Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD has officially entered the Swiss market, initially offering two battery-electric models – the Seal and Sealion 7 – as well as the plug-in hybrid Seal U DM-i. The company has opened its first retail showroom in Zurich and plans to establish 14 additional outlets by the end of 2025.
The Swiss launch marks a different strategy for BYD in Europe, where it previously entered markets with models like the Atto 3, Han and Tang. “We’re very excited to be opening our network in Switzerland,” said Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD. “At BYD, our mission is to make our sustainable technologies as accessible to as many consumers as possible.”
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The Seal is an electric saloon built on BYD’s e-platform 3.0 and is available in Design and Excellence trims, offering a WLTP range of up to 570 km with an 82.5 kWh battery and DC fast charging of up to 150 kW. The Sealion 7 electric SUV, still relatively new in Europe, features a 91.3 kWh battery for a WLTP range of 502 km, with DC charging capabilities of 230 kW and available in three trims: Comfort, Design AWD, and Excellence AWD.
BYD’s plug-in hybrid Seal U DM-i, the third model offered in Switzerland, will be available in three trims with two driving modes. It uses the company’s Super DM system and boasts an all-electric range of up to 115 km. BYD stopped producing internal combustion engine vehicles in 2022.
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All vehicles come with a six-year/150,000-kilometre warranty, while the battery and drive motor are covered for eight years. The company is partnering with Swiss dealerships to build its retail network, starting with Harmony Auto Zurich, and planning further outlets in cities such as Zug, Lugano, and Bellinzona, in cooperation with Automotive Suisse.
“We’re delighted, too, to be launching with vehicles that showcase the types of technology that we are receiving more and more recognition for: the Blade Battery and Cell-to-Body construction in the Seal and Sealion 7, and our Super DM hybrid system in the Seal U DM-i,” Li added. “We’re looking forward to growing our presence here throughout 2025 and beyond.”