BYD, the new energy vehicle (NEV) giant, has unveiled the Seal DM-i, formerly known as the Chaser 07, at the Shanghai Auto Show. The B+ sedan in BYD's Ocean series is set to launch in the third quarter with prices ranging from RMB 200,000 to 250,000 yuan. The rebranding aims to capitalize on the Seal DM-i's growing popularity.
Image credit: BYD
The Seal DM-i, with dimensions of 4,980 mm (length), 1,890 mm (width), 1,495 mm (height), and a wheelbase of 2,900 mm, is larger than the BYD Seal battery electric vehicle (BEV). The BEV measures 4,800 mm (length), 1,875 mm (width), 1,460 mm (height), with a wheelbase of 2,920 mm.
Initially launched in China on July 29, 2022, the BYD Seal BEV emerged as a strong competitor to the Tesla Model 3. However, due to policy changes and a price war affecting China's NEV market, Seal's sales have declined. To revitalize sales, BYD released a revamped version of the Seal on May 10, offering five variants with prices starting below RMB 200,000.
The new hybrid variant, Seal DM-i, is expected to boost sales. It recently entered China's regulatory catalog under the name Chaser 07 and is available in four versions. Two of the variants feature a 1,498 ml engine with a peak power of 81 kW, paired with an electric motor of 145 kW peak power. The other two versions are equipped with a 1,497 ml engine and a peak power of 102 kW, complemented by an electric motor of 160 kW peak power. The NEDC electric range of the model is 121 km and 200 km, respectively.
(Image credit: Auto in China)
($1 = RMB 7.1359)