 Dynaudio speakers, turning every drive into a personal concert.
All three newly introduced models will be available across eight BYD showrooms in South Africa in the coming weeks. As part of its commitment to customer satisfaction, BYD will continue to expand and strengthen its sales and after-sales network, ensuring a superior ownership experience with comprehensive support and service.
