BYD develops its upper segment in Europe : launch of the Sealion
- Among the Chinese carmakers that sold a total of 301,176 BEVs in Europe (30 countries = EU + UK + Switzerland + Norway) in the first 9 months of 2024 (compared to 279,511 units in the first 9 months of 2023, representing an increase of 8%), BYD sold 28,723 BEVs in Europe in the first 9 months of 2024, which represents a tripling of its sales compared to the first 9 months of 2023, but BYD remains far behind MG (a subsidiary of the SAIC group) which sold 177,634 over the same period. BYD is therefore now the second Chinese seller of BEVs in Europe, far behind MG.
- The BYD models range is still relatively limited compared to that offered in China, since it consists of the Atto 3 (C-segment SUV), Dolphin (C-segment sedan), Seal (D-segment sedan), Seal U (D-segment SUV – PHEV), Han (E-segment sedan) and Tang (E-segment SUV). Note the notable absence of the Seagull (B-segment sedan), the third best-selling BEV in the world (see previous analysis).
- To complete its European range, BYD is launching the Sealion at the end of the year, a D-segment SUV-BEV that adapts the low and sporty lines of the Seal sedan to a mid-class SUV. The Sealion SUV is 4.83 m long compared to 4.78 m for the Seal U SUV and 4.80 m for the Seal sedan. The Sealion competes with the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Kia EV6, as well as the Peugeot e-3008 and Volkswagen ID5. The Sealion is powered by a 308 hp electric motor supplied in electricity by an 82.5 kWh NMC battery allowing a range of 480 km according to the WLTP cycle. A 522 hp version will also be offered with four-wheel drive and a 91.3 kWh NMC battery allowing a range of 500 km according to the WLTP cycle.