BYD is looking to add yet another sedan to its model line-up in Australia, a larger offering with plug-in hybrid power.
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BYD appears set to launch its third sedan in Australia in three years with the Seal 7, a plug-in hybrid larger than a Toyota Camry, which could be in Australian showrooms by the end of this year.
Australian approval documents show BYD has received the green light to sell the Seal 7, a larger and more powerful turbocharged sibling to the mid-size Seal 6 due in Australia in the coming weeks.
It is yet to be locked in for Australia, but the presence of government homologation documents suggests it could be in showrooms within the next nine months.
Seal 7 sedans have been spotted testing on Australian roads in recent months.
Prices would likely command a premium over the $34,990 to $39,990 plus on-road costs of the Seal 6, which is offered as a wagon, in addition to the sedan body style.
At 4980mm long and 1890mm wide, the Seal 7 is 150mm longer and 15mm wider than the Seal 6, and is slightly longer nose to tail than a Camry.
It is very similar in footprint to the final Australian-made Holden Commodore, though the Seal 7 remains front-wheel drive, with space for five occupants.
It has been approved for sale with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine assisted by an electric motor for 197kW combined, compared to the Seal 6's 1.5-litre non-turbo plug-in hybrid system.
In China, the engine produces 115kW/225Nm, paired with a 200kW/315Nm electric motor and choice of 17.6kWh or 29.5kWh battery packs rated for 110km to 180km of electric-only driving range in WLTC lab testing.
It is unclear which battery pack is planned for Australia.
Fuel economy with a depleted battery is quoted at 4.4 to 4.5L/100km under WLTC protocols.
DC fast charging is standard fitment – at up to 40kW with the smaller battery, or 69kW with the larger pack – plus 7kW AC home charging, and a household power plug for charging external electrical devices.
The Seal 7 offers a similar suite of features to other cars in the BYD range, including a 15.6-inch touchscreen, 12-speaker stereo, panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, head-up display, and heated and ventilated front seats with power adjustment.
An electric Seal 7 is also available in China, with a 705km range rating based on generous Chinese CLTC lab testing from a 69kWh battery and 240kW rear electric motor, but it has not been approved for Australia.
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Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
