BYD has revealed prices for its fourth model to go on sale in the UK, the Sealion.

The Chinese brand’s new electric family SUV will start at £44,990, which is £2,000 less than the Tesla Model Y, expected to be one of the Sealion’s core rivals.

The newcomer is fitted like all BYD models with the brand’s Blade battery, which will be offered in two capacities, giving a maximum WLTP range of 312 miles. The car will also be able to recharged at up to 230kW.

The car will be offered in rear and twin-motor all-wheel-drive form, with the AWD version offering a maximum output equivalent to 530hp and a 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds. The RWD variant completes the 0-62mph sprint in 6.7 seconds.

The £44,990 price tag buys the rear-wheel drive model, designated Comfort and with a 82.5kWh battery giving a range of 300 miles. The AWD version comes in two levels, Design at £49,290 with the same battery and a 283-mile range and the Excellence at £57,290. This uses a larger 91.3kWh battery for the top range of 312 miles.

The Comfort and Design offer up to 150kW DC battery charging, a 10 to 80% replenishment taking 32 minutes. The Excellence can charge at up to 230kW, 10 to 80% taking 24 minutes.

According to BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li the brand has noticed demand for precisely this type of vehicle in Europe. “We’re confident that its mix of SUV design and packaging, Blade Battery technology, range, high performance and generous specification will appeal to many customers across Europe,” she said.

Li added that the Sealion 7 shows how BYD is reacting to customer demand and tastes in the region, and widening its product line-up to ensure the best possible coverage of the most important vehicle types; “This will be a key factor as we continue our progress in Europe.”

Initial customer deliveries of the Sealion are expected in the first quarter of 2025.