Big tech, big ambitions: What to know about BYD's new vehicles in SA

News24

08-05-2025

Motorpress
The Chinese automotive powerhouse, recognised as the world's largest manufacturer of new energy vehicles, has officially launched three new models locally: the BYD Shark 6, BYD Sealion 6, and BYD Sealion 7. While BYD's ambitions are clear, the launch event itself left us wanting more.
Invited guests were treated to a slick presentation and a closer look at the cars, but when it came to actually driving the vehicles, the experience was minimal. Restricted to a few cautious laps around a parking lot within an office park, the drive offered no real impression of how these vehicles would handle South Africa's demanding roads and traffic. We're eager to put the BYDs through their paces properly soon.
If the specifications and features are anything to go by, BYD's latest offerings promise serious disruption—and a refreshing alternative to the entrenched and often overpriced legacy brands.
Three new models join the fight
These three additions expand BYD's South African line-up to six models, joining the compact Atto 3, the cute Dolphin hatchback, and the sharp Seal sedan launched last year. Together, they complete BYD's strategy of offering both pure electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) tailored to a market still grappling with high fuel prices, rising living costs, and growing environmental consciousness.
BYD Shark 6: The bakkie re-invented
First up is the BYD Shark 6, a plug-in hybrid double-cab bakkie—a first for BYD locally and a direct shot across the bow of traditional rivals. Built on BYD's innovative DMO Super Hybrid Off-road Platform, the Shark 6 combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric hybrid system (three electric motors). Together, they produce over 320kW—figures on par with a thirsty 4.0-litre V8—yet the Shark 6 promises impressive efficiency. The electric-only range is estimated at 85km (WLTP), and the combined petrol-electric range stretches to 670km. Even once the battery is depleted, fuel consumption reportedly rises only to around 9.6 litres per 100km— which still leagues better than most ICE bakkies.
Performance is strong, too, with 0 to 100 km/h dispatched in just 5.7 seconds. Thanks to an intelligent electric AWD system, the Shark 6 can adjust torque distribution between the front and rear axles in milliseconds, making it capable of handling varied terrain.
Safety hasn't been skimped on, either. The Shark 6 incorporates BYD's ultra-safe Blade Battery, known for its robustness, and a high-strength steel frame that increases torsional rigidity by 22%. Whether hammering down a dirt track or easing through city traffic, the Shark 6 is shaping up to be a serious all-rounder.
We look forward to seeing it in an off-road environment, as some testing in Australia has revealed that it does fall a bit short when taken off the beaten track.
BYD Sealion 6: The family PHEV redefined
Next is the BYD Sealion 6, aimed squarely at families looking for space, tech and fuel savings without sacrificing performance. Built around BYD's Super DM-i hybrid system, the Sealion 6 offers a choice between an ultra-efficient front-wheel-drive model and a more powerful AWD variant.
The FWD version delivers a worthwhile WLTP-certified fuel consumption of just 5.5 litres per 100km and a total driving range of up to 1080km. AWD versions are a little thirstier but also significantly quicker, with a 0–100 km/h time of 5.9 seconds thanks to 238kW and 550Nm on taps.
Inside, the Sealion 6 packs in serious tech: BYD's rotating 15.6-inch infotainment screen, a futuristic head-up display, and smart voice control systems. It feels ready to compete with premium brands—and offers this level of tech at a far more attainable price point.
Importantly, the Sealion 6 highlights why plug-in hybrids could be the perfect 'bridge' technology for South Africans who are still wary of going full electric. For many, it could be an excellent replacement for an ageing German or Japanese premium SUV—without the frightening repair bills, rising fuel costs, and sky-high insurance premiums associated with ICE vehicles.
BYD Sealion 7: Electric luxury, sharpened
Finally, there's the BYD Sealion 7, a fully electric, sport-coupe-styled SUV and arguably the most exciting of the three new arrivals. Two variants are available: Premium and Performance. Both versions utilise BYD's superb Blade Battery, with a capacity of 82.56kWh, offering a WLTP range of up to 482km. Fast-charging tech allows a 20–80% top-up in just 30 minutes via a 150kW DC charger.
Performance? Serious. The Performance model hits 0–100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, while the Premium takes a leisurely (relatively speaking) 6.7 seconds. The top speed is a healthy 215 km/h across both versions.
BYD's mastery of motor technology is evident here. Thanks to innovative motor designs—including dual V-shape magnets and extremely dense wire windings—the Sealion 7's rear motor can spin up to an incredible 23,000 rpm, making it one of the fastest mass-production electric motors in the world.
Inside, the Sealion 7 is a class act. Its huge 15.6-inch screen (which can rotate between landscape and portrait, too), Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 12-speaker Dynaudio system, and loads of space thanks to clever CTB (Cell-to-Body) construction set a new benchmark. Boot space is impressive, too, with 500 litres at the rear plus a bonus 58-litre frunk under the bonnet.
BYD's global ambitions are reflected locally
BYD has been growing at an eye-watering pace globally, toppling even Tesla as the world's largest EV producer in 2023. Now, South Africa is firmly in its sights. BYD already has eight showrooms open across the country, and plans are under way to expand the dealer network further, ensuring better service, wider access to parts, and stronger brand recognition.
It's a smart move. South African consumers are wary of unknown brands, but excellent aftersales support could be the key to winning their hearts and wallets. And there's no denying the value proposition.
In a market where traditional petrol and diesel vehicles are becoming painfully expensive to buy, insure, and fuel, BYD offers cutting-edge tech, powerful drivetrains, and top-tier safety at highly competitive prices. It's frankly remarkable how much kit you get for your money.
Not all sunshine and rainbows
Of course, it's important to remain objective. Buying a car from a newer brand carries risk. Resale values may take a hit compared to long-established players like Toyota, Volkswagen, or BMW. Depreciation on these models could be steeper, and the brand's relative newness may still deter conservative buyers.
It's also important to acknowledge that while EVs and PHEVs are greener at the tailpipe, their production—especially the mining and manufacturing of batteries—requires vast resources and generates significant emissions. EVs are not a 'get out of jail free' card for the planet, and those realities must be part of any honest conversation about sustainable motoring.
That said, the world is changing rapidly. Regulatory pressures, fuel prices, and consumer awareness push the automotive industry into a new era. For many South Africans, plug-in hybrids like the Sealion 6 could offer the perfect transition: lower running costs, futureproof technology, and far fewer compromises than early EV adopters faced.
While our first driving impressions of BYD's new models were limited to a few slow circles of an office park, everything on paper points to an exciting new chapter for South African motorists. BYD's Shark 6, Sealion 6, and Sealion 7 showcase remarkable engineering, a bold approach to value, and a serious challenge to the dominance of traditional ICE vehicles. Yes, there are risks in embracing a new brand. However, for buyers looking beyond badges, BYD's offerings could represent excellent alternatives and, in many cases, outright better choices than sticking with the old guard.
We can't wait to spend real time behind the wheel of these new BYDs and bring you a full road-test verdict. If they drive even half as well as they look on paper, South Africa's motoring landscape could be in for a massive shake-up indeed.