BYD's New Seal 07 Debuts a Magnetorheological Suspension at about $22,500

BYD launched the second-generation Seal 07 last week, calling it "the new choice for a class-leading luxury experience," Electrek reported.

It is available in battery-electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with prices starting at 139,900 yuan (about $21,000, Electrek's conversion) for the plug-in hybrid and 149,900 yuan (around $22,500) for the fully electric version. Both versions measure 5,080 millimeters long, 1,960 millimeters wide and 1,495 millimeters high, with a 2,960-millimeter wheelbase, slightly longer than a Toyota Camry.

The new Seal 07 EV uses a 76.7 kWh second-generation BYD Blade LFP battery that provides a CLTC range of up to 481 miles (775 kilometers). Thanks to the second-generation Blade batteries and BYD's Flash Charging technology, Electrek reported, the battery can charge from 10 percent to 70 percent in five minutes. A charge from 10 percent to 97 percent takes nine minutes.

Disus-M, a refrigerator, and a watch called Diva

The Seal 07 is also BYD's first vehicle to debut with its new Disus-M Intelligent Magnetorheological Body Control System. The setup features a front double-wishbone suspension and an enhanced rear five-link suspension. It works alongside BYD's road-surface sensors that use LiDAR, plus its iTAC 2.0 Intelligent Torque Adaptation System. BYD said the system provides response times down to the millisecond and adjusts damping force across a range of 100 to 10,000 newton-meters. It is equipped on the all-electric Flagship Seal 07 variant, while lower-priced versions have the Disus-C intelligent body control system. The top-spec EV model with the Disus-M setup starts at 172,900 yuan ($26,000, Electrek's conversion).

Inside, the new Seal 07 adopts BYD's new interior design, including a 15.6-inch floating center infotainment screen, a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, and two rear passenger entertainment screens. BYD added extras including a built-in 6.8-liter smart refrigerator, zero-gravity seats and driver headrest audio. The car also debuts BYD's Smart Ecosystem 2.0, including "Diva," a smartwatch that lets drivers interact with the vehicle and manage functions remotely. Higher-priced versions are available with BYD's God's Eye B intelligent driving system, which includes a roof-mounted LiDAR, Navigation on Autopilot in the city and on highways, and full-scenario intelligent parking, Electrek reported.

For a limited time, BYD is offering a "Super trade-in price" special, starting at 145,900 yuan ($22,000) for the Seal 07 EV and 135,900 yuan ($20,500) for the PHEV, according to the same report. Those are China-market prices and official CLTC range figures, not U.S. sticker prices or EPA range. Electrek did not report a U.S. on-sale date.