Chinese automaker BYD continues working on expanding its “Seal” lineup that spontaneously evolved from a single electric car by that name. Next up is a mid-size sedan named the Seal 06, which will first reach the market as a hybrid vehicle and later on as a full electric car.
According to Car News China quoting data from the country’s Ministry of Industry and IT, the Seal 06 is 4,830 mm (188.7 inches) long, 1,875 mm (73.3 inches) wide and 1,495 mm (58.4 inches) tall with 2,790 mm (109 inches) of wheelbase. Depending on your chosen trim level, it can weigh between 1,660 and 1,775 kilograms (3,660–3,913 lbs).
Interestingly, the front end resembles cars from the BYD Ocean lineup more than it does those from the Seal lineup (watch the video if you want a comparison). For example, it lacks their boomerang-like front lights and has two L-shaped DRLs in each headlight unit. The rear end is also largely new, although it resembles that of the larger Seal DM-i. The cabin remains to be revealed.
The spec sheet mentions two hybrid powertrain options. Both are based on the same 1.5-liter petrol engine rated at 100 PS (99 hp / 74 kW), but while the first one makes do with a 163-PS (161-hp / 120-kW) electric motor, the other one takes advantage of a superior 218-PS (215-hp / 160-kW) motor.
Battery sizes aren’t mentioned anywhere, but the media in China tend to agree that BYD will ship the Seal 06 Hybrid with two lithium-iron-phosphate battery packs designed by FinDreams as a part of its Blade series. These come in two sizes: 10 and 16 kWh, CLTC-rated for 60 and 90 kilometers of range, respectively.
The patent application also mentions sunroof as an option and an electronic speed limiter set to 180 km/h (112 mph).
