A rare electric sports hatchback will arrive in China later this month. BYD’s new Seal 06 GT electric hatch will be launched on October 18, 2024, as the electric car 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. Calling the Ocean-M concept, BYD claimed it was the industry’s first rear-wheel-drive electric performance hatchback.

You can clearly see the design influence from other Ocean series models like the Dolphin and Seal but with an almost Volkswagen Golf-like silhouette.

Based on the new e-Platform 3.0 Evo platform, the EV hot hatch features higher performance and faster charging speeds.

The interior is also equipped with BYD’s latest technology and connectivity software. A floating 15.6-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch driver display sit at the center of a minimalist design. BYD’s electric hatchback also comes with a 12-inch head-up display.

BYD opened pre-orders, officially naming it the Seal 06 GT in August. The company said prices will range from $21,300 (150,000 yuan) to more than $28,400 (200,000 yuan).

Although it was expected to be launched in China last month, BYD’s Ocean Series director Zhang Zhuo has confirmed that the electric vehicle will hit the market on October 18.

Taking new sectors

At 4,630 mm long, 1,880 mm wide and 1,490 mm high, with a 2,820 mm wheelbase, 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 high / 2,770 mm (wheelbase mm).

Although hatchbacks are not very popular in China, there are few comparisons. However, the electric car is expected to be launched in Europe.

Volkswagen’s ID.3 GTX Performance starts at $57,200 (€52,295) with up to 321 hp (240 kW) for 0-62 mph in 5.7 seconds. The ID.3 GTX sports a 79 kWh battery, delivering a WLTP range of up to 373 miles (601 km).

The BYD Seal 06 GT is available with three engines. The base model features a 214 hp (160 kW) rear engine. The mid-range model has 221 hp (165 kW), while the dual-motor model delivers 415 hp (310 kW) for 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds. With the larger 73 kWh battery, the electric hot hatch has a range of up to 375 miles (605 km) in China.

BYD’s new electric hot hatch is the latest as it expands into new markets. Although it is best known for its low-cost electric vehicles such as the Seagull, which starts at less than $10,000 in China, BYD is launching new models across different segments, such as minivans, electric supercars and luxury vehicles.

Source: Car News China, BYD

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