We’ve discovered a fresh trademark filing that suggests the BYD Seal 6 GT electric hot hatch – boasting up to 310 kW – could be in the Chinese firm’s plans for South Africa…
After a relatively subdued start in South Africa, BYD looks to be ramping up its local operations, with the Shark 6, Sealion 6 and Sealion 7 all set to launch soon. And, judging by recent trademark filings, yet more models are on the horizon, potentially including the BYD Seal 6 GT electric hot hatch.
Yes, Cars.co.za has discovered that BYD Auto’s global head office applied to trademark “BYD Seal 6 GT” in South Africa in early January 2025, with the status currently listed as “pending”. Interestingly, this badge is slightly different to the “Seal 06 GT” moniker used in China.
Of course, we should point out that a trademark application is by no means a guarantee the automaker will use the badge in question. But it certainly appears that this electric hot hatch is at least under consideration for Mzansi.
As an aside, the Shenzhen-based firm filed to protect several other nameplates locally late in 2024, including “M6”, “M9”, “e6” and “V9”. Then, in January 2025, it applied to trademark “BYD Seagull” in SA after doing the same with “BYD Dolphin Mini” – the export name for this model – about a year prior. Should the latter receive the green light for Mzansi, it would likely slot in below the Dolphin as the brand’s most affordable EV.
But back to the BYD Seal 6 GT. Measuring 4 630 mm from nose to tail, this battery-powered 5-door model is rather lengthy for a hatchback, coming in at a considerable 340 mm longer than the Volkswagen Golf 8 R, for instance. Its 2 820-mm wheelbase also promises plenty of interior space.
Revealed in its domestic market as recently as August 2024, the Chinese-spec Seal 06 GT is available in both rear- and all-wheel drive. The rear-driven version offers peak outputs of 160 kW and 310 Nm, with its single electric motor drawing urge from a 59.52 kWh battery pack. The listed 0-100 kph time is 7.5 seconds and the claimed range is around 505 km.
The dual-motor derivative, meanwhile, churns out a whopping 310 kW and 510 Nm, upgrading to a 72.96 kWh battery. As a result, the claimed 0-100 kph sprint time falls to 4.9 seconds (slightly slower than a Golf R, likely due to the weight penalty that comes with a hefty battery pack), while the listed range climbs to approximately 550 km.
If the Seal 6 GT were to come to South Africa, it would likely be positioned below the Seal sedan, which currently kicks off at R999 900. Currently, BYD markets only the Dolphin, Atto 3 and Seal electric vehicles in South Africa. However, the Shark 6 PHEV bakkie, Sealion 6 PHEV and the Sealion 7 EV are coming soon. Whether the Seal 6 GT will indeed follow them, of course, remains to be seen…
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