At the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show, which is currently taking place in China, the EV giant BYD has been dominating the show with a range of new vehicles, concepts, luxury as well as performance vehicles.
BYD Seagull EV
The entry-level electric hatchback, called the Seagull, has been launched by BYD and is aimed at buyers on a limited budget. The Seagull, which is based on e-platform 3.0 and is part of BYD’s Ocean series, costs between 78,800 and 95,800 yuan ($11,400 – $13,900 USD).
BYD Seagull EV
The BYD Seagull has a 55 kW (75 hp) motor with a top speed of 130 km/h. It offers two battery options: a 30 kWh BYD LFP battery with a range of 305 km and a 38 kWh BYD LFP battery with a range of 405 km. The Seagull has received a resoundingly positive reception from its target consumers; according to BYD, over 10,000 orders have been placed on the first day of the event.
BYD Destroyer 07 PHEV
BYD also unveiled the Destroyer 07 PHEV sedan which is expected to be priced between 199,800 yuan and 249,800 yuan ($29,000 – $36,300 USD). BYD calls it a B+ class plugin hybrid car, that will also feature the cutting-edge DiSus-C intelligent damping body control system.
BYD Destroyer 07 PHEV
Like all new BYD PHEVs, the Destroyer 07 is equipped with a DM-i system, and will be provided with two options with 1.5L and 1.5L turbocharged ICE, having a 121 km and 200 km NEDC range on a single charge.
BYD Song L Concept SUV
The BYD Song L concept that premiered at Shanghai Auto Show is part of the brand’s Dynasty series. It is an electric fastback SUV, classified as a B-class EV according to BYD. It is underpinned by e-platform 3.0 and features CTB (cell-to-body) battery packs. During the press conference, BYD said the premium Song L EV would debut later in 2023 and is intended to compete with the Tesla Model Y.
BYD Song L Concept
The Song L features frameless doors, an electric retractable rear spoiler, and a ‘Vanguard Dragon Beauty’ design language. The four-wheel-drive vehicle will be equipped with the new body control system, DiSus-A, which will control its air suspensions. A formal launch in China is expected by the second half of this year.
Yangwang U8 and U9
BYD’s Yangwang series, the first million-yuan electric vehicle by an automaker better known for its low-priced models, has generated the loudest buzz and become the biggest crowd-puller at this year’s Shanghai Auto Show. Visitors reportedly stood in long queues for up to 30 minutes to get close to BYD’s U8 luxury SUV and U9 supercar, which were on display alongside Porsche, Lamborghini, and other renowned brands.
Related: BYD Yangwang U8 Interior Unveiled
Alongside displaying the Yangwang U8 off-road SUV and U9 supercar, as well as the Yangwang architecture, BYD announced the pre-sales for two U8 variants with prices starting at 1,098,000 yuan ($160,000 USD). Based on the e4 Platform, the Yangwantg U8 boasts 1100+ hp and 0-100km/h acceleration time of under 3.6 seconds. According to BYD, “It can be operated stably under extreme conditions, float on water and streams, and take a 360-degree tank turn”.
Yangwang U8 and U9
The U9, on the other hand, is an all-electric supercar that claims to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 2 seconds flat. That would place it a tenth of a second ahead of Tesla’s Model S Plaid as the fastest EV in the world. According to its demonstration video, the U9, which is also outfitted with wheel-side motors, can hop, dance and even go on three wheels. When the model was revealed, the audience erupted in spontaneous applause.
Related: BYD Showcases Yangwang U9 EV with Most Advanced Vehicle Body Control System
Lastly, BYD showcased the new Yangwang Architecture, which was designed for high-end NEVs and includes 6 key BYD technologies, including the e4 Platform, the DiSus Intelligent Body Control System, the Blade Battery, the Master Body, the Smart Cockpit, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
