BYD Targets Aussie Families with New Seven-Seat SUV by Year-End

BYD could soon give Aussie buyers a family-sized electric or plug-in hybrid SUV option before 2026, with confirmation that a new seven-seater is on the cards. The potential model? An all-new SUV based on China’s just-launched Tang L.

▶️MORE: BYD Tang L Spotted in China: Here's What We Know

Confirmed: A Seven-Seater is Coming

Speaking to Drive, outgoing BYD Australia importer CEO David Smitherman didn’t mince words: "We need a seven-seater, 100 per cent."

He confirmed a new SUV with three rows of seats is on the way, and while the final model and powertrain are still under wraps, Smitherman said, "I'm hoping it's this year, but nothing is guaranteed."

Whether it ends up being electric or a plug-in hybrid, the focus is clear: BYD wants to compete with family favourites like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Kluger, and even the larger Kia EV9 or Mazda CX-80.

▶️MORE: Every Plug-in Hybrid EV (PHEV) Available in Australia

Likely Candidate: The Tang L

BYD currently only sells two seven-seat SUVs in China: the older Tang and the fresh-faced Tang L. The latter, a bigger, more refined model, seems the likeliest fit for Australia.

And just like the Atto 3 was renamed from the Yuan Plus in China, it may arrive here with a different badge.

▶️MORE: Confirmed BYD electric cars coming to Australia in 2025

Big Enough for Aussie Roads and Families

As you can see below the Tang L stacks up well against local rivals, bigger in every dimension than current best sellers.

Power Options: PHEV or EV?

The Tang L offers multiple powertrain options in China. It’s unclear which ones Australia will get, but here’s what the overseas versions pack:

Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)

• 1.5L turbo petrol engine (115kW/225Nm)
• One or two electric motors (up to 200kW each)
• Combined electric driving range: 175–215km (CLTC lab test)
• Fuel use after battery depletion: 4.9–6.0L/100km
• 0–100km/h: As quick as 4.3 seconds (AWD version)
• Battery: 35.6kWh

Electric (EV)

• Single or dual motor (RWD or AWD)
• Battery: 100.5kWh
• Power: 500kW (RWD) or 810kW (AWD)
• Claimed 0–100km/h: 6.9s (RWD) / 3.9s (AWD)
• Claimed range: 600–670km (CLTC)
• Charging: 1000kW DC (in theory), 10–70% in 6 minutes (on ideal charger)

It is possible both drivetrains will be offered given the popularity of both fully electric and plug-in hybrid BYD models.

▶️MORE: 5 Cheapest Electric Cars in Australia (2025)

Important Note on Charging

Australia's public chargers don’t yet support anywhere near 1000kW charging the Tang L is capable of. The fastest chargers in Australia top out at 350kW, and many are still limited to 50–150kW. So while 1000kW charging looks wild on paper, these fast-charging times likely won't translate locally.

Tech & Features

The Tang L is packed with the latest bells and whistles that is becoming synonymous with BYD vehicles:

• 15.6-inch rotating central display
• 10.25-inch digital cluster
• Head-up display
• Adaptive suspension
• Leather interior with heated/ventilated front seats
• Three-zone climate control

Chinese models even get BYD’s new 'God’s Eye' semi-autonomous tech:

• Roof-mounted lidar
• 12 cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors, 5 radars
• Hands-off navigation in city/freeway settings (with driver supervision)

While it’s unclear how much of this tech will be approved for Aussie roads, BYD seems serious about offering premium features.

▶️MORE: These Are the Best-Selling EVs in Australia in 2025

Pricing & More

In China, the Tang L ranges from $AU49,500 to $AU62,500. Add right-hand drive conversion and import taxes, and we’d likely see local prices starting from the mid-$60K range, still undercutting full-size EV SUVs like the Kia EV9.

One Chinese variant – the 'Drone Player Edition' – comes with a roof box housing a 4K drone that can follow the car and take off at up to 25km/h. Don’t count on that arriving here.

A seven-seater is a smart move for BYD, especially as Aussie families look for greener alternatives without sacrificing space or practicality. Whether it lands as a plug-in hybrid or full EV, the upcoming SUV could slot in nicely under premium seven-seat rivals while offering serious spec and tech.