Following our recent exploits in China, we can give you the lowdown on models that we can expect to see in the coming months. While we will have to wait for exact pricing and specifications, we can share what we already know.
Related: Hands On With BYD In China - Everything You Need To Know
The vehicles headed to SA will include plug-in hybrid and full-electric models, with something for just about every segment you're interested in. Read this article, and you'll see a list of some models under consideration. With the right interest in these, BYD South Africa can motivate local introductions.
BYD Dolphin Surf EV
The first one confirmed for SA is the compact and cheeky, full-electric hatchback, the Dolphin Surf EV. While we initially suspected that this would be called the Atto 1, BYD South Africa has elected to go with the Dolphin name to place it in their Ocean series. Elsewhere, this model is known as the Seagull. Again, this is preliminary, and they may very well revert to the Atto nameplate.
SA will get two variants, the -10 and -20, fitted with a 30 or 38 kWh battery, respectively. The -10 will give you about 300 km range (as measured on NEDC) while the -20 will yield around 400 km from a full charge. It will produce 55kW and top out at around 130 km/h, making it better suited to the daily commute, rather than a cross-country road trip.
It will be available in four different colours: Lime Green, Cream White, Cosmos Black, or Ice Blue. All of these have a black and grey interior and 16-inch wheels. It has a 7.0-inch driver display, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, assorted drive modes, and rear parking sensors. Cruise control and six airbags are standard.
Expect to pay: Less than R400 000
BYD Sealion 5 PHEV
The Sealion 5 (known as the BYD Song Pro in China) is a Plug-in Hybrid Energy Vehicle (PHEV) that uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine along with electric motors to give you 156 kW of power and a combined range of 982 km from a full battery and tank. It's fitted with a 12.8 kWh battery, allowing you to top it up quickly.
This crossover SUV model uses BYD's latest DM-i 5.0 hybrid platform, which is the most efficient platform they have created.
Expect to pay: Around R500 000
Sealion 8 PHEV
Bookending the Sealion range is the Sealion 8 PHEV (known as the Tang L in China). When it arrives, this will be the largest of the Sealion range, offering seating for 7 in a sport SUV body. This model has received 5-star ratings from both the CNCAP and Euro NCAP.
The Sealion 8 will be powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and electrification, giving you either 200kW with the DM-i configuration or 400 kW in the high-performance DM-P arrangement. These two models will do the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 7.9 and 4.3 seconds, respectively.
Expect to pay: No less than R800 000
Atto 2 PHEV
A full-electric crossover SUV, the Atto 2 (known as the Yuan Up in China), is earmarked for arrival in SA. Information is thin, but the Atto 2 is available with a 32 or 45.1 kWh battery, producing from 70 to 130kW and a full battery range varying from 301 km to 401 km. With similar figures to the Dolphin, the Atto 2 will appeal to those who need a little more space.
This one is marked for a late 2026 release.
Under Consideration
These models from BYD's extensive portfolio are under consideration for South Africa. Pricing will be rather sensitive, and BYD South Africa will want to ensure that there is sufficient demand for them to warrant their introduction. As such, none of these models are guaranteed to make an appearance.
Yangwang U8
The impressive PHEV Yangwang U8 is BYD's flagship SUV. This one has motors on all four wheels and a waterproof rating of IP68, and can float when the wading depth exceeds 1 meter. Yangwag is BYD's premium brand, and if it were to come to South Africa, we may see it under the Denza brand. This one won't be cheap, though, as it's a Range Rover competitor with 880kW and 1280Nm torque. Its DiSUS-P suspension gives it impressive off-road credentials. While it is fitted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, it only extends the range and doesn't power the wheels.
Denza B5 PHEV
Known as the Fangchengbao Bao 5 in China, BYD may market this PHEV under the Denza brand. This Prado rival uses a DMO platform similar to the Shark 6, with a total power output of 505kW and 760Nm. Three diff locks and the DiSUS suspension cater to off-road enthusiasts.
Seal 5
The Seal 5 is a PHEV sedan with a 1.5-litre petrol engine and the DM-i 5.0 economy platform. Information on this brand new model is limited, but based on the Destroyer 5 recipe, we can predict that it will have an 8.3 or 18.3 kWh battery with a power output of 81kW and 135Nm. Depending on the model, ranges could vary from 46 to 101 km from the battery alone.
Shark variants
Good news for fans of South Africa's most powerful double cab, there are plans to expand the range with various engine options. Could we see a 2.0-litre? Or maybe a much larger 3.0? Will they maybe scale things down and offer a more affordable model? We will have to see, as BYD South Africa is tight-lipped about this.
