BYD has been operational in South Africa for a little over a year and the company is set to make an even bigger splash in the local market.
Looking for a new or used BYD? Find it here with CARmag!
If the name BYD is a foreign concept, don’t feel too in the dark. The Chinese giant, founded in 1995, is a high-tech company with operations in over 400 cities in over 70 countries across six of the world’s continents. Their focus? New Energy Vehicles, among others.
Related: BYD Shark Debuts as an Apex Predator in the Bakkie Segment
The Chinese automaker entered the South African passenger car market in June 2023 with the introduction of the all-electric Atto 3 crossover. And less than a year later, the Dolphin EV joined the portfolio. As things stand, the automaker will flood the local market with more EVs in the coming months, preluded with a CAR exclusive to the company’s facilities in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
Interesting fact: the Golden Arrow bus company in Cape Town imported two all-electric BYD busses in 2021.
BYD Dolphin
Locally, the Dolphin line-up consists of two models: the Standard Range and the Extended Range. Both models make use of a 60.48 kWh lithium-ion battery, producing 70 kW and 150 kW, respectively. As the top model, the Extended Range clears 0-100 km/h in 7.0 seconds*, while boasting a driving range of 427 km (WLTP)*.
Torque for the latter model is rated at 310 N.m versus 180 N.m in the Standard Range. Both derivatives are front-wheel drive.
- Dolphin Standard Range – R539 900
- Dolphin Extended Range – R599 900
BYD Atto 3
The Atto 3 range also comprises two models (Standard Range and Extended Range) and both are powered by the company’s 60.48 kWh battery. Like in the top Dolphin model, power comes in at 150 kW and 310 N.m, but 0-100 km/h is marginally slower at 7.3 seconds*.
The biggest difference between the two models is how far it can drive on electric power. The Standard Range can drive up to 345 km* on electric power, while the Extended Range boasts a driving range of 420 km*. Both figures are on the WLTP cycle.
- Atto 3 Standard Range – R768 000
- Atto 3 Extended Range – R835 000
BYD’s local portfolio comes standard with a 5-year/100 000 maintenance plan, a 5-year/100 000 km vehicle warranty, and an 8-year/150 000 km battery warranty.
Internationally?
According to the company’s international website, two more vehicles are on offer; these being the Seal and Sealion 6. The Seal is powered by an 82.56 kWh battery, producing a maximum of 390 kW. The all-wheel drive model can clear 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds* and has a combined driving range of 570 km* on the WLTP cycle.
The all-electric performance sedan is available in five exterior colours: Arctic Blue, Aurora White, Atlantis Grey, Cosmos Black, and Shark Grey. Inside, the colour options are Thaumas Black or Ocean Blue.
The Sealion 6 is the only PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) in BYD’s portfolio, combining a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with an 18.3 kWh battery. Available in Dynamic and Premium specifications, the combined power output for each grade is rated at 160 kW/300 N.m and 238 kW/550 N.m, respectively. While the Premium is AWD, it sacrifices driving range over the Dynamic: 961 km vs 1 092 km.
Both Sealion 6 models feature a MacPherson Strut suspension at the front with a multi-link setup at the rear. Connecting the SUV to the road is a set of 235/50 R19 tyres. It is not yet clear which of the Seal and Sealion 6 models will make their way to South Africa, but we will report back after the upcoming trip.
*claimed figures
