A rare sporty electric hatchback will arrive in China later this month. BYD’s new Seal 06 GT electric hot hatch will launch on October 18, 2024, as the EV giant expands into new segments. Here’s what we know so far.
BYD’s electric hot hatch is set to arrive in China
We got our first look at BYD’s electric hot hatch at the Beijing Auto Show in April. Dubbed the Ocean-M concept, BYD claimed it was the industry’s first RWD performance electric hatchback.
You can clearly see the design influence from its other Ocean series models like the Dolphin and Seal but with an almost Volkswagen Golf-like silhouette.
Based on its new e-Platform 3.0 Evo, the EV hot hatch features higher performance and faster charging speeds.
The interior is also packed with BYD’s latest tech and connectivity software. A floating 15.6″ infotainment and 10.25″ driver display are at the center of an otherwise minimalistic design. BYD’s electric hatchback also comes with a 12″ head-up display.
BYD opened pre-orders, officially calling it the Seal 06 GT in August. The company said prices would range from as low as $21,300 (150,000 yuan) to upwards of $28,400 (200,000 yuan).
Although it was expected to launch in China last month, BYD’s Ocean series manager Zhang Zhuo confirmed the EV hot hatch will hit the market on October 18.
Taking on new segments
At 4,630 mm long, 1,880 mm wide, and 1,490 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,820 mm, BYD’s Seal 06 GT is slightly longer than Volkswagen’s new ID.3 GTX Performance (4,265 mm long / 1,809 mm wide / 1,563 mm tall / 2,770 mm wheelbase).
With hatchbacks not as popular in China, there are few comparisons. However, the electric hot hatch is expected to launch in Europe.
VW’s ID.3 GTX Performance starts at $57,200 (€ 52,295) with up to 321 hp (240 kW) for a 0 to 62 mph acceleration in 5.7 seconds. Powered by a 79 kWh battery, the sporty ID.3 GTX gets up to 373 miles (601 km) WLTP range.
The BYD Seal 06 GT is available in three powertrains. The base model features a 214 hp (160 kW) rear motor. The middle trim has 221 hp (165 kW), while the dual-motor model offers 415 hp (310 kW) for a 0 to 62 mph acceleration in 4.9 seconds. With the larger 73 kWh battery, the EV hot hatch gets up to 375 miles (605 km) range in China.
BYD’s new electric hot hatch is the latest as it expands into new markets. Although best known for its low-cost EVs like the Seagull, which starts at under $10,000 in China, BYD is launching new models across different segments, such as pickup trucks, electric supercars, and luxury vehicles.
Source: CarNewsChina, BYD