BYD reveals new Seal 06 EV images ahead of launch
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- BYD released the first images of the 2027 Seal 06 EV through Zhang Zhou, head of sales at its Ocean Sales Division, ahead of an unconfirmed launch date.
- Seal 06 EV is among the last BYD vehicles still using a camera-only system; the 2027 model gains a roof-mounted LiDAR to complement its existing God's Eye ADAS and DiPilot 100 smart cockpit, though it's still unclear whether it will be standard or optional.
- Regulatory filings cited by CarNewsChina show the 2027 Seal 06 measures 4,870 mm long with a 2,820 mm wheelbase — 150 mm longer than the current model — and offers a CLTC range of up to 630 km (391 miles), up from 545 km (339 miles).
- The 2027 Seal 06 EV will offer two single-motor options delivering 120 kW or 240 kW, up from 110 kW and 160 kW in the outgoing model, according to filings.
- The current 2026 Seal 06 EV starts at 109,800 yuan ($16,200) in China — roughly half the Tesla Model 3's 235,500 yuan ($34,800) starting price — though the Model 3 still edges it on range, at 634 km versus 630 km CLTC.
Why it matters: BYD is erasing the range gap with Tesla (634 km to 630 km CLTC) while keeping its price advantage — the outgoing Seal 06 EV costs half what a Model 3 does. Adding LiDAR to a sub-$17K sedan puts advanced driver-assist hardware within reach of China's mass-market buyers, sharpening competitive pressure on Tesla's value proposition.
