by The Chinese automaker BYD has introduced a new electrified model, the Sea Lion 06, whose design contains obvious references to other brands.
The front of the car resembles the Genesis style, and the rear lights are executed under the influence of Bentley. Customers are offered a choice between electric versions with one or two engines, as well as a hybrid modification.
Among the numerous premieres at the auto show, the BYD Sea Lion 06 attracts attention with its dynamic design. The car’s front end with split LED headlights and the absence of a radiator grille is clearly inspired by the style of the South Korean brand Genesis.
However, unlike low coupe-crossovers, the Sea Lion 06 has more classic SUV proportions with a high seating position, which adds road presence to it and likely improves practicality.
Design Details with Familiar Motifs
Among other exterior features are panoramic glazing and solid rear lights that develop the styling of the BYD Seal sedan. The shape of the rear light panel contains elements reminiscent of Bentley, indicating the BYD designers’ careful study of premium segment trends.
The car’s interior is executed in a style characteristic of modern Chinese electric vehicles. The central place is occupied by a 15.6-inch touchscreen multimedia screen. An atypical solution was the floating center console with metal control elements, which also associates with Genesis products. The car is equipped with BYD’s own development – the Blade Battery system.
Two Powertrains in One Design
The model is built on the updated e-Platform 3.0 Evo. In addition to fully electric versions (rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive), a hybrid DM-i modification with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine is offered. At the same time, all variants have an identical external appearance even in the details of the wheel design.
The name Sea Lion 06 indicates the model’s positioning between the Sea Lion 05 and Sea Lion 07, although the difference in dimensions is minimal. The length of the 06 is 4,810 mm (20 mm less than the 07), and the wheelbase is 2,820 mm (110 mm shorter).
Despite this, the Sea Lion 06 surpasses competitors like the Tesla Model Y or Genesis GV60 in size, and its shape makes it more suited for family use compared to low coupe-crossovers.
In China, the price of the new model is expected to be from 160,000 to 200,000 yuan (approximately $22,000 – $27,500). The question of the model’s release to other markets, including the European one, remains open for now.
