BYD previews larger second-generation Seal 07 in China with electric and plug-in hybrid variants

An official reveal with no date or price

BYD has officially released the first images of its second-generation Seal 07, a mid-to-large sedan that will be offered in both plug-in hybrid and battery-electric configurations. CarNewsChina reported that the new model adopts BYD's 'Ocean Aesthetics 2.0' design philosophy, aligning its visual identity with the Seal 08, with a closed-grille front fascia, wave-shaped split headlights and a full-width taillight assembly at the rear. ⁶¹

CnEVPost reported that Zhang Zhuo, general manager of BYD's Ocean lineup sales division, posted images of the new model on Weibo on September 28, positioning it as a well-equipped mid-to-large-size family sedan. That preview did not disclose pricing or a launch date. ⁵

Design details and equipment indications

The official images show semi-concealed door handles and roof-mounted LiDAR, though CnEVPost noted the announcement did not detail driver-assistance functions or equipment across variants. CarNewsChina suggested the roof-mounted LiDAR points to the inclusion of BYD's 'God's Eye B' driver-assistance system, and also noted a panoramic sunroof and a choice of 18-inch or 19-inch wheel designs. These equipment indications come from the outlets' reading of the official images rather than a detailed BYD specification release. ⁵⁶

Dimensions and powertrain details from regulatory filings

The new model first appeared in a vehicle filing catalogue released by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on August 7, covering electric and plug-in hybrid variants, all with five seats. It measures 5080mm in length, 1960mm in width and 1495mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2960mm. Compared with the outgoing Seal 07 EV, it is 85mm longer and 50mm wider with a wheelbase extended by 60mm, while height is unchanged, according to CnEVPost's reading of the filings. ⁵

The filings showed the new electric version will offer peak motor outputs of 245kW and 300kW, both higher than the 240kW motor in the earlier Seal 07 EV. CarNewsChina detailed the entry-level BEV with a 76.744kWh LFP battery weighing 539kg and the long-range version with an 88.682kWh pack weighing 618.6kg, with the long-range variant rated at 875km on the CLTC cycle and 718km on WLTP. The entry version is rated at 775km CLTC and 636km WLTP, and CarNewsChina reported its battery could be charged from 10 to 97 per cent in nine minutes. Both electric variants use lithium iron phosphate batteries and have a 240km/h top speed. ⁵⁴

The plug-in hybrid version retains the Seal 07 DM-i name and combines a 115kW 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 160kW electric motor and a 38.029kWh LFP battery. CarExpert reported an electric-only range of 245km on the CLTC cycle, while CarNewsChina cited 245km under WLTC and 4.25 litres per 100km of fuel consumption with a drained battery. ³⁴⁶

Weak sales for the outgoing model

The preview comes about seven months after the current Seal 07 EV launched in China on March 5, 2026 with two variants starting at 169,900 yuan, according to CnEVPost, which noted that model features a 69kWh second-generation Blade Battery with a range of up to 705km. The plug-in hybrid lineup was updated with the 2026 Seal 07 DM-i in September 2025. ⁵

The rapid replacement may be a response to weak demand: figures attributed to China EV DataTracker and reported by both CarNewsChina and Cars24 show BYD delivered just 1005 examples of the current Seal 07, including PHEV and EV versions, in China in August 2026. CarExpert earlier cited 627 Chinese sales in June. ⁴²³

Australian outlook remains unresolved

The new Seal 07 has not been confirmed for Australia at this stage. 7News, publishing CarExpert's report, noted BYD typically drops the zero from some Chinese-market model names for export markets, so the car could be badged Seal 7 if offered locally. CarExpert reported that Australian government certification filings published in May 2026 suggest the Seal 7 plug-in hybrid will become BYD's second PHEV sedan in local showrooms, following the Seal 6 launched earlier in 2026. That certification evidence points to a PHEV, not the electric version. ¹³

Australian commentary is not uniform. Cars24 argued the larger Seal 07 EV is unlikely to reach Australian showrooms anytime soon because BYD already sells the standard Seal electric sedan in Premium and Performance grades alongside the Seal 6 plug-in hybrid, yet the same article also stated the Seal 7 sedan had cleared official Australian Government homologation and approval documents and would launch locally as a larger and more powerful sedan than the Seal 6. Readers should treat the timing and variant mix of any Australian launch as unresolved in the current reporting. ²

What remains unverified is any confirmed Australian launch date, pricing or local specification. CnEVPost noted the September 28 preview disclosed no pricing or launch date, and the MIIT filings cover the Chinese market only. The 718km WLTP range, 300kW output and other figures cited here are Chinese-market claims from regulatory filings and the outlets reporting them, not confirmed Australian specifications. ⁵⁴