BYD Launches 3 New Hybrid & Electric Vehicles in SA
The ocean crashes onto land with Build Your Dreams’ (BYD) latest vehicle models launching in South Africa. These include their hybrid bakkie, Shark 6 and SUV Sealion 7, as well as their new all-electric Sealion 7. BYD is changing the face of new electric vehicles in the country, with a focus on making the planet that one crucial degree colder.
Shark 6 Has Jaws for Days
Coming in black, blue, white and beige, the Shark 6 turns heads on the road. Eighteen-inch wheels work together with a Hybrid Special 1.5 litre turbo high-power engine. The new BYD Blade Battery aims to produce 321kw maximum power and 650Nm maximum torque.
In addition, the vehicle has the world’s first longitudinal Electric Hybrid System (EHS) drive assembly. It also has cell to chassis technology that increases rigidity by 22%. Alongside a braked towing capacity of 2500 kg and a 800 km combined driving range, the Shark 6 is the ultimate off-road machine. More so, its 0-100km/h sits at 5.7 seconds – jaw-dropping for a bakkie in South Africa.
This hybrid bakkie has a double wishbone front and rear suspension, with specialised terrain modes for Mud, Sand and Snow. Advanced features include Hill Hold Control, Vehicle Dynamic Control and Hill Descent Control, which make off-roading a whole lot easier.
The cab of the bakkie is also groundbreakingly spacious, with ISOFIX child restraint anchor points on perfectly angled backseats. Where safety is concerned, the vehicle is equipped with child-presence detection and seven Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags. Further to this, there is a front and rear cross-traffic alert with braking. These safety features are duplicated in all the new BYD models.
The Shark 6 has an Advanced Driver Assist System and Over The Air (OTA) updates too. And, it boasts a 15.6 inch intelligent rotating touch screen infotainment system and a 10.25 inch digital instrument cluster. There are also 12 Dynaudio speakers and Dual Mode Off-Road (DMO) All Wheel Drive (AWD) plug-in hybrid architecture.
Clearly, the Shark 6 is here to prove it has jaws for days, biting into South Africa’s motoring market.
Sealion 6 Swims to Victory
A DM-i Electric Hybrid System accumulates in BYD’s Sealion 6. This vehicle boasts ultra-low fuel consumption, extreme ride comfort and high-performance power. In addition, it is equipped with an industry-leading BYD Blade Battery, said to be the safest on the market.
Amazingly, the vehicle has a 1092 km combined driving range and it has Direct Engine Drive for optimal consumption. Driving modes include EV for enhanced performance whilst DM-i is for extended ranges and high-speed efficiency. Furthermore, the vehicle comes in comfort, dynamic or premium styles.
It also has a similar infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, sound system, safety features and driver assistance system as the Shark 6. Small tweaks here and there provide the best possible experience within the Sealion 6. Similarly, the same features occur and are adapted in the Sealion 7.
The Sealion 6 Premium AWD comes with a 1.5 litre high-efficiency, turbo-charged hybrid engine. Thus, it produces 238Km of horsepower and 550Nm of torque, achieving a 0-100km/h of 5.9 seconds.
Performance and economy meet where the Sealion 6 is concerned and has the vehicle swimming to victory.
Sealion 7 Revs Up a Wave
BYD’s ultimate performance electric vehicle is the Sealion 7, with a 0-100km/h of 4.5 seconds. An Ocean X dynamic design means the car looks as sleek as it feels. Boasting BYD’s Blade Battery paired with sticky Michelin Rubber, the Sealion 7 has a maximum horsepower of 390Km. Furthermore, it has a maximum torque of 690Nm and achieves a 542km combined range.
Riding on Frequency Selective Damping shock absorbers on the front and rear, the Sealion 7 ensures responsive handling without compromising ride quality. Also, its double wishbone suspension on the front and multi-link suspension in the rear seamlessly combine comfort and performance.
The Sealion 7’s safety technology includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Warning. Additionally, it has Driver Attention Warning, Predictive Collision Technology, Traffic Sign Recognition and Intelligent Speed Limit Control. It also comes with a one-touch open and close tailgate with keyless entry and vehicle start.
Further to this, the vehicle has soundproofed double glazed glass on its windshield and front doors. And, an automatic anti-dazzle rearview mirror, RGB mood lighting with a rhythm function and a silver-plated panoramic glass roof add to its allure. An intelligent Windshield Heads Up Display (W-HUD) provides important information to the driver whilst a premium Dynaudio sound system brings music to your ears.
This vehicle undoubtedly redefines motoring convenience, luxury and performance.
Check out these vehicles at your nearest dealer and build your dreams one vehicle at a time.
