BYD likes to keep the media on its toes. Last month with the listing of the production version of the Ocean M concept shown at the Beijing Auto Show we referred to the car as the Seal X. As noted at the time the ‘X’ we believed was just a placement holder as the names “Seal 06GT”, “Seal MINI” and “Seal 05EV” all appeared in the MIIT declaration. Chinese media are now referring to the car as the Seal 06GT and we have pictures of the car minus camouflage but with the badges still covered over.
It is probable that the Seal 06GT was largely developed with exports, particularly the European market, in mind. SAIC seems to have done far better with the MG4 in Europe than they have with its Chinese version, the Mulan, domestically and BYD may well have similar fortunes with the Seal 06GT. Nonetheless, sales will initially commence in China in the third quarter.
As the latest all-electric member of the Ocean series, it uses the new e-platform 3.0 Evo which was first used with the Seal Lion 07. The new e-platform has five key technology clusters and BYD positions it as safer, more efficient, and smarter.
Thanks to the MIIT listings we know there are both single and dual-motor versions of the Seal 06GT. For the single motor version power comes from a 160 kW motor most likely on the rear axle. In the case of the dual-motor version it doesn’t simply add a motor to the front but also introduces a more powerful motor to the rear so having maximum available power of 110 kW at the front and 200 kW at the back.
Buyers will have a choice between 59.52 and 72.96 kWh battery packs. For the single-motor versions this means a range of either 505 or 605 km (CLTC) dependent on the size. The dual-motor version is only available with the larger battery pack and has a range of 550 km.
With a length of 4630 mm it is a relatively large hatchback, the other dimensions being 1880 mm width and 1490 mm height while the wheelbase is 2820 mm. Indications are that the Seal 06GT will be positioned as an electric hot-hatch slotting into the Ocean range between the Dolphin and Seal. Buyers will have a choice between 18 and 19-inch wheels and the car features a split roof spoiler at the back similar to the one on the Sea Lion 07.
At the front the Seal 06GT looks in line with other members of the Ocean series such as the Seal with a sculpted hood and lower black grille. There are concealed door handles on the sides and black pillars give a floating roof effect.
From a relatively poor spy shot of the interior we can see that it is similar to in the electric Seal sedan. Colors are light with a blue nautical theme prevalent. There is a floating central screen which almost certainly will rotate, an LCD instrument display, integrated sports seats, and a three-spoked flat-bottomed steering wheel.
Prices should be in the 150,000 to 200,000 yuan range (20,700 – 27,600 USD) and sales in China should commence during the next few months. Exports are unlikely much before early 2025.
Editor’s note:
It remains to be seen how today’s announcement of tariffs of 17.4% on BYD cars imported into the EU will affect plans for the Seal 06GT. It might make the model a prime candidate for production within the EU. BYD has a factory under construction in Hungary which should be begin production next year.
Source: Fast Technology
I thought this would have the 4.0 platform? Is 3.0 Evo confirmed?
The 4.0 platform hasn’t been launched yet.
So the Seal 06 DM-i is a subcompact PHEV sedan. The Seal 06GT is a BEV hatchback. The Seal 07 be the facelift version of the current Seal, a midsize BEV fastback sedan. Then there is the Seal U which comes in both PHEV and BEV.
I see them having no intention to make the lineup easier to understand at all.
BYD is releasing too many cars and with absurd names.
The cars released in Europe are very uncompetitive, with ridiculous charging powers, front-wheel drive like those who use shared platforms. I hope they update Dolphin and Atto 3 as soon as possible, which could be well sold in Europe, but not with the current features
This EV is powered by rear wheel drive motors. Plus almost all new byd models are rear wheel drive EVs except budget ones like seagull. Platforms 3.0 Evo supports Upto 240kw charging speed not to mention platform 4.0 is coming this year. Atto 3 is an old model which cost less than 17k in China. It’s useless to compare atto 3 with latest byd models.
Names are only names for BYD, clearly, but this car does look good!