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News - BYDFour new BYDs include ‘most-affordable' BEVLocal BYD line-up grows with Yaris-sized BEV, CX-80-sized PHEV, small and medium SUVs6 Oct 2025 THE proliferation of BYD vehicles on Aussie driveways looks set to continue apace after the Chinese manufacturer issued advance notice of four new “electrifying” additions to its line-up in coming months, including what is claimed to be Australia’s most-affordable battery electric vehicle (BEV) “by some margin”.
BYD's range expansion includes the introduction of the battery electric, Toyota Yaris-sized Atto 1 light hatch – which will undercut the brand’s Corolla-sized Dolphin small hatch – and the Mazda CX-3-sized battery electric Atto 2 small SUV model both due to make landfall in November.
The BYD Dolphin in entry-level Essential trim holds the current title of Australia’s most-affordable BEV at $29,990 before on-road costs, suggesting the Atto 1 could come in below the least-expensive Yaris ($28,990 + ORC for the Ascent Sport hybrid).
Following the two new tiddler-size BEVs will be a pair of plug-in hybrids (PHEV) comprising the Sealion 5 medium SUV and Sealion 8 large seven-seat SUV, which lob Down Under early next year.
At 4735mm long the Sealion 5 is slightly longer than a Toyota RAV4 while the Sealion 8’s 5040mm length places it between Mazda’s CX-80 and CX-90.
Including the already-mentioned Dolphin, BYD offers half a dozen electrified vehicles in Australia with the Atto 3 (BEV), Sealion 7 (BEV) and Sealion 6 (PHEV) medium SUVs, Seal (BEV) medium sedan, and the Shark 6 PHEV one-tonne ute.
BYD Australia says the newcomers cover off wide applications from daily city commuters to spacious, hybrid-powered family vehicles, and that they “reaffirm BYD’s vision to bring the latest in its world-leading innovation and technology to Australia”.
The tiny Atto 1 was sold in Europe as the Dolphin Surf and the Seagull in China but was successfully rebranded to Atto 1, generating “enormous interest” after selling more than one million units globally.
It is designed as a compact, city-focused BEV hatchback with nimble performance that BYD says is ideal for Australians seeking smart, modern design without the premium price tag.
The larger Atto 2 SUV is said to be feature packed “blending everyday practicality with advanced battery technology and is designed for drivers who want versatility, safety, and style”.
“When it comes to the Atto range, start believing the hype,” said BYD Australia COO Stephen Collins.
“The Atto 1 will be Australia’s most affordable EV by some margin, opening the door for even more Australians to get behind the wheel of their own new energy vehicle.
“As we’ve seen with those incredible sales numbers overseas, we expect really strong pre-order interest locally,” he added.
Moving to the midsize Sealion 5 PHEV we find it is powered by BYD’s advanced dual-mode intelligent (DM-i) technology, that combines the efficiency of an electric platform with extended range and the flexibility of a petrol-hybrid drivetrain.
Next up the new model walk is the Sealion 8 which will be BYD’s largest SUV in Australia, the seven-seat PHEV said to blends performance with a bold modern exterior and a spacious interior.
BYD describes its interior as refined and tech-forward interior, designed for growing families “offering the flexibility, comfort, and capability Australians need, without compromising on efficiency”.
“To release this volume of product at such a rapid pace is really unprecedented in my time in the automotive industry,” said Mr Collins.
“With our growing mix of PHEVs and pure EVs, what it proves is that BYD is committed to providing Australian consumers with choice in starting – or continuing – their new energy automotive journeys,” he concluded.
GoAuto will provide more details about BYD’s new models as it becomes available.  Read more5th of September 2025  Puzzling price for Sealion 6 Premium Extended RangeBYD Sealion 6 Premium Extended Range to be offered at same price as Premium Standard Range1st of August 2025  New colours for BYD Shark 6 PHEVImporter adds to colour palette of strong selling ute with Grey Mist and Outback Orange |
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