Larger than CR-V, BYD Frigate 07 is a 401 PS/ 316 Nm PHEV, 4.7s 0/100km/h

While Ora is busy growing its cat family, BYD on the other hand is building an Ocean themed family instead. First, there is the Dolphin and Seal, now there is the BYD Frigate 07. The Frigate 07 is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with pre-sale prices starting at CNY 220,000 (~RM 143,000).

The first word that comes to mind upon setting eyes on the SUV is bulky. There’s no hiding how large the Frigate 07 is. Measuring 4,820 x 1,920 x 1,750 mm in length, width, and height with a wheelbase of 2,820 mm, it is almost 200 mm longer than the Honda CR-V and almost the size of a BMW X5.

Like most new models that rolled out of BYD’s garage, the Frigate 07 also drew inspiration from BYD’s X Dream design language. The front end is dominated by the massive front grille that features a horizontal line design.

The squinty headlights were designed to match the strip that bares the BYD logo. The headlights stretch to the side and into a shoulder line that runs the entire side profile of the SUV.

Also read: Confirmed for Malaysia, here's 24 photos of the BYD Atto 3, aka Yuan Plus in China; 510 km range, 204 PS/ 310 Nm

Like a lot of new cars, the Frigate 07 also features flushed door handles. But as the car is so long and tall, there was no need for a floating roof design to make the car look larger.

At the rear, the Frigate 07 features stylish LED taillights connected by a light bar across the tailgate. BYD also added chrome inserts to further play up the width of the SUV.

Despite its size, the Frigate 07 is still a five-seater and not a seven-seater. The interior was designed to mimic rippling water so it features flowing lines played up by the dual-tone light and dark brown tones across the door panels, on the seats, as well as the dashboard.

The driver benefits from a digital instrument cluster while a large floating touchscreen infotainment takes centre stage. Music is played on 12 Dynaudio speakers with noise-masking technology for an entirely immersive experience.

Also read: Coming to Malaysia, check out the BYD e6 show off its features in 10 photos

As mentioned, the Frigate 07 is a PHEV. The SUV is sold in two variants in China, buyers can choose between the two-wheel-drive variant or the four-wheel-drive variant.

Both variants feature a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that produces 139 PS and 231 Nm. The lower 2WD DM-i variant has a combined output of 197 PS and 316 Nm.

This variant makes the century sprint in 8.7 seconds. BYD claims that the SUV can run on pure electricity for up to 106 km based on the NEDC.

Meanwhile, the 4WD DM-p is capable of a combined output of 401 PS and 316 Nm. This variant is capable of making the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 4.7 seconds while the variant can run on pure electricity for up to 183 km based on the NEDC. Both engines are mated to an E-CVT.

Also read: BYD to enter Malaysia via Sime Darby Motors, Atto 3 and e6 confirmed to launch

Presale has already started for the SUV, prices for the BYD Frigate 07 starts at CNY 220,000 (~RM 143,000) for the 2WD DM-i and tops off at CNY 280,000 (~RM 182,000) for the 4WD DM-p.

With the Ocean family mostly made up of international market-bound models, perhaps this massive SUV will also make an international debut in due time.