BYD unveils its Tesla Model Y killer

While Tesla is entangled in its problems, BYD continues its march forward and officially unveils the highly anticipated Sea Lion.

BYD, now the world’s leading manufacturer of electric cars, is not resting on its laurels. Not a week goes by without news, a new model, an update, a concept, all amidst staggering sales figures. The Chinese manufacturer revealed at the Beijing Motor Show its future electric SUV with dimensions very close to those of the Tesla Model Y, measuring 4,830 mm in length, 1,925 mm in width, and 1,620 mm in height. The perfect size for a mid-size SUV well suited to our era.

The design is dynamic, modern without being as divisive as that which gave birth to the Dolphin. Not surprisingly, since this Sea Lion is the work of Wolfgang Egger, the former head of design at Audi. BYD spares no effort in recruiting, and it is starting to pay off.

A BYD Style That Is Starting to Make Its Mark

The manufacturer also took the opportunity to finally reveal the interior of the Sea Lion, which appears particularly luxurious. The seats are elaborately finished and very richly dressed, while the materials seem of high quality. One can feel a new step has been taken compared to the already very luxurious Seal and Seal U. There is, however, a small reservation regarding the Havana upholstery, which was very popular on late 20th-century German sedans but has since gone somewhat out of fashion. A proliferation of buttons and manual controls contrast sharply with the minimalist design of the Tesla Model Y. The driver benefits from a beautiful digital display integrated into the dashboard, while the floating 15.6-inch rotatable screen, a signature of BYD, is also present.

No official specifications have yet been released, but according to the information gathered from Chinese homologation authorities, the BYD should be offered with three powertrain options. A single-motor version with 225 hp (170 kW) or 305 hp (230 kW), and a Dual Motor all-wheel-drive version with 525 hp (390 kW).

More patience is needed to learn its pricing, which is expected to range between 200,000 and 275,000 Yuan depending on the versions. In euros, that’s approximately between 26,000 and 36,000 euros, though these are still Chinese prices for now. No official announcement about its arrival in Europe, but it’s considered to be in the pipeline.