New BYD models coming to Australia: Shark ute’s SUV relative, LandCruiser rival, seven-seater SUV, cheaper electric SUV, and Denza luxury sub-brand

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BYD ATTO 2

Vehicle type: Compact SUV, electric
Launch ETA: Model not yet confirmed

BYD seems to be leading up to the launch of its smallest, potentially least expensive electric SUV in Australia. 

The Atto 2 small electric SUV has recently launched in the UK, and an Australian launch could follow. The UK base model Atto 2 is powered by a single 130kW/280Nm electric motor and 45kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery. Expected WLTP range for the base is 312km, with a long-range variant furthering to 420km. 

Expect the Atto 2 to cost around $35,000 (before on-road costs), being priced slightly higher than the Dolphin, and undercutting the larger Atto 3. In this bracket, the Atto 2 is poised to take on rivals such as the MG4, Hyundai Kona EV, and Volvo EX30. 

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DENZA U8

Vehicle type: Large plug-in hybrid 4WD
Launch ETA: Expected second half 2025

BYD’s answer to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Land Rover Defender, and 300 series Toyota Landcruiser – the Yangwang U8 – has been rumoured for Australia for some time and is getting closer to confirmation.

Already testing on Australian roads – and caught by our spies! – as well as being showcased in a few BYD showrooms, the U8 will be imported from China by BYD itself rather than usual importer EV Direct – and sit under the Denza luxury sub-brand owing to a price tag that will be significantly higher than any BYD. 

U8 features a sturdy ladderframe chassis, active suspension, and a sophisticated electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system. The AWD system has the benefit of transferring power to any one of the U8’s four hub-mounted electric motors, providing excellent traction and a tank-turn party trick.

The U8 uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine as a generator, which, alongside the 49.08kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate battery, produces 880kW and 1280Nm with a claimed overall range of 780km. Electric-only range tops out at 124km (WLTP). 

BYD U8 spied testing in Australia: Toyota LandCruiser hybrid rival provides strongest hint it will go on sale locally

BYD Tang 

Vehicle type: 7-seater plug-in hybrid SUV
Launch ETA: Model not yet confirmed

BYD importer EV Direct has confirmed a seven-seater SUV is a top priority, and it is likely to be the Tang plug-in hybrid SUV. 

The second-generation BYD Tang has been available to the Chinese market since 2018, and is offered as a plug-in hybrid or fully electric seven-seater SUV. It is expected the Australian market will receive the 2024 facelift of the Tang, with the same powertrain offerings. This mirrors the sales strategy of the Sealion 6 / 7. 

The EV-only Tang features a 109kWh battery, all-wheel drive, 0-100km/h in a claimed 4.9 seconds, and a WLTP range of 530km. There are several PHEV offerings for the Tang in China, but if sold in Australia, expect BYD’s bread-and-butter 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder and 18.3kWh battery combination. 

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BYD Seal 06 GT 

Vehicle type: Midsize hot-hatch
Launch ETA: Model not yet confirmed

The Seal 06 GT is the brand’s first hot hatch, launched in China in later 2024. It is possible this affordable hot hatch will enter the Australian market to rival models such as the Cupra Born VZ and MG4 X Power, though it’s believed to be a lower priority to other models featured in this article.

The Seal 06 GT utilises Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) technology, with two battery configurations offered: a 59.52kWh battery offering 505km of range, and a 72.96kWh battery, offering 605km of range. A variety of drivetrains are offered, with the base variant producing 160kW and 310Nm. 

BYD have alluded that the Seal 06 GT is not their top priority for 2025, as they seek to expand their SUV and 4WD offerings. Note the BYD Dolphin, although underwhelming in performance, does fill the EV hatchback gap in the Australian BYD lineup. 

BYD set to build MG4 XPower rival, the Seal 06 GT

Denza B5 and B8

Vehicle type: Large 4WD and Upper-large 4WD
Launch ETA: Model(s) not yet confirmed – but B5 highly likely

BYD has admitted it has a 4WD-sized hole in its lineup and the Fangchengbao Bao 5 or Bao 8 – which will be badged Denza B5 and Denza B8 in overseas markets – both look like good options to patch it. 

After the initial success of the BYD Shark 6, the large 4WD B5 could be the next big PHEV shake-up in Australia, and a rival to the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado.

The B5 is closely related to the Shark 6 ute. It’s built on a similar body-on-frame platform, with the same 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, dual electric motors and 32kWh battery. 

The Bao 5 is certainly going to be a serious off-road contender with three diff locks and optional height-adjustable suspension.

The larger Bao 8 could be just as promising, with a more powerful drivetrain, height-adjustable air suspension, a ground clearance of up to 310mm, and three automatic diff locks.

BYD 2025: Seven-seat SUV a top priority for BYD as it prepares to expand its model range, and double its sales in Australia