Amid the flurry of new vehicle unveilings at the bustling Shanghai Auto Show, it’s easy for standout models to get lost in the crowd. However, one vehicle that has managed to grab attention post-show is the BYD Sea Lion 06—a sleek, electrified SUV that brings premium design cues and competitive technology to the forefront. With bold styling and a strong value proposition, the Sea Lion 06 reflects BYD’s growing ambition to push further into the global EV scene.
Visually, the Sea Lion 06 impresses from the front with its split LED headlight setup, a design that seems heavily inspired by the aesthetics of Genesis, the Korean luxury marque. The front fascia is free of a traditional grille, and the smooth, sculpted nose bears a resemblance to the refreshed Genesis GV60. Yet, rather than leaning into the popular coupe-SUV styling trend, the Sea Lion 06 opts for a more upright and muscular SUV silhouette. This approach not only enhances its road presence but also contributes to a more practical and spacious design.
From the side and rear, the design continues to borrow from luxury playbooks. A wraparound greenhouse and full-width rear light bar evoke elements seen in the BYD Seal sedan, with a subtle nod to Bentley in the taillight detailing. These visual flourishes don’t come across as over-the-top but suggest that BYD’s design team is consciously drawing influence from high-end automotive brands to elevate its vehicles’ appeal.
Inside, the cabin feels modern and tech-forward. The focal point is a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen placed prominently in the center of the dash, a feature now common in Chinese EVs. However, the floating center console and metallic-look switchgear offer a premium touch and hint once again at Genesis-like inspiration. The Sea Lion 06 also includes BYD’s proprietary “God’s Eye” advanced driver assistance system, underscoring the brand’s emphasis on smart, safety-focused technologies.
Beneath its stylish exterior, the Sea Lion 06 sits on BYD’s updated e-Platform 3.0 Evo, providing buyers with multiple powertrain options. It is available as a fully electric vehicle, with both single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive variants. Additionally, BYD offers a plug-in hybrid (DM-i) version that pairs a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with electric drive. Notably, regardless of the drivetrain choice, the SUV’s exterior design remains consistent—BYD has chosen not to differentiate the variants with unique styling elements.
Size-wise, the Sea Lion 06 slots just below its sibling, the Sea Lion 07, although the difference is minimal. The 06 measures 4,810 mm in length, just 20 mm shorter than the 07, and has a wheelbase of 2,820 mm, which is 110 mm shorter than its larger counterpart.
In terms of pricing, BYD is positioning the Sea Lion 06 as an attractive option in the value-oriented segment. The vehicle is expected to retail in China between ¥160,000 and ¥200,000, which equates to approximately $22,000 to $27,500 USD. With its refined styling, advanced tech features, and competitive pricing, the Sea Lion 06 stands out as a strong contender in the growing EV SUV space. Whether it will be offered in global markets such as Europe remains an open question, but if it does, it could bring serious competition to established players.