BYD New Zealand announces Atto 1 and Atto 2, Sealion 5 and Sealion 8: brace yourselves

David Linklater

  • Sign in required

    Please sign in to your account to add a vehicle to favourite

  • Share this article

Atto 1, aka Seagull, aka Dolphin Surf, aims to be a cheap and cheerful city EV.

Atto 1, aka Seagull, aka Dolphin Surf, aims to be a cheap and cheerful city EV.

  • New BYD models span tiny Atto 1 hatch to Sealion 8 with 3rd-row seating.
  • 'Breaking down barriers to EV ownership', promises local BYD boss.
  • All set for Kiwi launch in early-2026, pricing announced next month.

BYD New Zealand will launch a brace of new Atto models and a brace of new Sealion variants in early-2026. Yes, they're coming 2-by-2.

BYD Atto 2.
Atto 2 more compact than Atto 3, but also more SUV-like. Look out MGS5 EV?

And yes, the numbers will aid our understanding. The forthcoming Atto 1 and Atto 2 will fit underneath the familiar Atto 3 ($49,990-$55,990) in the local lineup, while the Sealion 5 and Sealion 8 will flank the current Sealion 6 ($52,990-$64,990) and Sealion 7 ($67,990-$79,990) models.

The Atto 1 we've driven already. Also known as the Seagull in China and Dolphin Surf in Europe, Atto 1 is a city EV. The Atto 2 is a "slightly larger" SUV, says BYD, that "blends blends everyday practicality with advanced battery technology".

“The expanded Atto lineup is all about breaking down barriers to EV ownership,” says Warren Willmot, general manager of BYD Auto NZ.

BYD Sealion 5.
Number 5 will be the smallest Sealion, but still boast DM-i hybrid technology.

“This vehicle will redefine what an entry-level EV can be in this market — affordable, efficient, and enjoyable to drive. We believe it will play a major role in helping more NZers and businesses take their first step into electric mobility. We’re opening the door to a whole new generation of EV drivers”.

Both new Sealion models use BYD's plug-in hybrid DM-i technology. Sealion 5 is a mid-sized SUV, while the Sealion 8 will be BYD's largest SUV, with a 7-seat cabin.


And if you're scared of really big Sealions, look away: this is the 8, with 7 seats.

“The Sealion 5 and Sealion 8 give customers even more choice in how they want to experience 
electrification,” says Willmot.

BYD says pricing and more specific launch timing will be relased next month.