4 Upcoming BYD Cars For India: Atto 2 To Sealion 6
BYD is a popular Chinese manufacturing company that is known for its cars and battery technology. In India, they are currently known for their EVs, and many popular brands, including Indian ones, actually use battery packs from BYD in their EVs. Like most brands, BYD also sees India as a potential market and has plans to expand. BYD had earlier stated that they are currently working on models specific to our market. Here is a list of four upcoming vehicles from BYD that are expected to be launched in our market soon.
The first car on this list is the Atto 2. It is an electric SUV that has been spotted testing on our roads multiple times. It is a model that is already on sale in other international markets. In terms of positioning, the Atto 2 will sit below the Atto 3 and will serve as BYD’s entry-level eSUV in India. The exterior design of the Atto 2 looks similar to the Atto 3.
Like most BYD models, the Atto 2 is expected to come with a premium-looking cabin with features like a 12.8-inch rotatable touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a multifunction steering wheel, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, a crystal-style drive selector, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated and powered front seats, ambient lighting, C-type charging ports, a 360-degree camera, and Level 2 ADAS, and so on.
It is available with a 45.1 kWh battery pack internationally. It generates 175 PS and 290 Nm of torque. The eSUV is expected to offer a claimed driving range of 380 km.
Another model that is expected to come to India is the electric hatchback from BYD, the Dolphin. This model was first launched in 2021. Like most BYD products, the Dolphin is also exported to many markets. In many smaller markets, BYD is selling this particular model as the Seagull.
The exterior design of the Dolphin is similar to a tall-boy hatchback and offers sharp and sleek-looking headlamps. It is available with 32 kWh and 45 kWh battery packs. The smaller battery variant generates 94 PS and offers a claimed range of 302 km, while the bigger version offers 420 km.
In terms of features, BYD offers a rotatable 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system along with a 5-inch digital instrument cluster. It also gets six airbags, rear disc brakes, an electronic parking brake, and an electronic stability programme.
Earlier this month, BYD showcased the next-generation model of its popular sedan, the BYD Seal. It is based on the e-Platform 3.0 Evo. The exterior design of the sedan looks the same as the outgoing model; however, it gets an updated battery pack. The existing 61 kWh battery unit will be replaced with a bigger 69.07 kWh unit that offers a claimed range of 705 km. This is smaller than the one present in the Indian version but is far more efficient.
The BYD Seal offers a floating touchscreen infotainment system, a large electric sunroof, airbags, a 360-degree camera, ABS, and so on. The international version also gets LiDAR sensors on the roof, which means it would be offered with advanced driver assistance features.
BYD in India is known as an electric car manufacturer. However, that is not actually the case. BYD also has ICE, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models in its line-up. During the last Auto Expo in India, BYD had showcased one such plug-in hybrid model. It is the Sealion 6, and at a time when many brands are planning to launch plug-in hybrids, we feel BYD is not going to hold itself back.
It is a mid-size SUV, and the exterior design of the SUV looks like a toned-down version of the Sealion 7, which is currently the flagship model from BYD in India. The SUV gets 19-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, chrome surrounds around the windows, sleek headlamps, LED DRLs, and an aggressive bumper with sleek air dams or grille.
Like most BYD models, the Sealion 6 also offers a premium interior. It gets a rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument gauge cluster, a 10-speaker Infinity audio system, leatherette upholstery, keyless entry and start, ventilated and heated front seats, dual wireless phone chargers, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, Level 2 ADAS, and so on.
Internationally, the BYD Sealion 6 is offered in two variants. The first is the Dynamic variant, which gets a 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid engine. This motor is capable of producing 217.5 PS and comes in a front-wheel-drive configuration. Then there is the Premium version, which comes with a 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid turbo petrol engine. This engine produces 323.5 PS and comes with an all-wheel-drive configuration. The turbo plug-in hybrid variant is expected to be launched in India.