BYD, the rapidly growing Chinese automaker, is preparing to launch its first seven-seat SUV in Australia, possibly by the end of 2025. This forthcoming model is expected to rival established family SUVs such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Kluger. The news was revealed by BYD’s current Australian importer, EVDirect, which is in the process of being replaced. Although specific technical details have not yet been confirmed—including whether the model will be a fully electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle—it is widely speculated that the SUV will be based on one of two existing seven-seat models currently available in BYD’s home market: the Tang or the Tang L.
Of the two, the Tang L is the more likely candidate. It is a newly developed vehicle that has only recently gone on sale internationally, whereas the standard Tang is an older model that may not be designed for right-hand-drive markets like Australia. If the Tang L does come to Australia, it may be marketed under a different name, just as BYD’s Atto 3 is known as the Yuan Plus in China. The new SUV is part of BYD’s wider strategy to expand its vehicle lineup, particularly within the SUV and ute segments.
David Smitherman, CEO of EVDirect, confirmed the company’s commitment to bringing a seven-seater to the Australian market. In an interview with Drive, Smitherman stated, “I want a seven-seater… Every other brand has a seven-seater, we need a seven-seater, 100 per cent.” He went on to say that while there is hope the vehicle will arrive before the end of 2025, nothing is officially guaranteed. The name for the new model has yet to be decided, but Smitherman confirmed it will be part of the expanding Sealion range, which already includes the Sealion 6 (a plug-in hybrid) and the Sealion 7 (fully electric).
The Tang L is a sizeable SUV, measuring 5040mm in length and riding on a 2950mm wheelbase—comparable to large SUVs like the Toyota Kluger, Hyundai Palisade, Mazda CX-80, and Kia EV9. In China, one of its most distinctive versions is the Drone Player Edition, which comes with a drone stored in the roof box that can take off while the car is in motion. This version is unlikely to be sold in Australia. Standard features across other trims include a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen, 10.25-inch instrument panel, head-up display, adaptive suspension, premium leather interior, heated and ventilated seats, and a tri-zone climate system.
In terms of powertrain, the plug-in hybrid variant includes a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 115kW, paired with either one or two 200kW electric motors. Depending on the configuration—front- or all-wheel drive—it can offer an electric-only driving range of 175 to 215km and accelerate from 0–100km/h in as little as 4.3 seconds. The fully electric version uses a 100.5kWh battery and is available with single or dual electric motors, producing power outputs of up to 810kW in the all-wheel-drive version, capable of reaching 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds.
Both powertrain types are built on a 1000-volt system that enables ultra-fast charging up to 1000kW, although current infrastructure in Australia only supports a fraction of that—typically up to 350kW. Still, the CLTC-rated driving range is between 600km and 670km depending on the model. In China, pricing for these vehicles ranges from approximately AUD $49,500 to $62,500, though final Australian prices are expected to be higher. Additional details about the model’s launch and local specifications are anticipated later this year.