In recent years, the domestic independent new energy market has been flourishing, with major independent car brands sparing no effort to deliver better products to the market and users. Besides good products, leading independent new energy brands like BYD are actively developing their own sub-brands to compete for sales in various niche markets. Speaking of BYD, it is well-known to everyone, with corresponding sub-brands and product lines in price ranges from 100,000 to one million. The wide range of models such as Dynasty, Ocean, Tang, and Yuanwang is truly impressive. Among these sub-brands or series, Ocean models have significant advantages in technology, quality, and especially in price compared to their peers. The recently launched Dolphin 06DM-i and Sea Lion 07EV have also gained popularity. Today, we conducted a simple test drive experience for these two models, and from a user perspective, I will discuss these two popular models with everyone. If I had to choose, I really can’t decide.
BYD Dolphin 06DM-i BYD’s three-electric technology is powerful, but its hybrid technology is even more impressive. In the era of energy saving, fuel economy has become a key consideration for car buyers. One of the main highlights of the BYD Dolphin 06DM-i is the world’s first fifth-generation DM technology. The official claim is that fuel consumption can be as low as 2.9L per 100 kilometers, with a comprehensive range of 2100km on a full tank and full charge. This is great news for those who care about fuel consumption.
Let’s talk about the appearance again. The Haibao 06DM-i, a model sold by Ocean Network, definitely incorporates a new marine aesthetic design that combines exquisite fashion and youthful sportiness, which is loved by young users. Especially from the front, the entire front end looks like it’s spreading its wings to fly, creating a happy smiling face with the use of headlights and front bumper styling. Upon closer inspection, it really does have a sense of resemblance to a seal.
The side of the body also adopts a rounded and streamlined design, giving it a biomimetic body feel like marine animals and reducing aerodynamic drag. With an active intake grille and streamlined body curves, the vehicle’s drag coefficient is only 0.255cd, showing excellent performance. In terms of body size, the vehicle measures 4830*1875*1495mm in length, width, and height, with a wheelbase of 2790mm, falling into the category of midsize sedans. Additionally, it offers four body colors: Joyful Sea Green, Warm Smoky Tea, Atlantis Grey, and Snowy White, all popular among young people.
The design of the rear end is very stylish, with a Chinese knot tail light that has a smoked effect. The pattern inside is distinctive and different from the BYD Dolphin. The “BYD” logo at the rear is designed to light up at night, looking very attractive.
In terms of interior design, the Seal 06DM-i uses the latest design language of the Sea King series, with a simple and functional layout. The physical buttons for important functions are retained, unlike the pure new energy models, which I personally find very user-friendly. There is no need to worry about the workmanship and materials of the interior, as they are at the mainstream level of the same class. The interior accessories offer two color options: deep obsidian black and light sand gray, both of which exude a high-quality comfort.
The 15.6-inch central control screen still uses a rotatable design, which is the mainstream size among the brand. It is equipped with the DiLink intelligent networking system, with very fast overall processing speed. The UI design of the entire interface remains consistent with existing models, supporting mobile interconnection, online entertainment, voice interaction, OTA upgrades, etc. The usability has been tested by the market for many years. If you have the ability, you can also DIY modification.
The comfort and space performance of the Sea Lion 06DM-i meet the standards of a midsize luxury sedan. The front seats are comfortable and provide good support for the waist. The one-piece seat design ensures satisfactory support for the waist and legs. The pure white seats are made of high-quality skin-friendly materials. Multiple power adjustments and ventilation heating functions ensure a comfortable ride in both winter and summer.
In terms of intelligent driving, the DiPilot intelligent driving assistance system appeared on the test drive model, with high overall usability. Of course, this is only an automatic driving assistance function, and attention still needs to be focused on long-distance driving. Compared to the Sea Lion 06DM-i, the Sea Lion 07EV can be considered a new member of the Sea Network family. It is also the first model under the BYD Sea Lion IP series. The car is currently on the market, with 4 versions available, including the 550 standard version, 610 long-range version, 610 smart navigation version, and 550 four-wheel drive smart navigation version, with an official guide price of 189,800 to 239,800 yuan (33050$). The model tested this time was the 610 smart navigation version.
In terms of appearance, the Sea Lion 07EV continues the marine aesthetic fashion design of the Ocean family, created by the design team led by BYD’s global chief designer Wolfgang Egger. Based on the sensational Ocean X concept car, BYD Sea Lion 07EV further strengthens the family concept of marine series models.
The headlights of the Sea Lion 07EV feature the family-style Sea Joy double U floating design, with a sharp overall look. The daytime running lights light up in sequence, creating a sense of ceremony. Inside the headlight housing is a double U-shaped floating LED light module, with a slim proportion of only 100mm x 15mm, leading the industry with an ultra-flat ratio, making the headlights look longer and more technological, with a uniform and textured appearance when lit up.
The Hai Shi 07EV features an elegant body profile, with a sleek roofline that naturally slopes and integrates with the dynamic tail wing, creating a coupe-like curve. Chrome accents starting from the A-pillar enhance this feature, while a large metal decoration in the D-pillar triangle window area adds depth. Additionally, the Hai Shi 07EV uses large wheel arches to visually balance the proportions of the body, making the front and rear overhangs appear shorter and highlighting the elegant design with a touch of SUV rugged beauty. The Hai Shi 07EV is available in four body colors: Sky Purple, Aurora White, Atlantis Gray, and Deep Space Black.
The rear of the vehicle is full and the sloping roofline gives a sporty look. The black spoiler adds to the sporty feel of this SUV.
The interior of the Sea Lion 07 EV is eye-catching, offering a unique combination of sand coral orange and Thomas black. The interior exudes passion, with luxurious craftsmanship and materials that rival higher-end models. The high dashboard and cocoon-like cabin create a sense of security for the driver. The metal trim panels extend naturally to the sides, passing through the hollow structures at both ends of the dashboard and blending into the decorative shapes of the door panels, enhancing the overall design of the interior.
Under the sub-dashboard, there is still a considerable storage space, as well as multiple electronic device charging ports and three fragrance ports. Above the sub-dashboard, the metal and piano lacquer texture is very prominent and textured, with a 50W power fast charging panel for mobile phones and an NFC sensing area, with a certain tilt angle, making it very convenient to pick up items.
The car still uses BYD’s user-friendly and open DiLink smart networking system, with a variety of built-in apps and support for 4-zone intelligent voice recognition. The 15.6-inch rotating PAD screen adds a touch of technology. In addition, the test drive model offers features such as fatigue monitoring, face recognition, Dynaudio sound system, 128-color ambient lighting, and AR-HUD head-up display. Worth mentioning is that the Haishi 07EV is the first model from Haishangwang to be equipped with the advanced intelligent driving assistance system, Tian Shen Zhi Yan. It achieves industry-leading L2+ level advanced intelligent driving assistance.
In terms of comfort, both front and rear seats are made of leather with moderate firmness and good wrapping, providing heated and ventilated seats and three-stage memory function for the driver’s seat. Rear passengers can also control independently.
In terms of storage space, the Sea Lion 07EV offers up to 21 storage spaces, while the rear seats can be folded flat, creating a huge trunk space, ideal for family trips. The Sea Lion 07EV also has a decent-sized front trunk, which is not common in BYD’s models.
In terms of power parameters, the Sea Lion 07EV is equipped with BYD’s globally pioneering efficient twelve-in-one intelligent electric drive system, integrating the drive motor, reducer, drive motor controller, vehicle controller, battery manager, high and low voltage DC converter, etc. into one. It also adopts a globally mass-produced motor with a maximum speed of 23,000 rpm and is equipped with 1200V silicon carbide electric control across the board, bringing the performance of the electric drive system to a new level. The Sea Lion 07EV’s efficient twelve-in-one intelligent electric drive system has a more compact structure, higher energy conversion efficiency for the entire vehicle, and a highest comprehensive efficiency of 92% for the system under various operating conditions, especially in daily city driving, increasing the range by 50km.
Blade battery with BYD’s intelligent end fast charging technology, intelligently regulates pulse charging current, applies negative pulse discharge while charging at high current, reduces concentration polarization, increases end charging current, shortens end charging time from 30 minutes to 18 minutes, greatly improves fast charging experience. In terms of dynamic driving, despite the large size of the Sea Lion 07EV, it accelerates very quickly. The motor of the test-driven 610 intelligent navigation version has a maximum output power of 230kW and a maximum torque of 380Nm, with excellent power performance. Even in standard mode, a small opening and closing angle of the accelerator pedal can achieve a good acceleration feeling. In addition, the vehicle can finely adjust parameters such as steering force, shock absorption mode, and acceleration to meet the needs of users with different driving styles.
The Sea Lion 07EV features front double wishbone and rear five-link independent suspension, with the option of Yunche-C technology on the four-wheel drive version. Throughout the driving experience, the vehicle’s overall stability performance is remarkable, whether going over speed bumps or changing lanes at high speeds, this suspension system can handle it all, with no loose chassis performance.
Regenerative braking offers two options: standard and increased feedback. In standard mode, releasing the accelerator pedal reduces drag. With proper use, braking can be lightened.
Summary: Today’s test drive of the Sea Lion 07EV was short, but it still impressed me with the excellent intelligence and technology that BYD has incorporated into this new model. Adapting to consumers’ current needs is crucial to truly succeed in the market and gain their trust. As an owner of the Song PLUS, I even feel tempted to upgrade my car.