Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer BYD is gearing up to introduce a new model at the upcoming Guangzhou auto show, set to commence on Friday. The latest addition to BYD’s lineup, the Sea Lion 07, part of its Ocean Series, will make its global debut on November 17, according to an announcement on one of BYD’s WeChat accounts.
Details about the Sea Lion 07 remain limited, but BYD shared several design sketches of the all-electric SUV, emphasizing its debut on the company’s e-Platform 3.0. The platform was crafted by Wolfgang Josef Egger, BYD’s global design director, known for his work on the Oceanic Aesthetic design language featured in the Ocean Series.
The Sea Lion 07 follows the design lineage of BYD’s Ocean X concept and is anticipated to contribute to BYD’s competitive position in the electric SUV market. In July 2022, reports surfaced that BYD was developing an SUV named the Sea Lion, with potential competition against Tesla’s Model Y. While initial expectations hinted at a third-quarter 2022 launch, this marks the first public acknowledgment of the model by BYD.
BYD’s passenger car business is categorized into the Dynasty Series and the Sea Series, prominently featured on the company’s official website. The Dynasty Series models are named after Chinese historical dynasties, while the Ocean Series takes inspiration from sea creatures and ships.
BYD’s robust performance in the NEV market was evident in October, with record sales of 301,833 units, including 151,749 Ocean Series models and 137,827 Dynasty Series models. The introduction of the Sea Lion 07 aligns with BYD’s strategic expansion efforts and its commitment to offering a diverse range of electric vehicles to meet evolving market demands.