Claim: BYD Seal U is out, Sealion 6 is in!

According to claims sparked by statements from Zhang Zhuo, the executive in charge of BYD’s ‘Ocean’ series, the Seal U (known as Song Plus in China), produced on an older platform and recently facing declining sales in China due to increased competition, will be phased out. It will be replaced by the Sealion 6, built on the e-platform 3.0 evo architecture, featuring a new motor, battery, faster charging, and updated interior/exterior design.

The senior official stated that the Sealion 6, which is 2.5 cm longer than the Seal U with a wheelbase of 2,820 mm, will go on sale in China by the end of July.

With an exterior design resembling the Sealion 7, the vehicle stands out with an interior inspired by BYD’s Ocean-S concept unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show, featuring a two-tone steering wheel, a larger instrument panel, and a new center console design. The starting price in China will be around $22,000, and the Sealion 6 may be sold in Europe at the same price as the BYD Seal U.

Having previously stated multiple times that it would shape its global model strategy using the Seal sub-brand for sedans and Sealion for SUVs, BYD will complete the series with the Sealion 6, 7, and by renaming the Tang as Sealion 8. More details about the company’s new model strategy are expected to be shared with the public in the coming months.