The Next Step In BYD’s Sustainable Mobility Journey In SA

Johannesburg, 29 October 2025 | BYD, the world’s leading new-energy technology company, is set to introduce its latest innovation to South Africa this November, the Sea Lion 5, a dynamic plug-in hybrid SUV designed for urban families who value performance, practicality, and sustainability in equal measure.

More than a car launch, the arrival of the Sea Lion 5 marks another milestone in BYD’s mission to help solve South Africa’s energy and mobility challenges, not just sell vehicles. “BYD is not just a car manufacturer. We’re a technology company focused on creating a cleaner, smarter future. The Sea Lion 5 represents how innovation can meet real South African needs, combining energy efficiency, advanced safety, and everyday utility,” says Nomonde Kweyi, Marketing Director, BYD Auto South Africa.

Built on BYD’s DMI (Dual-Mode Intelligent) hybrid platform, the plug-in hybrid Sea Lion 5 bridges the gap between electric and conventional mobility, introducing South Africans to electric mobility without the “range fear” that can come with driving pure electric.

The family SUV combines spacious versatility with intuitive technology, featuring a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, wireless charging, intelligent voice control system, and a large infotainment screen that anchors its refined, modern interior.

The launch follows the recent visit to Johannesburg by Ms. Stella Li, BYD’s Executive Vice President, who reinforced the company’s long-term commitment to South Africa. During her engagements, she highlighted BYD’s ambition to support South Africa’s transition to cleaner transport and energy solutions, with investment plans spanning new-energy vehicles, charging infrastructure, and partnerships with government and the private sector, aimed at strengthening the country’s sustainable automotive ecosystem.

Full specifications and pricing for the Sea Lion 5 will be revealed in November followed by consumer sales across BYD dealerships countrywide.

The Sea Lion 5 joins BYD’s growing local portfolio of Pure Electric and Super Plug-in Hybrid models, which already includes the recently launched BYD Dolphin Surf (South Africa’s most affordable EV) as well as the BYD Sea Lion 6, Sea Lion 7, Shark 6, Seal and others. Together, these vehicles represent BYD’s vision to make sustainable mobility accessible to every type of South African driver.

Johannesburg, 21 October 2025 | Global new energy vehicle giant BYD (Build Your Dreams) is rapidly expanding its footprint in South Africa with a series of major investments aimed at accelerating the country’s transition to electric mobility. During an exclusive media briefing in Johannesburg, Executive Vice President, Ms. Stella Li, weighed in on the importance of BYD’s strategic investment in South Africa – labelling it a pivotal market and a future springboard for regional growth. The briefing shed some light on BYD’s sustainable mobility solutions, dealer network expansion, and technology transfer plans, emphasising the country’s role as a key player in BYD’s global expansion strategy. 

In a move set to transform South Africa’s EV landscape, BYD has announced plans to install between 200 and 300 public charging stations across the country in 2026, making electric mobility more accessible to drivers nationwide. Li also announced the brand’s plans to roll-out ultra-fast 1MW charging technology infrastructure, paving the way for a new generation of rapid charging, once compatible models reach the market. 

These developments reinforce BYD’s growing commitment to building a comprehensive ecosystem that supports the adoption of new energy vehicles (NEVs), encompassing not only electric cars but also battery technology, renewable energy generation, and storage solutions. 

“BYD’s presence in South Africa represents our commitment to being more than an automotive brand — we are a technology company delivering comprehensive new energy solutions for this market,” said Nomonde Kweyi, Marketing Director, BYD South Africa, MEA Region. “From our range of NEVs — including pure electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids — to batteries, renewable energy generation, and storage systems, we’re building the integrated ecosystem that South Africa needs for its sustainable future. As we expand our dealer network and deepen our local partnerships, we’re focused on delivering practical, accessible solutions that meet South Africans where they are today. Our NEV technology, particularly our PHEVs, provides the flexibility this market needs while building toward a fully electric future.” 

As part of its commitment to creating an enabling environment for EV adoption, BYD South Africa has partnered with ABSA to provide tailored vehicle finance solutions that make new energy vehicles more accessible to South African consumers. The brand is also engaging with Eskom and other government entities to explore collaboration opportunities that strengthen South Africa’s EV infrastructure, including grid readiness and sustainable energy integration for charging networks. These partnerships form part of BYD’s holistic strategy to ensure that electric mobility is both practical and achievable for local drivers.

BYD’s expansion momentum is further bolstered by the recent opening of its flagship dealership in Sandton, offering South Africans a premium retail experience that reflects the brand’s innovation-driven ethos. The dealership serves as a hub for BYD’s growing portfolio of advanced NEVs and as an education and experience centre for consumers exploring the shift to cleaner mobility. 

With the Dolphin Surf gaining strong traction as a practical, affordable electric vehicle option for everyday drivers, BYD is positioning itself as the brand leading South Africa’s transition from traditional fuel to clean energy. Its model range caters to a wide spectrum of consumers, from the accessible Dolphin series to the sleek Seal sedan and the powerful Sealion SUV. 

As South Africa looks toward a more sustainable future, BYD’s integrated strategy, combining cutting-edge technology, infrastructure investment, and consumer accessibility, marks a pivotal step in shaping the nation’s electric vehicle ecosystem.

Cape Town, 16 September 2025 | BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles, has officially launched the BYD Dolphin Surf in South Africa, marking a significant milestone in making electric mobility accessible to everyday drivers across the country. Stylish, practical, and priced to sit firmly in the mass-market bracket, the Dolphin Surf is set to transform the local automotive landscape by proving that electric vehicles can be both affordable and aspirational.

Now available in two distinct models, the Dynamic and the Comfort, the Dolphin Surf is designed to be a fun, safe, and practical vehicle that makes zero-emission driving accessible to a wider market.

An EV Designed For Urban Living 

At the heart of the Dolphin Surf is BYD’s groundbreaking Blade Battery and purpose-built e-Platform 3.0, which deliver unmatched levels of safety, efficiency, and performance. The Dolphin Surf’s body structure uses 61% high-strength steel, ensuring maximum protection without compromising on driving comfort.

The Dynamic model is equipped with a 38.8 kWh Blade Battery, offering a WLTP combined range of 295 km. It delivers 55 kW (75 PS) of power to the front wheels and supports DC charging up to 40 kW, allowing for a 30-80% charge in just 30 minutes. The Comfort model features a 30 kWh Blade Battery with a WLTP combined range of 232 km, powered by a 55 kW front-wheel-drive motor with a maximum DC charging rate of 30 kW.

Both models are front-wheel drive and ride on 16-inch steel wheels, delivering a nimble yet confident drive.

A Smart Cabin That Keeps You Connected

Both models offer an intuitive and connected cabin experience. The interior features a vibrant, 10.1-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch digital instrument panel, and voice control activated by a simple “Hi, BYD.” For added convenience, the cabin includes a 15W wireless charging pad and a built-in karaoke function for a truly unique driving experience.

Contemporary Design, Everyday Practicality

The Dolphin Surf’s exterior design is both playful and sporty, featuring a sleek roof with an integrated rear spoiler, full-width LED tail-lights, and stylish 16-inch alloy wheels. Practicality is a key design element, with 20 smart storage solutions throughout the cabin and a 230L boot capacity that expands to 930L with the seats down. Keyless entry via an NFC key and BYD App control further enhance the user experience.

Charging Convenience and Energy Versatility

The BYD Dolphin is more than just a car; it’s a mobile energy source. The Vehicle-to-Load (VtoL) function allows users to “charge up the party,” using the car’s battery to power external devices. Each vehicle includes a 7 kW Home Charger Wall Box, a 3-7 Charger, and a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) socket, ensuring a seamless charging experience from day one.

“The BYD Dolphin Surf represents a pivotal moment for electric mobility in South Africa,” says Ming Xing, Brand and Marketing Manager at BYD South Africa. “We are bringing a truly affordable and well-equipped urban electric vehicle to the mass market. This isn’t just about making EVs available; it’s about making them a viable, attractive option for everyday South Africans. We are confident that its combination of safety, range, and smart features, all at a highly competitive price point, will make it a game-changer.”

BYD is backing the Dolphin Surf with a robust warranty and service package: a 3-year/60,000 km Service Plan, a 3-year/100,000 km Complete Vehicle Warranty, and an 8-year/200,000 km Power Battery Warranty.

Pricing:

BYD Dolphin Surf Dynamic: R389,900

BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort: R339,900

The arrival of the BYD Dolphin Surf follows a highly successful consumer activation at Cape Town’s Battery Park, where the public was invited to see, touch, and experience the vehicle ahead of its official launch. Visitors explored the Dolphin Surf up close, signed up for nationwide test drives, and enjoyed a vibrant day of activities and entertainment. Highlights included karaoke and a claw machine, powered by the EV itself, along with yoga sessions, exciting giveaways, a coffee truck and much more.

Test drive the Dolphin Surf at your nearest BYD dealer today and visit https://byd.com/za for more information.

• Performance hybrid with technology transfer from Formula 1™
• 2.0-litre engine at the front and electric motor on the rear axle with 500 kW system output for a superior driving experience
• World’s most powerful four-cylinder engine with an output per litre of 176 kW
• Fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and active rear-axle steering for the first time in the Mercedes-AMG C-Class

The Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE is a real game changer: the hybrid powertrain is designed for maximum performance. It combines the AMG 2.0-litre turbo engine with an Electric Drive Unit (EDU) on the rear axle for a completely new driving experience. In addition to the clearly noticeable immediate thrust, the independent layout also ensures a balanced weight distribution – which benefits driving dynamics and handling in equal measure.

Depending on the driving mode, the electric motor boosts power and torque according to the situation, for a particularly comfortable or performance-oriented driving experience. All-electric driving is also possible. The electric powertrain and the high-performance battery with 400 volts are AMG exclusive, in-house developments. Just like in Formula 1™, the battery is specifically designed for fast power output and draw with innovative direct cooling of the cells. The electric range of 13 kilometres allows a practical operating radius, for example in the city or in residential areas. The combined system output is 500 kW, the combined maximum system torque 1,020 Nm. These are new peak values for the C-Class.

Other highlights of the new model series: for the first time in a C 63, the fully variable all-wheel drive system AMG Performance 4MATIC+ is used to transfer the drive power to the road, and includes a Drift Mode for even more driving pleasure. Added to this is active rear- axle steering as standard, another unique feature in this segment.

“With the C 63 S E PERFORMANCE, we are opening a new chapter in the history of our brand. The new C 63 in particular is a real game changer. With its revolutionary concept, it brings a completely new approach to the segment, which until now has been primarily characterised by the promise purely of performance. With a maximum system output of 680 hp, we do indeed keep this promise. But the intelligent P3 hybrid concept offers much more. I am sure that with this technology, which incorporates a lot of know-how from Formula 1, we will also appeal to a new group of customers.”
Philipp Schiemer, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes AMG GmbH

“With its Performance hybrid drive and electrically assisted exhaust turbocharger, the new C 63 S E PERFORMANCE is a technological masterpiece that takes a new approach. The electrified powertrain offers a whole new driving experience. The immediate response of the electric drive at the rear axle, the rapid torque build-up as well as the fast power output and also draw of our battery are very special features. Add to this the standard-fit rear-axle steering and the fully variable all-wheel drive – the new C 63 illustrates once again the high level of technical expertise that AMG possesses.”
Jochen Hermann, Technical Managing Director of Mercedes-AMG Gmb

Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa will introduce the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE to the South African market later this year.