Three more BYD models confirmed for Australia

BYD Australia is wasting no time in expanding its EV arsenal, as evidenced by confirmation the Chinese car-maker will offer three new models Down Under within the next 12 months, bringing the number of EVs in its range to five by this time next year.

Speaking to media at yesterday’s release of the BYD Dolphin electric hatch, BYD Australia CEO Luke Todd revealed the local launch of the BYD Seal sedan had been brought forward several months to August and that it will be followed by an electrified pick-up and SUV by this time next year.

“Over the next 12 months there'll be another three models launched for the Australian market,” he said. “The next will be the BYD Seal.”

Originally touted as a Chinese Tesla Model 3 rival, Todd went on to clarify the Seal was being aimed at “the wider industry” including combustion-powered luxury sedans as opposed to just EVs, and that it would be launched “around August” this year.

Specification and pricing details for our market are predictably scarce at the moment, but overseas markets have been made privy to both single- and dual-motor variants of the Seal, good for between 230kW and 390kW of power respectively and a maximum driving range of up to 570km (WLTP).

“Pricing will be extremely competitive… we want to make sure it’s accessible for as many Australians as possible,” Todd said.

The next model to arrive will be the yet-to-be-named electric pick-up, which is tipped to be offered here in both 4x4 and 4x2 guises, as well as with the option of a circa-500kW plug-in hybrid powertrain.

When asked directly about the zero-emission ute’s chances for the Australian market, Todd said order books for the electric model should open in the first half of next year but discussions about the PHEV version were still ongoing.

“We’ve actually recently been able to bring the project forward six months, such is the interest in the BYD brand since we launched in Australia,” he said, before alluding to a “very competitive price point”.

“We’ve currently got an Australia-based engineering team heading to China where these vehicles are designed and engineered to make it Australia-ready.”

The final vehicle due within the next 12 months will be some sort of SUV positioned above the established BYD Atto 3 mid-size electric SUV, both in terms of size and price point. However it isn’t clear whether it will be a large electric crossover or an EV off-roader aimed at the GWM Tank.

Given BYD Australia’s goal of providing local consumers with the vehicles they want – ie: capable off-roaders and utes – we’re inclined to believe the upcoming SUV will be the full-size ‘F-Brand’ off-road wagon that’s being developed in tandem with the all-new pick-up.

Overseas reports have speculated the flagship off-roader will be good for more than 500kW in both EV and PHEV configurations, while camouflaged teaser images have showcased a blocky Land Rover Defender-inspired aesthetic with overhangs that a Suzuki Jimny 5-Door would be proud of.

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