In total, BYD currently offers six models in the South African market, namely, the compact BYD ATTO 3, followed by the BYD DOLPHIN hatchback and the BYD SEAL sedan. The newly launched BYD SHARK 6 and BYD SEALION 6 complete BYD's PHEVs and EVs dual product strategy in the South African market.

BYD SHARK 6:

BYD Shark 6 is the first bakkie that BYD has launched in South Africa.

It has a dedicated rear-drive powertrain, EHS electric hybrid system, and a 1.5T engine; it reaches a peak power of over 316kW, equivalent to a 4.0L V8 engine. It’s claimed that its acceleration from 0 to 100 kilometres is only 5.7 seconds.

The BYD SHARK 6 can precisely adjust the torque distribution between its front and rear wheels in milliseconds.

As a super plug-in hybrid model, the BYD SHARK 6 boasts dual fuel and electric power modes with a comprehensive cruising range of 670km, alongside a pure EV endurance of 85km.

BYD SEALION 6:

The SEALION 6 SUV delivers a seamless driving experience with front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants. It produces maximum power output of 238kW and 550Nm of torque, while the front-wheel-drive (FWD) variant can travel up to 1 080km and 870km in AWD model, BYD says.

Technology is at the core of the SEALION 6, enhancing connectivity through a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, smart voice control and an advanced head-up display (HUD). The HUD projects key driving information directly onto the windshield, displaying speed, speed limits and adaptive cruise control data.

BYD SEALION 7:

As BYD’s fourth pure electric model in South Africa, the BYD SEALION 7, is a sport-coupé SUV that blends sleek design, advanced EV technology and superior driving dynamics, says the Chinese manufacturer.

The heart of any high-performance vehicle is its motor. The rear motor can run at speeds of up to 23 000 r/min, making it one of the world's fastest mass-produced electric motors. This advanced technology enables BYD SEALION 7 to deliver a stronger acceleration of 4.5s from 0 to 100km/h for the Performance edition and 6.7s for the Premium edition, with a top speed of 215km/h for both editions.

The SEALION 7 is equipped with BYD's Blade battery and offers 82.56kWh battery capacity, with a maximum WLTP range of 482km. Therefore, for short-distance daily commutes, a full charge could last up to 10 days.

Also, with Intelligent fast-charging technology, the SEALION 7 battery can be recharged from 20% to 80% within 30 minutes with DC rapid-charging rates of 150kW. Both versions of BYD SEALION 7 get a 7kW wall box charger and a 2.2kW portable charger as standard.

Prices:

BYD Shark 6 (R959 900).

BYD Sealion 6 Comfort FWD (R639 900), Sealion 6 Dynamic FWD (R689 900) and the Sealion 6 Premium AWD (R789 900).

BYD Sealion 7 (R1 099 900).