This is the BYD Seal 06 GT, an electric hatch that could challenge models like the Volkswagen ID.3 and Cupra Born – if it hits international markets.
BYD has pulled back the curtain on the Seal 06 GT, designed as a clear rival to models like the Cupra Born, its cousin the Volkswagen ID.3, and the popular MG4 EV.
Full details won’t be handed down until its official reveal on Friday, but the brand has released early images and some specifications that give us a glimpse of what to expect.
On the styling front, the Seal 06 GT evolves from the Ocean-M concept shown in May, while dialling down the race-track looks – although we might yet see a performance-focused version of the new hatch.
Along with the Ocean-M, the Seal 06 GT shares much of its styling themes with the BYD Seal sedan, which has proven popular in Australia (4662 examples sold year-to-date).
Inside, the Seal 06 GT boasts the same modern and somewhat minimalist styling that features in the Seal sedan, again with two large displays dominating the forward view.
Thankfully, the centre console includes a small array of physical controls, maintaining a balance between modern digital interfaces and traditional usability.
Further information will be released on Friday, but details published by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) provides some insight into the Seal 06 GT’s powertrain.
The top-spec Seal 06 GT looks likely to pack a dual-motor system delivering a muscly combined output of 310kW – making it a strong contender against potential performance rivals like the Volkswagen ID.3 GTX and Cupra Born VZ, both of which offer around 240kW from a single motor. Lower-powered, single-motor variants with 160kW and rear-wheel drive are also expected to be part of the line-up.
The Seal 06 GT will likely feature the company’s Blade 2 lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery technology – an evolution of what’s used in the BYD Seal sedan and the Atto 3 SUV – although exact range driving figures remain undisclosed.
The Blade 2 batteries have a higher energy density — 25% greater than the first-generation Blade batteries — allowing for a claimed driving range of up to 1000km between charges.
However, it’s likely most variants will simply pack a smaller Blade 2 battery pack to reduce weight and costs while keeping its already impressive driving range unaffected.
Production of the Blade 2 batteries is set to begin in August, with the Ocean M expected to enter the Chinese market shortly thereafter.
Above: Earlier images of the Seal 06 GT that appeared on China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) website.
Will the BYD Seal 06 GT be sold in Australia?
While the BYD Seal 06 GT has been revealed for China, it remains uncertain whether it will be offered in other markets like Europe or Australia.
BYD has proven hugely popular in Australia, and a model like the Seal 06 GT would surely undercut the $60,000 Cupra Born here – although it might not land as low as the $40K opening price of the MG4 range.
In terms of the local BYD line-up, the Seal 06 GT would enter between the Dolphin hatch and the Seal sedan.
Watch for full details to come on Friday, August 30.
About the BYD Ocean-M concept
Unveiled with a striking orange exterior and aggressive aerodynamics, the Ocean M concept is built on a new platform that integrates the Blade 2 battery technology, announced earlier this year.
The concept features most of the now-common EV tech and design elements, such as cameras replacing traditional rear-view mirrors, flush door handles, and dual rear wings mounted on the hatch.
Much of the Ocean-M’s styling has carried over to the Seal 06 GT, although its tail lamps have taken on a more production-friendly design, and all the racer elements have been dropped – for now.
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