BYD's next move in Australia? Tesla Model Y and Kia EV6 rivalling 2025 Sea Lion 7 confirmed for right-hand drive production as the Chinese electric juggernaut expands its global footprint

BYD has teased a new electric SUV set to be revealed at the Paris Motor Show in mid-October.

The teaser shows a silhouette which exactly matches the profile of the Sea Lion 7, which is a mid-size coupe SUV which effectively is BYD’s direct rival to the likes of the Kia EV6, Skoda Enyaq or Volkswagen ID5.

In its range in China it sits above the Sea Lion 6 and Seal sedan on the price-scale, potentially making it the flagship model in the brand’s range locally. Unlike the Sea Lion 6, though, which is a plug-in hybrid in Australia, the Sea Lion 7 is exclusively available with a pure-electric powertrain.

While the reveal is to preview the car ahead of a European launch, right-hand drive production has been confirmed with a UK arrival slated for 2025, bolstering its chances for an Australian debut.

The Sea Lion 7 has a sportier demeanour than the more family-friendly 6, with more upmarket trims and features in the cabin. In China this means even plusher seats with Nappa leather, premium audio and even an augmented-reality head-up display.

It also sports either 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels and a power tailgate, as well as the usual BYD signatures, like a rotating central touchscreen with connected services. High-end safety tech includes semi-autonomous driver assist features and a suite of 11 airbags.

Chinese versions are available with two battery choices for either 550km or 610km of driving range (according to the more lenient CLTC cycle) and can be chosen in RWD (230kW/380Nm) or AWD (390kW/690Nm). Rear-wheel drive versions sprint from 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds, while all-wheel drive models can do the same in 4.2 seconds.

No matter which battery is chosen, fast-charging (10-80 per cent) can be completed in 25 minutes thanks to its 800-volt electrical architecture which allows a 240kW peak charging capability on a DC fast charger.

Expect to find out more about the Sea Lion 7 at the Paris Motor Show imminently. Price-wise it's fair to assume the 7 will sit above the PHEV 6 (which starts from $48,990 and tops out at $52,990) and the full-EV Seal (which starts from $49,888 and tops out at 68,748).

The only car locked in for an Australian launch for the time being is the Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute, although the brand’s importer, EVDirect, has ambitious expansion plans riding on the back of its meteoric success. Thus far it has mentioned another mystery SUV model to join its line-up (likely this Sea Lion 7), but also has designs on models from its spin-off brands, like the Leopard plug-in hybrid off-road range, and even its YangWang ultra-luxury marque which sells a supercar and a large off-roader to rival the Mercedes-Benz G580e.

No doubt BYD’s importer will want to keep the pressure on with an array of new models in 2025 as no less than 12 new brands from China have announced they will be trying their luck in Australia next year, no doubt to attempt to re-create the success achieved by BYD, GWM and MG in our market.

Among them is Volvo-owner Geely, Stellantis-backed Leapmotor, Guangzhou-based giant GAC and smaller independent automaker Xpeng.