KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Expected dimensions are around 4,770mm in length, 1,910mm in width, and 1,620mm in height
- Choices between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive
- Likely to be positioned higher than the Atto 3 model
BYD (Build Your Dreams), a prominent global electric vehicle manufacturer, has secured the 'Sea Lion' trademark in India, hinting at a potential upcoming EV launch in the country. A fresh BYD prototype has been observed undergoing tests internationally, possibly bearing the name Sea Lion. Yet, it's uncertain whether this model will reach India as-is or if BYD will adopt an existing global model for the Indian market. For more details on this anticipated BYD release, read on. Meanwhile, you can join our 91Wheels Whatsapp Group for all of such latest updates from the automotive industry.
BYD Sea Lion - Exterior & Interior
BYD is conducting overseas trials for its upcoming model, likely the Sea Lion SUV. The electric midsize SUV will measure around 4,770 mm in length, 1,910 mm in width, and 1,620 mm in height, featuring a 2,900 mm wheelbase.
The exterior showcases a distinctive coupe-like sloping roofline, highlighted by top-mounted headlights, a robust bumper, and a trapezoidal grille. LED DRLs sit beneath the headlights. The test mule confirms a 5-seat layout. The rear boasts an assertive roof-mounted spoiler a steeply inclined windshield, and a prominent bumper. Tail lights mirror the headlight design. Potential for blacked-out B and C pillars.
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Within the vehicle, the test prototype reveals a sleek, flat-bottom steering wheel featuring integrated controls. A compact drive selector is also evident, resembling the one observed in the anticipated BYD Seal sedan. The interior is likely to showcase a rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
BYD Sea Lion - Powertrain And Rivals
BYD is poised to outfit their Sea Lion electric SUV with a robust 82.5kWh battery pack, offering an estimated range of approximately 700 kilometres. Choices for rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. Rear-wheel drive: single motor, 204 hp, 310 Nm torque similar to Atto 3. All-wheel drive: dual-motor, total 530 hp. Front 217 hp, rear 313 hp. It is probable that the Sea Lion will be positioned higher than the Atto 3 SUV, which currently carries a price tag of Rs 33.99 lakh (ex-showroom, India).
In terms of their base-level configurations, the Tesla Model Y boasts a power advantage of 60 horsepower over the BYD Sea Lion. However, in the comparison of their top-tier models, the Tesla Model Y falls behind by 45 horsepower compared to the Sea Lion. Besides Tesla, the BYD Sea Lion might also pose competition to the upcoming Mahindra BE range of 05, 07, and 09 electric SUVs.
Verdict
In 2022, BYD outsold Tesla when you consider both electric cars and plug-in hybrids. In India, BYD currently sells the Otto 3, a compact electric SUV. The fact that BYD has trademarked the name 'Sea Lion' in India suggests they're gearing up to introduce a new product. Although we don't know all the details yet, there's excitement about what this new model will offer and how it will make its way into the Indian market.
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