A Mazda CX-80 and Toyota Kluger rival is coming to BYD showrooms in Australia, but the identity of the model – and if it will be electric or hybrid – is still to be confirmed.
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BYD could launch its first seven-seat SUV in Australia by the end of this year – as a rival to the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Kluger – its soon-to-be-dropped importer has revealed.
It is yet to be confirmed if the new model will be electric or plug-in hybrid, and which current model in BYD's Chinese model range – if any – it will be based on.
But BYD only sells two seven-seat SUVs in China – the Tang and Tang L – and whereas the former is an old model unlikely to be engineered for right-hand drive, the latter (pictured) is an all-new vehicle that has only just gone on sale overseas.
It may be given a more Australian name for local sale, given the Atto 3 is sold in China as the Yuan Plus.
"I'm happy to go on record to say I want a seven-seater, and I've said from day one we need to be focused on SUV and utes. Every other brand has a seven-seater, we need a seven-seater, 100 per cent," he said.
Asked directly if BYD Australia will introduce a seven-seat SUV, he replied: "Yes."
"It will be a new model. I'm hoping it's this year, but nothing is guaranteed," the executive said, when pressed on the company's plans.
The name the new vehicle will wear is yet to be disclosed, Smitherman confirming to Drive the company – as of the time of the interview, in early 2025 – was "still working at it".
He confirmed there will be more models in the Sealion range after the plug-in hybrid Sealion 6 and electric Sealion 7, and when asked if they will span hybrid and electric drivetrains, replied: "Yes."
The Tang L measures 5040mm long, 1996mm wide and 1970mm tall, on a 2950mm wheelbase – placing it in line with a Kluger, Palisade, Mazda CX-80 plug-in hybrid, or electric Kia EV9.
Prices range from 229,800 to 289,800 yuan ($AU49,500 to $AU62,500) in China, but it would likely cost more in Australia, if it is sold here.
The flagship model in China is known as the Drone Player Edition, which fits a roof box that can open to reveal a drone capable of taking off or landing while the car is travelling at up to 25km/h.
It can follow the vehicle at speeds up to 54km/h while recording 4K video and avoiding obstacles above the car. This is unlikely to reach Australia.
Plug-in hybrid variants use a 35.6kWh battery rated for between 175km and 215km of electric-only driving range in CLTC lab testing.
It comes from a 115kW/225Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, and either one or two 200kW electric motors, depending on whether front- or all-wheel drive is optioned.
Fuel consumption with a depleted battery is rated at 4.9 to 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres in NEDC lab testing, while 0-100km/h acceleration times fall as low as 4.3 seconds with all-wheel drive.
Meanwhile, the electric Tang L is available with one rear electric motor, or dual motors (one front, one rear), matched with a 100.5kWh battery pack.
BYD claims incredible power outputs for both models – 500kW with rear-wheel drive, and 810kW with all-wheel drive – but they only appear to translates to 0-100km/h acceleration times of 6.9 and 3.9 seconds respectively.
Both variants run at 1000 volts, and can accept electricity on a DC fast charger at a claimed 1000kW, for a 10 to 70 per cent recharge time of just six minutes on the right charging station in China.
There are little to no DC fast chargers in Australia that can supply much more than 350kW, and most can only deliver 50kW to 150kW.
Driving range in Chinese CLTC lab testing is rated between 600km and 670km, depending on model.
Available features include a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen, 10.25-inch instrument display, head-up display, adaptive suspension, leather trim, heated and ventilated front seats, and three-zone climate control.
It is capable of 'Navigate on Autopilot' eyes-on, but largely hands-off automated driving in city centres or on freeways, under driver supervision.
More details of BYD's upcoming seven-seater are expected later this year.
Family Cars Guide
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
