BYD’s Ocean series, named after marine animals, are all popular models. They top the sales charts in their respective markets and are beloved by consumers. From seagulls to dolphins, from seals to sea lions, the expansion of the family not only increases the model lineup but also solidifies the series’ image in consumers’ minds. The latest addition to this series is the Ocean Lion 07 EV, which made its official debut at last year’s Guangzhou Auto Show. This is the first model in the Ocean Lion IP series, sporting a fresh new look. It is also the first model on BYD’s e-platform 3.0 Evo. Defined as a “mid-sized urban intelligent electric SUV” by BYD, this vehicle will be launched at the end of this month. Before its official release, we had the opportunity to test drive it in advance. It is important to note that the vehicle we test drove was a two-wheel drive model and still in the prototype stage. Some details of the hardware and many of the onboard features are not finalized, so it may not fully represent the final production version of the car. Previously, we conducted a poll on Weibo with the hashtag #OceanLion07EV#TakeQuestionsForTestDrive#, and the top three questions were about the car’s appearance and presence, its spaciousness as a mid-sized SUV, and its standout features. Before diving into the article, let me briefly address these questions. 1. This is a model from the Ocean series, so even in photos, you can instantly sense the “sea flavor” it exudes. Continuing the design of the BYD Ocean X concept car, the most important thing is not its DNA-style visual features. It is a medium-sized SUV with a sleek body design that is quite unconventional in BYD’s lineup. It has a sporty look without too many sporty accessories, instead using rounded design details to create a futuristic and technological atmosphere. Its short front and rear overhangs, along with the appropriate wheelbase, give it a four-wheel-drive proportion. With dimensions similar to the BYD Han EV, it offers a spacious interior. The professional e-platform 3.0 EVO and CTB battery-body integration technology also improve space utilization. The focus is on luxury rather than sheer size, with a complex center console design and solid seat materials and padding. The actual space experience may not be as spacious as expected, but there is definitely plenty of room for five passengers. Officially positioned as “electric intelligence,” the highlight of this car’s configuration lies here. With the upgrade to the e-platform 3.0 EVO, its electric intelligence is comprehensive. Firstly, it features the intelligent cockpit high-end version – DiLink 100, which supports 5G. Secondly, it is the first model in the Ocean series to be equipped with the self-developed “God’s Eye” high-end intelligent driving assistance system, using the God’s Eye high-end intelligent driving assistance system – DiPilot 100. The iTAC intelligent torque control system and the popular Yunnei-C system were not experienced during the test drive of the two-wheel drive model. The first thing that catches the eye is the “ocean flavor”.
The appearance of the Sea Lion 07EV was created by the design team led by BYD’s global design director Wolfgang Egger. The car has a strong family resemblance, with flowing lines, intricate details, and hidden marine elements. It emphasizes a sporty design, with a more aggressive family DNA style and a very prominent dynamic style. It has a rare “running” feeling compared to previous BYD models.
The front end continues the design of the Ocean X concept car, with a multi-layered X-shaped front end full of sharpness. Bold lines are used to create a sense of depth and three-dimensionality, along with two raised lines on the front hood, giving the Hai Shi 07 EV a strong visual impact. The center of the front end gathers towards the BYD logo, focusing the visual center in the middle, exuding a domineering presence.
The styling of the headlight group of the Sea Lion 07EV is consistent with the current marine vehicle series, but the volume is obviously more slender. The Sea Joy dual U suspension headlights are also a highlight of the family design. The suspended luminous unit in the lamp chamber looks very technological, and below is the family-style split LED daytime running lights. The light strip sweeps back and up to the headlight corner, with a modern boomerang shape. In terms of light source, the headlamp group uses matrix LED light source, with better lighting effect.
The Sea Lion 07EV is equipped with traditional frame doors, with hidden door handles. The body side features flowing lines, flat windows, low ground clearance, and a sleek appearance. It has a short front and rear overhang, with a proper wheelbase showing a balanced proportion. The dimensions are 4830/1925/1620mm in body size, with a wheelbase of 2930mm. It is considered relatively large in the current Sea Lion family.
The retro triangular window design looks very harmonious, the chrome trim from A-pillar to D-pillar integrates with the simple tail wing, presenting a certain hunting SUV style. The sloping roofline and small ducktail make the rear of the car look very compact and dynamic. Its new rear styling is also very sharp, but the three-dimensional surfaces are not rich, instead showing a simple beauty.
The BYD logo at the rear end now features an evolved LED lighting technology, showcasing a metallic texture and semi-transparent glow. The tail lights adopt a dynamic design with a sea-to-sky line running through them, resembling two water droplets under tension. The turn signals resemble splashing waves, with high visibility when lit up.
The fine-spoke Y-shaped wheel hub design is very eye-catching, inspired by the posture of a sea lion leaping into the water. The large wheel arches and wheel hubs create a dynamic sports posture, with brake calipers painted blue. The tire specifications are 235/50 R19 Jiatong P10 tires, balancing performance and comfort. The cockpit with the “wisdom” character at the forefront.
The family-style design of the Hai Shi 07EV is natural, its style is not like many new forces, it looks like a lot of thought has been put into it. The center console area is a symmetrical double-layer suspended T-shaped design, bold and with large angles, inspired by yachts. The family’s adaptive suspended PAD stands firmly in the center of the console, continuing to be the visual focus. In terms of interior materials, soft plastics, decorative strips, and soft coverings cover the entire center console, with only the smallest areas at the bottom using hard plastics, the material mix is quite sophisticated.
The multi-color ambient light strip crosses the entire center console, it can be manually adjusted in the center screen to enhance the immersive experience.
The 10.25-inch full LCD instrument panel screen has high contrast and clear display. The UI screen can change to display different styles and navigation interface. In normal state, the central interface can display rich information such as direct tire pressure monitoring, remaining mileage, energy consumption, navigation, etc.
The AR-HUD head-up display is equipped with a 50-inch projection area, higher brightness, and more intuitive dynamic display.
The new car features a new flat-bottom steering wheel and a sleek dual-layer floating design for the intelligent control area. The wheel has a three-dimensional double-wrapped edge design, with top layer leather for a good touch and supports four-way adjustment.
It is the “urban intelligent electric SUV”, the cabin is the high-end version of the intelligent cabin-DiLink 100, the central 15.6-inch high screen adaptive floating PAD is the signature of the BYD family, the resolution of this central control screen is quite high, the display effect is also very outstanding, the picture is delicate and the display contrast is stronger. In terms of interaction, it also has parallel window function, supporting three-finger global gestures.
In terms of functionality, the UI of the built-in DiLink smart network system is based on a bottom tray and a left expandable information tree. The entire UI interface is clean and minimalistic. In addition to basic car networking applications and an expandable application store, it also supports advanced features such as full-scene intelligent voice recognition in four sound zones and OTA online upgrades.
In the audio department, the test drive car is equipped with a Denon audio system with HiFi-grade 12 speakers. The speakers include tweeters, midrange, woofers, subwoofers, and surround sound. Tuned by Denon acoustic experts, this audio system can automatically adapt and self-adjust in different vehicle environmental conditions.
In addition to traditional remote keys, it also supports smart apps, Bluetooth keys, and mobile NFC car keys.
In terms of intelligent driving assistance, the Sea Lion 07EV is the first model in the Marine Network to be equipped with the self-developed “God’s Eye” advanced intelligent driving assistance system. The DiPilot 100 hardware of this advanced intelligent driving assistance system includes 12 ultrasonic radars, 5 millimeter-wave radars, and 11 cameras. It can achieve advanced lane changing and intelligent reminders. The subsequent OTA-enabled full-scene intelligent driving high-speed navigation can automatically enter and exit ramps, autonomously change lanes/overtake, keep the lane centered, intelligently control the speed limit, and intelligently select ramps.
The driver’s side of pillar A has a camera module that can achieve ONE ID function and also has a DMS recognition module. This intelligent cockpit can quickly identify the driver’s behavior status through facial recognition, reminding the driver to focus.
The new car is equipped with a new generation of intelligent wide-temperature efficient heat pump system, which can not only efficiently regulate the temperature of the battery pack, but also control the temperature of the passenger cabin with low energy consumption as needed. The test drive car is equipped with dual-zone automatic air conditioning, with the entire interface integrated into the central control screen, and temperature and airflow can be quickly adjusted through a three-finger swipe.
At the base of the armrest, there are transparent luminous electronic fragrance components added to enhance the design sense.
Under the central console is a large storage area with plush covering, a fan-cooled wireless charging area for phones on the left, and a phone storage area on the right. Behind the storage area is the “Heart of the Ocean,” the control center of the Sea Lion 07EV, with a newly styled electronic gear shift lever. How is the space beyond the ambiance?
The seats of the test drive car are ergonomically designed with hollowed-out headrests, focusing on comfort rather than just being “hard”. The padding is just right, with a stylish two-tone design and stitching. The front seats are adjustable in multiple angles, with functions like massage, ventilation, and heating. Higher trim levels even come with electric leg rest adjustment.
Many details inside the car are inspired by marine life, including the unique door handle design. The shape is fresh and interesting.
Thanks to the CTB battery integrated technology, even with a sleek design, the rear space remains strong and ideal. The soft rear seats provide a comfortable and supportive experience, taking care of all three passengers.
The rear seats also have central air vents and charging ports for passengers to charge their electronic devices.
The panoramic glass roof area reaches 2.1㎡, providing a spacious view and equipped with sunshades. The high-end models also feature a new generation of electrochromic technology, offering 11 levels of adjustment to block almost all UV rays and most of the heat.
The storage space inside the car is average, with nearly 20 different storage spaces for easily storing items inside the car.
The new car is equipped with an electric tailgate with memory function for opening angle. Due to the design, the luggage compartment opening is wide. The entire trunk space is mainstream, with a regular volume of 500 liters. If the space is not enough, the new car also offers a 4/6 split rear seat folding function to further expand the space to 1769 liters.
Under the hood, there is a decent-sized storage compartment that can fit a standard 20-inch carry-on suitcase. Advanced e-platform 3.0EVO, advanced driving control.
In terms of power and range, the Sea Lion 07EV is equipped with a world’s first efficient twelve-in-one intelligent electric drive system, with a 1200V silicon carbide power module. The four-wheel drive model has the world’s highest production 23000rpm motor. The two-wheel drive motor has a maximum power of 170kW/230kW, with a range of 550km and 610km. We drove the latter. The four-wheel drive model has a front and rear motor with a maximum power of 160kW and 230kW, with a combined power of 390kW, accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds, with a range of 550km.
We test drove the single-motor rear-wheel drive model. The horsepower is just right, with plenty to spare. The power delivery is smooth and easy to handle. The driving modes – economy, comfort, sport, and snow – each have their own unique characteristics, but none are extreme.
Because of its good foundation, it is actually a machine that emphasizes the feeling of running quite a bit. When driving a bit excitedly, its response to you is quick and linear. However, even when driving normally, even if you drive fast, it is still far from its power limit, completely able to match your driving temperament and mentality. The power potential of the car in the full speed range is very sufficient.
However, even with strong power, it always delivers comfort to you. It is always an SUV, all about power equipment for passengers in the cabin, so its affinity is as gentle as other BYD SUVs. Just drive normally without excessive acceleration, its power delivery is very friendly.
The chassis suspension tuning of the Sea Lion 07EV also represents BYD’s understanding of comfortable driving. Its ground clearance is relatively low for an SUV, based on front double wishbone + rear five-link suspension. The foundation is good, handling bumps and vibrations cleanly. The body movements are well controlled. This is a car more for family use, focusing on a high-quality driving experience.
The styling is still relatively neutral, leaning towards a home-use state, with a moderate electronic taste. The driving control has no learning curve, easy to adapt quickly. The adjustable damping and gain modes have clear distinctions in character, but always provide a sense of affinity. Summary: In today’s competitive market for domestic pure electric SUVs, creating a popular model is not easy. The design must be high in appearance, the configuration advanced, the space spacious, the power abundant, the handling stable, and the intelligence online. Especially in the price range above 200,000 yuan (27680$), it must excel in all these attributes and offer good value for money compared to its peers. The BYD Dolphin 07 EV we test drove today is a well-balanced model in all aspects. In the 200,000 yuan (27680$) high-end pure electric market, it has outstanding skill advantages and no obvious shortcomings. Although it has a sporty appearance, its character is well-balanced. Versatility is the strongest attribute I see in it.