Latest news with #Sealion7
The Citizen
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
5 most expensive Chinese cars in South Africa in 2025
As they've highlighted in their A-Z of Chinese Brands in SA feature in the June 2025 issue of CAR magazine, among the several Chinese automakers currently trading in South Africa, there are several more heading our way, with each vying for a piece of market share across several segments. Now, while myriad Chinese vehicles were introduced to our shores as more attainable offerings (Chery's Tiggo 4 Pro, for example) a number of cars from the Far East are placed – and priced – within the premium segment. We take a look at the five most expensive Chinese cars that you can buy in South Africa as of July. 5. BYD Sealion 7 Premium – R1 099 900 Introduced alongside the Shark 6 plug-in hybrid bakkie in April, the Sealion 7 forms part of BYD's (Build Your Dreams) Ocean series. In Premium level of specification, the Shenzhen brand's premium emissions-free SUV sports a 230kW/380Nm rear-wheel drivetrain. BYD claims a driving range of up to 567km. 4. Maxus T90 EV double cab – R1 100 000 The only bakkie to make this list, the Maxus T90 EV – which also appeared as an 'honourable mention' in our list comprising South Africa's five most expensive bakkies in 2025 – is the first battery-electric bakkie available in South Africa. The Shanghai automaker's emissions-free double cab is endowed with 150kW and 310Nm of torque, and offers an operating range of around 330km from a single, full charge. 3. BYD Seal Performance AWD- R1 199 900 Perhaps BYD's most dynamic offering in its local portfolio, the Seal is the only sedan on this list. Sporting a 390kW/670Nm dual electric-motor setup and all-wheel drive, the pinnacle variant in the Seal lineup completes the 0-100km/h dash in just 3.8s, the firm claims. The Performance model's driving range is quoted as 520km. However, if operating range is at the top of your list, a 230kW/360Nm single-motor, rear-wheel-drive model – the Premium Extended Range, which is priced from R999 900 – is also available, and offers 570km from a single, full charge. 2. GWM Tank 500 2.0T HEV Ultra Luxury 4WD – R1 228 950 The GWM Tank 500 is the only car here that features an internal combustion engine (ICE). However, it does come with electric assistance. Sharing a drivetrain with the Baoding brand's flagship P500 model, which we evaluated for a road test in the November 2024 issue of CAR magazine, the Tank 500's ICE is paired with an electric motor for a combined system output of 255kW and 648Nm of torque. 1. BYD Sealion 7 Performance AWD – R1 299 900 The second Sealion 7 and third BYD to make this list, the range-topping Sealion 7 is the most expensive Chinese car you can currently buy in South Africa. Spearheading the Sealion 7 lineup, the Performance derivative's all-electric, all-paw drivetrain produces 390kW and 690Nm, allowing it to launch from a standstill to 100km/h in a claimed 4.5s. BYD claims an operating range of 542km. Click here to browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post 5 Most Expensive Chinese Cars in South Africa in 2025 appeared first on CAR Magazine.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Fresh wave of Chinese EVs to hit Aussie roads as BYD and Tesla face new turf war
Another Chinese-made electric car brand has vowed to disrupt the already-competitive Australian EV market currently dominated by Tesla and Chinese carmaker BYD. XPENG has claimed "growing demand" in Australia has warranted ramping up the delivery of its mid-size SUV to 1,000 a month from August. TrueEV is exclusively importing XPENG to Australia and CEO Jason Clarke has claimed the brand will be "among the top five pure EV brands in Australia within the next three years", throwing down the gauntlet to current market leaders. The G6 model costs between $54,800 and $59,800 depending on battery range. Comparatively, BYD's newest SUV the Sealion 7 retails at $54,990 for its premium model, or $63,99 for the performance model. RELATED Major warning over 2035 Chinese car tsunami for Australia Australia's 'ancient enemy' returns sparking major Centrelink warning Aussie couple reveal 'cheaper' $400,000 housing solution Clarke said there are already "thousands" of XPENG G6s on Australian roads, but the model has recently undergone several upgrades. "We view this as an opportunity to demonstrate what the next generation of EVs can deliver in both technology and driver experience,' Clarke said. 'XPENG is at the frontier of AI and smart driving, and Australian drivers are responding to that in a big way.'There's a new rear end that has a ducktail spoiler and revised bumper, new wheel options and side mirrors, which flash blue when the car is operating in semi-autonomous mode, and a much bigger operating screen. The original G6 sported a touchscreen that was 14.9 inches wide; however, this updated model now comes with a screen that's 15.6 inches wide. It's also capable of travelling 45 kilometres further than its predecessor after its battery capacity was reportedly boosted from 66kWh to 68.5kWh. However, the bigger version's battery has been cut from 87.5kWh to 80.8kWh, which equates to 25 kilometres less in range. XPENG has plans to launch two more models, the G9 and X9, in Australia by the end of the year. EV market in Australia a battle of two giants Tesla still holds the crown in Australia, however it is coming up against some significant competition. The carmaker accounted for 42 per cent of all EVs sold here in 2024, but its sales fell by 16.9 per cent compared to the year prior. Back in 2023, it had a market share of nearly two-thirds. The Model Y was the single best-selling EV in Australia last year, with more than 21,000 vehicles purchased. But BYD is hot on the heels of Elon Musk's company and offloaded a whopping 8,000 EVs in June alone, which was its best-ever sales month in Australia. That's a 368 per cent increase in sales compared to June last year. Other players that continue to compete in the middle tier include well-known brands like MG, Kia, and BMW, while Volvo, Hyundai, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen are also carving out a smaller piece of the pie. Currently, 77 per cent of all EVs sold in Australia have come from China, and the country is set to drastically change how Aussie roads will look in the future. Tsunami of Chinese brands sparks warning for buyers The Asian superpower is set to dominate the Australian market over the next decade, according to the Centre for International Economics. New data found that 43 per cent of all car imports to Australia will be from China by 2035, and push other automotive powerhouses like Japan, South Korea, and Thailand down massively. Dozens of brands exist in China and could soon try to make their mark in Australia. While this will provide buyers with a massive amount of choice, founder Paul Maric told Yahoo Finance you need to be careful about which one you choose. "You might buy something that's great value today, but that brand may not exist in five or 10 years' time," he said. "All of a sudden, you've got a car that you can't sell, a car that you can't get parts for, and a manufacturer that has just closed up shop and disappeared. "So while there is a lot of value to be had, I would just tread carefully with what you're actually buying." He said some of these Chinese brands have only been around for a few years and might not have the staying power to remain in Australia. Others might be overwhelmed by the competition here and be forced to pull out due to lack of in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data
AsiaOne
6 days ago
- Automotive
- AsiaOne
BYD Sealion 6 rolls into Singapore, Lifestyle News
Think BYD only makes electric cars? You might want to reconsider that assumption. After first embarking on a 1,300km-long teaser road trip from Singapore to Kuantan and back down, the plug-in hybrid BYD Sealion 6 DM-i has officially been launched in Singapore. Its splashy local launch event saw more than 400 guests in attendance at Shangri-La Singapore on Wednesday afternoon (July 16), where they were reminded of BYD's growing market dominance in Singapore. But back to the main headline this time. While the Sealion 6 DM-i sports a similar visual outlook to the Sealion 7 with its bracket-like head lights, it swims into uncharted waters for BYD in Singapore by marking its first model ever to have a combustion engine under the hood. 'DM-i', which stands for 'Dual Mode - Intelligent', references the car's plug-in hybrid powertrain, which can switch seamlessly between a highly-efficient 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine and a 145kW electric motor fed by an 18.3kWh Blade Battery (or rely on both together). The latter gives the car an electric-only range of up to 80km, and impressively, supports DC charging. Combined peak output from the DM-i Super Hybrid system stands at a healthy 160kW (215bhp) and 300Nm. If you're wondering how exactly the Sealion 6 DM-i stands out within the BYD family, driving range is most certainly its calling card when stacked against all of its other fully-electric siblings. BYD Singapore states that under local driving conditions, the SUV is capable of a "long cruising range" of more than 1,200km when fully refuelled and with its battery fully charged. As demonstrated in its cross-border jaunt earlier in July 2025, its marathoning capabilities make it perfect for longer road trips, with BYD referring to it as a "vehicle that adapts to your lifestyle, and not the other way around". Another quality worth highlighting about the Sealion 6 DM-i's powertrain is that it enables the car to behave more like an EV than an ICE car. With the car operating by default on an 'electric-first' basis, its electric motor is tasked exclusively with powering the front wheels at low to medium speeds, allowing owners to drive about in a silent and emissions-free manner. At medium to high speeds, its 1.5-litre engine is then awoken in the capacity of a generator to feed the battery. Thereafter, it's only when the car is being pushed to its limit that the engine comes in fully to propel the car directly in tandem with the electric motor. As we noted on our first drive with the car, smoothness and refinement are amplified as a result, allowing the Sealion 6 DM-i to boast "creamy" power delivery. Intriguing powertrain aside, the Sealion 6 DM-i excels on the practicality front. While residing within the same mid-sized SUV segment as the Sealion 7, its boxier shape and flatter roofline provides rear passengers with slightly more headroom, with seats that can be reclined for extra comfort. Its 574-litre boot is also generous for its size, and can be further expanded to 1,700 litres with the 60:40 second row folded flat. What's more, as we've come to expect from BYD, standard equipment levels are generous. Front occupants won't have to fight over who gets to charge their phone, thanks to a dual-wireless charging tray, while all on board will get to savour road-trip playlists to the fullest on long drives with the car's premium Infinity by Harman Kardon sound system. Amidst these creature comforts, a full-digital dashboard, consisting of a 12.3-inch curved instrument cluster and 15.6-inch rotating infotainment touchscreen, adds a good dose of modernity. Furthermore, the Sealion 6 DM-i comes with a full suite of safety assistance systems, including the likes of Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, and Intelligent Cruise Control. All of these are sure to take some of the stress out of long road trips (as mentioned, this is already a certified border-crosser). Speaking at the launch, James Ng, Managing Director of BYD Singapore and the Phillipines, highlighted the brand's enduring popularity among Singapore buyers, revealing that the 840 units sold in June 2025 had marked the brand's best month for the year so far. The Chinese carmaker has seen its lineup of models steadily increase in recent times, with the Sealion 6 DM-i following hot on the heels of the Sealion 7 that launched in January's 2025 Singapore Motor Show. Within the last 12 months, BYD has also fielded a Cat A-friendly compact electric MPV in the form of the M6, and a full-sized electric MPV with its luxury sub-brand: The DENZA D9. Additionally, the BYD Seal, Atto 3, and Dolphin all received recent updates for the 2025 model year. (In tandem, BYD Singapore has continued to grow its retail network with the latest addition of Jack Cars as an authorised dealer.) And this family is set to grow even bigger still. Soon to be launched in Singapore — as revealed by Ng at the event — is the BYD Atto 2, another compact electric crossover that will sit beneath the Atto 3 in terms of positioning and size. The Sealion 6 DM-i is now on sale in Singapore, and launches with a special price of $212,888 (inclusive of a guaranteed COE) — which places it slightly above the single-motor Sealion 7. The plug-in hybrid SUV also retails with a six-year car warranty, 10-year battery warranty, and 10 years worth of free servicing*. *Terms and conditions to apply Car model Price as of press time (including COE) BYD Sealion 6 DM-i Plug-in Hybrid $212,888 [[nid:719528]] This article was first published in sgCarMart .
Irish Examiner
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Irish Examiner
BYD Sealion 7 review: Chinese electric SUV makes strong debut despite testing mishap
WHEN you cock something up, it is always best the best policy to put your hands up and admit as much. So, here I am throwing myself down before the altar of forgiveness, begging for mercy. It all has to do with a recent test of the seemingly excellent BYD Sealion 7, the latest all-electric SUV from the Chinese manufacturer which hit the streets here in Ireland recently and is already having a big sales impact. Having been booked in to test the beast, I duly arrived at the local dealer in Cork early one Monday morning to collect it. I assured the dealer principal it was unnecessary to give me a run-down on the workings of the car because, well, I'm a motoring correspondent and therefore all-knowing. As is the case with many Chinese cars these days, they are ready to go from the moment you plonk your ass on the drivers' seat — once you're in possession of the key, of course. I duly did so, engaged 'Drive' on the auto gearbox and drove off, with well over 400km of range being shown. Now, as sometimes happens with diary bookings this was a week where I had two cars for one reason or another and it was my intention to share the week between them, I was going to take one home to West Cork from my city lair and then come back later in the week and drive the other. Coming from Little Island to the city I noted the vast amount of tech on offer with the Sealion 7, its enthusiastic response to the throttle, excellent brakes, top drawer interior décor, and its spaciousness. When I got to my city base, I locked the car and went in home. At this point I was of the opinion it would be going west the following morning. Sadly, this was far from being the case. I was going to the local shop — on foot, as it happens — later that evening and as I walked past the car the lights suddenly came on. I thought: 'My God, those Chinese have technology in the car which recognises you as the most recent person to drive it, even if you haven't got the keys on you.' Thinking little more of it, other than how ingenious the Chinese were, I went to the shop. I came home about 20 minutes later and the lights were still on. I had supposed that the 'welcome back' lights would have turned themselves off. But no, they were still on and so too was the infotainment screen and so forth. BYD spacious interior The lights were obviously daylight sensitive because when I came back the following morning, they had turned themselves off. As I readied to go west, I decided to just check that there was a charging cable with the car, but could find nothing of the sort in the boot. The frunk, I presumed, would be where it was stored. Except I could not access the space under the bonnet. There did not appear to be any interior handle to open it, so I tried to see if there was some control to open it with via the infotainment system, but I couldn't find one. Read More BYD Seal U review: Packed with potential but lacking precision If it was not chargeable, then it was not going west — simple as that. I'd leave it in Cork and take it for a good spin when I got back on Sunday. That was the plan, but it turned out to be a bad one. When I returned on Sunday the battery has drained to the point where there was just 80km of range left. There was going to be no 'good spin'. According to one of my observant neighbours, the lights came on every night and the infotainment screen seemed to be permanently engaged. He had calculated I was losing roughly one kilometre of charge every hour. I was dismayed. For a start, it turned out I knew diddly-doo about anything, not least the start/stop procedure on this BYD. That meant that the recharging cable issue was irrelevant anyway. I had to get to the bottom of it. Having locked and unlocked the car again many times, I still could not solve the lights/infotainment screen situation and they remained doggedly on. In some desperation I sat back into the drivers' seat to recalibrate. Like many Chinese cars, there are few actual buttons and everything is largely controlled via the screen. But then I looked down and to my left and, to my horror, I saw a small start/stop button which had previously avoided my attention. What a prat. So, this was on one of those Chinese cars (or a Volvo EV, which has the same characteristics) which comes alive when your bum touches the seat and turns off when said bum departs. I'd got it terribly wrong and we were now looking at one of the shortest test drives in the history of Examiner Motoring. You may already know that BYD is now the fastest-selling EV brand in the world, shifting 4.2m of them last year. That's an impressive achievement considering that in 2020, it sold just 430,000 units. That being so I can tell you that the Sealion 7 is related to the company's Seal model, but is styled like a Coupe SUV, although the interior space belies the fact. The tester was the entry level Comfort version with a single motor mounted on the rear axle and driving the rear wheels only. BYD Sealion 7 There is some 308bhp on tap and this converts into a 0-100km/h time of 6.7seconds and a top speed of 215km/h. Claimed range is 482km and the 10 to 80% charging time is a very respectable 32 minutes, but, sadly, I never got to see that in action. The two other models in the range — the Design and the Excellence — are both 4WD machines which boast added levels of kit and tech, but the Comfort version is not exactly shy in this regard. The cockpit is dominated by a 15.6' rotating infotainment screen and a separate digital screen in front of the driver for all relevant driving information. It is a well appointed and built cabin and, as Tesla is one of its main rivals, there's a lot in here which apes the tech on offer there, which is no surprise. ALTHOUGH we didn't get to drive it on the roads which usually provide us with the down and dirty on handling and ride prowess, it seemed decent enough in both departments. As to how engaging it is to drive, we can only guess. For the price, however, the package seemed to be a very attractive one and we can easily surmise that they'll sell a shedload of them for the bobs being asked. However, thanks to the ineptitude of yours truly I can only place myself at the mercy of the generosity of the distributor and suggest they might give me another go in it to truly evaluate how this car performs. They say that shit happens, but in this case the blame can only be apportioned in one place and I can, therefore, only put my hands up and say: 'Mea culpa.' Read More Volvo EX40 Black Edition review: bold design but falls short on the open road
Business Insider
25-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business Insider
I test drove BYD's latest midsize SUV. It accelerates faster than a Porsche Cayenne Coupe S.
In April, BYD outsold Tesla in Europe for the first time. The Chinese EV giant has a key model in almost every segment, including the Sealion 7. Our reviewer was impressed by the midsize SUV's handling. BYD is on a roll, with a key model in nearly every segment: the Dolphin in compact hatchbacks, the Seal in sedans, the M6 in MPVs, and the Atto 3 in compact SUVs. The lineup reflects a strategy designed to match drivers' needs in nearly every stage of life. Last month, I borrowed a Sealion 7 and spent three days driving it around Singapore to get a feel for the car. The midsize SUV has two variants: Premium and AWD Performance. I test drove the higher-end AWD Performance model, which is priced at 219,000 yuan, or about $30,500. The Sealion 7 was first unveiled at the 2023 Guangzhou Auto Show and made its international debut at the 2024 Paris Motor Show. In the first half of 2025, BYD overtook Toyota to become Singapore's top-selling car brand. By April, it was also outselling Tesla in EV sales across Europe. On the outside After spending three days driving the car around Singapore, I can't find much to complain about the Sealion 7's design. Even the panel gaps and finish are solid — a big step up from how people used to view Chinese cars. Part of BYD's visual success comes down to its design team, led by Wolfgang Egger, who joined BYD in 2017. Egger was the designer behind some of Alfa Romeo's best-looking models. As the more premium Sealion variant, this one features red brake calipers — perhaps a subtle hint at how fast it can go. The less subtle way BYD is shouting about how fast its Sealion 7 AWD Performance is? A "4.5S" badge slapped on the back — signaling that it hits 62 mph from a standstill in just 4.5 seconds. The Porsche Cayenne Coupe S takes 4.7 seconds. Behind the wheel Since we're on the topic of performance — and given that this is the more powerful variant — the risk of losing my license on Singapore's heavily policed roads felt real. Speed limits here top out at just 90 km/h, or about 56 mph. Whenever a car crept up behind me, I was tempted to unleash all 523 bhp and 690 Nm of torque. And funnily enough, it felt like, or maybe I imagined, that every Tesla I passed was daring me to do it. I'll admit it: I may have caved once or twice. But after watching how fast the range dropped whenever I floored it, I decided to drive like a more responsible 40-something. It's worth highlighting how refined the Sealion 7 feels in everyday driving. On the expressway, it cruises comfortably at fast speeds with minimal wind or road noise. Tire noise is slightly noticeable, though — this variant runs on performance-oriented Michelin Pilot Sport EVs, which tend to be louder due to their tread pattern. Still, that hardly matters when you have the standard 12-speaker DynAudio sound system and double-glazed windows. Together, they ensured I could enjoy my playlist without interruption. For the curious: Bruno Mars, The Weeknd, Sam Smith, John Mayer, Stereophonics, and Fuel were part of the mix. The 15.6-inch touchscreen rotates to portrait mode and controls everything from windows and climate to in-car karaoke. When karaoke is activated, the screen displays a QR code that passengers can scan — so drivers don't get distracted by the lyrics. Back in 2008, I reviewed a Chinese SUV at a time when the country was still new to exporting cars. I remember thinking its handling was underwhelming, even questioning how safe it would be in an emergency maneuver. Well, it's now 2025, and it's clear that ride and handling have improved. In this all-wheel-drive variant, I would be confident to take it down winding roads. Steering feedback is reassuring, and stopping power is just as strong. On the inside The seats are comfortable and well-cushioned, offering solid support for long drives. That said, I found the back seats were a bit low for my liking — a matter of personal preference, but worth keeping in mind for taller passengers. The driving position is excellent, with great outward and all-around visibility. All the key controls are within easy reach, and the steering wheel is perfectly sized for a confident grip. If there's one area that could be improved, it's the font size on the driver display. It's slightly too small, especially for those not quite ready for reading glasses, but not far off either. I also found the Driver Attention Warning overly sensitive — it popped up every time I yawned, displaying a coffee icon and suggesting I take a break, which became mildly irritating. I returned the keys to the BYD Sealion 7 feeling genuinely impressed. While I haven't tested the more affordable Premium variant, the extra 42,620 Chinese yuan for the AWD Performance model feels justified. It has stronger performance, larger wheels with better tires, and an all-wheel-drive system that adds both confidence and capability. I drove 223 miles on a full charge and returned the car with 7% battery remaining — about 20 miles of range. That falls slightly short of the brochure's quoted 460 km, or 286 miles, WLTP range, but in real-world conditions, it's still solid for everyday use.
