A camouflaged prototype of BYD’s first Ocean Series multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) has been spotted charging at a BYD Flash Charger station in China. Spy shots show conventional MPV proportions, traditional door handles, B-pillars, sliding rear doors, and a roof-mounted LiDAR pod, Autohome reports, ahead of an expected year-end launch.

The production-oriented design differs from the Ocean-V concept unveiled at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show in April. On August 23, Zhang Zhuo, general manager of BYD Ocean Series, said the company expected to launch its first MPV by year-end. It remains unclear whether the production model is directly related to Ocean-V.

Production design moves away from Ocean-V

The Ocean-V concept featured a five-seat lounge with 180-degree swivelling front seats, a retractable steering wheel, a sliding central display and an interior designed for entertainment and camping.

By contrast, the test vehicle has an upright body, conventional front doors and sliding rear doors. Its exterior suggests a more traditional MPV layout than the concept’s experimental cabin. Spy photographs do not reveal the production interior, seating configuration or whether any of the concept’s movable-seat features will carry over.

BYD’s Ocean-V concept, unveiled at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, featured a five-seat lounge with 180-degree swivelling front seats, a retractable steering wheel and a sliding central display.Roof LiDAR points to advanced driver assistance

The LiDAR housing above the windshield is the prototype’s most distinctive visible technology feature. BYD offers roof-mounted LiDAR on some higher-specification versions of its DiPilot driver-assistance systems, including the DiPilot 300 smart-driving suite.

The roof-mounted LiDAR suggests the Ocean MPV may offer a higher-specification driver-assistance system.

BYD M9 provides a powertrain reference

The Dynasty Series BYD M9, known as the Xia in China, offers a comparison to BYD’s existing MPV lineup. Its plug-in hybrid powertrain combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 115 kW and 225 Nm with a front-mounted electric motor rated at 200 kW and 315 Nm. The M9 measures 5,145 mm long and has a 3,045 mm wheelbase.

The Xia recorded 327 domestic sales in August 2026, down 21% from July and 76.9% year on year, with a reported market share of 0.2%, according to China EV DataTracker. Monthly sales had reached 2,580 units in December 2025, providing a longer-term comparison with the latest figure.

Autohome reported that the Ocean MPV was expected to share a technical platform with the M9, but BYD has not confirmed this. The M9’s powertrain and dimensions therefore cannot yet be attributed to the new model. The sales figures provide context for BYD’s existing MPV lineup but do not establish the rationale for introducing the Ocean model.

Positioning within BYD’s MPV range

The Ocean MPV would join BYD’s broader MPV lineup alongside the Dynasty-branded M9 and premium Denza D9. Its market position will depend on pricing, equipment, seating configuration and powertrain options.

BYD has yet to disclose the Ocean MPV’s pricing, dimensions, powertrain or production specifications. Further details may emerge through an official announcement or regulatory filing.