BYD Expands Its Footprint in South Africa with Three New Models in 2025

Chinese automaker BYD is set to increase its presence in the South African market with the debut of three exciting new models this year: the Shark 6 plug-in hybrid bakkie, the Sealion 6 plug-in hybrid SUV, and the all-electric Sealion 7 coupé-SUV.

These launches, which were initially reported by The Citizen, indicate BYD’s strategy to compete more aggressively with established automotive brands and solidify its position as a key player in South Africa’s new-energy vehicle segment.

While official launch dates, pricing, and full specifications for the South African market are yet to be confirmed, there’s already a wealth of information available from the models’ debuts in other regions.

The Shark 6 is poised to become South Africa’s first-ever plug-in hybrid bakkie upon its release. This double-cab vehicle offers impressive towing capacity at 2.5 tons and a payload capacity of 835kg. It combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine with a 29.5kWh Blade battery and a 150kW/340Nm electric motor, delivering a combined output of 320kW and 650Nm of torque.

With these power figures, the Shark 6 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. The vehicle also offers a 100km electric-only range, with a total driving range of 840km. South African consumers can expect a competitively priced entry into the bakkie market, which already has a strong presence of traditional and electric models.

Next up is the Sealion 6, an SUV that will further bolster BYD’s line-up in South Africa. Already known in other markets as the Song Plus or Seal U, the Sealion 6 will become BYD’s second SUV offering in the country. The five-seater vehicle stands out for its sleek design, especially following a recent facelift, and boasts ample boot space.

Internationally, the Sealion 6 is offered in various powertrains, but the version set for South Africa will feature a plug-in hybrid system. Likely powertrain options include a 1.5-liter petrol engine paired with an 18.3kWh battery and a single electric motor, and a more potent all-wheel-drive version with a turbocharged petrol engine and dual electric motors.

Rounding out the trio is the Sealion 7, an all-electric coupé-SUV that made its global debut last year. This model will be offered in two versions: a rear-wheel-drive single-motor variant and an all-wheel-drive dual-motor model, both powered by an 82.5kWh Blade battery.

The dual-motor configuration delivers exhilarating performance, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 4.3 seconds. The Sealion 7 will contribute to BYD’s expanding electric vehicle portfolio in South Africa, joining models like the Atto 3, Dolphin, and Seal.

Main Image: BYD