BYD is gearing up to introduce its latest lineup of cars in India. According to media reports, the Seal sedan was spotted testing in Chennai, hinting at an imminent launch in the Indian market. Additionally, the Chinese automaker has trademarked Dolphin and Seagull EV names in India. Significantly, both models are expected to launch in the country later this year.
Let's discover more:
BYD Seal
The electric sedan, BYD Seal first made its India debut at the Delhi Auto Expo 2023. Now, the EV has been spied testing in India and is expected to launch in the Indian market by March 2024. It is believed that the dealers have already started accepting bookings unofficially for the electric vehicle.
From a design perspective, the Seal EV draws inspiration from the Ocean C Concept, showcased back in 2021. It highlights a coupe-like all-glass roof, split LED headlights with boomerang-shaped LED DRLs, flush-fitting door handles, aero-optimized wheels, and a full-width LED light bar.
In terms of features, the four-wheeler provides a large 15.6-inch center touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Other notable equipment onboard include a Heads-Up Display, dual wireless charging pads, and speakers integrated into the door handles.
As for the powertrain, the electric sedan is currently available with two battery packs for the global model. One is a 61.4 kWh unit while the other happens to be a 82.5 kWh battery pack. Both can offer 500 kms and 700 kms of range, respectively. In addition, the EV can be used with a single or dual-motor setup. While the former can be coupled with both batteries, the dual motor setup can be used with the larger battery.
For the India-spec model, BYD might only offer a dual-motor powertrain. This is expected to generate a maximum power output of 530 bhp. Besides, it is believed to sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in just 3.8 seconds. Expect its price at around Rs 50 lakh (ex-showroom).
Read Also: Upcoming Mahindra Electric Vehicles in India
BYD Dolphin
As per latest media reports, the company has secured the trademark for the Dolphin name in India. The electric hatchback, Dolphin is currently on sale in selected international markets. Now, the India-spec model is also expected to make its way to the country very soon.
The design approach for the Dolphin embodies a subtle yet refined elegance. It will feature LED headlights (automatic on/off), exterior mirror footlights, high beam assist, a panoramic roof, bi or tri-colour alloy wheels, and more.
Its interior will be a perfect blend of functionality and advanced technology, providing features like a 12.8-inch rotatable touchscreen infotainment screen, a PM2.5 air filter, keyless entry & start, and a comprehensive ADAS suite.
The Dolphin currently comes with two battery pack options. First is a small 44.9 kWh unit while the second one happens to be the larger 60.48 kWh battery pack. Due to their size, both batteries provide different power outputs ranging between 94 to 201 bhp while the torque could be 180 to 310 Nm.
In places like Malaysia, where there are tax breaks, it starts at about Rs. 17.4 lakh. But in India, because of import duties, it's expected to start at around Rs. 25 lakh. Still, it is a good choice for people in India who want an electric car that's both powerful and affordable.
BYD Seagull
Besides Dolphin, the brand has also trademarked the Seagull nameplate in the country. These three vehicles (Seagull, Dolphin, and Seal) are part of BYD’s Ocean lineup. In India, the Dolphin will be positioned below Atto 3, while the Seagull will be positioned below the Dolphin.
We don't have all the details about the India-specific model yet, but it might have the same cool design as the ones sold outside India.
Some of its best-in-class features might include a big 12.8-inch screen for the infotainment system, a 5-inch driver’s display, a flat bottom steering wheel, a wireless charging pad and more.
