The BYD Sealion 6 vary has been upgraded with revised, Australia-specific suspension tuning, however the large information is definitely round additional pricing changes for this plug-in hybrid (PHEV) mid-sized SUV.
WATCH: Paul’s video overview of the 2024 BYD Sealion 6 Premium AWD
Now, with the prevailing least expensive PHEV gone (goodbye, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross), and a readjustment of the lineup with the addition of a brand new Important grade, the model behind the Sealion 6 is displaying its formidable intentions within the Australian market.
And let me inform you, BYD is in for much more success. That is already Australia’s hottest plug-in hybrid car, and it simply received even higher.
How does the BYD Sealion 6 evaluate?
View an in depth breakdown of the BYD Sealion 6 towards equally sized automobiles.
BYD
Sealion 6
How a lot does the BYD Sealion 6 price?
There are nonetheless two variations of the BYD Sealion 6 out there in Australia, however the base variant is now referred to as the Important (beforehand Dynamic) and it has been de-specced to be even cheaper and extra approachable for fleet and personal patrons alike.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2025 BYD Sealion 6 Important | $42,990 |
| 2025 BYD Sealion 6 Premium | $52,990 |
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 stacks up towards its rivals, try our comparability software
What’s the BYD Sealion 6 like on the within?
It’s truthful to say the inside follows the rulebook for contemporary SUV design… in most methods, no less than.
For some, the brown and black inside ending that’s commonplace in all grades is not going to be all that agreeable, however if you happen to select the high-grade Premium variant examined right here, you may get it with a lighter trim combo. I might.
The design of the seat trim is a bit odd, however the seats themselves are snug and provide a superb quantity of adjustment. They’re electrically adjustable for the motive force and passenger, and on this grade you get heating and cooling up entrance, too. Nevertheless, no Sealion 6 comes with seat place reminiscence, so when you have a giant disparity between driver’s heights, it is likely to be a bit annoying to maintain setting and resetting.
The playbook for the remainder of the cabin is just about as anticipated… once more, virtually. There’s no different model in Australia that has a rotating touchscreen, with the huge 15.8-inch central show in a position to be positioned in portrait or panorama orientation. Should you’re utilizing smartphone mirroring (Apple CarPlay or Android Auto) it should must be in panorama, although.
The know-how within the touchscreen is extra useable and learnable than loads of different new automobiles out there. And like many, it nonetheless has no bodily controls under the display for air flow or quantity, however there’s a quantity scroll wheel between the seats, and the demister switches are there, too.
There’s a bar on the backside of the display for local weather and fan menus, however if you happen to don’t need to muck round with that you need to use the steering wheel controls to regulate the fan velocity and temperature, which is a plus.
Or you need to use the voice management system within the automobile, which is method higher than another examples. I used it a number of instances, utilizing the command ‘Hey BYD, activate the motive force’s seat air flow’, and inside seconds my bottom was being chilled. The voice management system is able to tons of of instructions.
Again to the display, although. There are a number of menus and sub-menu screens out there to undergo, out of your charging settings to security system changes, to show and quantity setup, and lighting and locking programs. You’ll need to get to phrases with all of it, however critically, it’s less complicated than many different ‘software-derived automobiles’ on the market.
The cabin storage is first rate as properly, with bottle holders within the doorways, an inexpensive glovebox, cupholders between the seats, a coated centre console bin, and within the top-spec Sealion 6 you get a pair of wi-fi telephone chargers, too.
One other plus for this top-end variant is the inclusion of an excellent head-up show, which is massive however in some way unobtrusive. You don’t get that within the base mannequin, however all variations have an honest digital instrument cluster for the motive force.
The again seat house is a pleasant place to be, too, with directional air-vents and USB-C and USB-A ports for charging, plus storage nooks on the seatbacks, bottle holders within the doorways, and a flip-down armrest with cupholders.
Grownup occupant house is nice, as properly. At 182cm/6’0”, I managed to suit behind my very own driving place with inches of house in entrance of my knees, some toe-wiggle house, and headroom to spare.
The large glass roof has a curler shade cowl, so you’ll be able to shut it up if the climate is just too heat, and open it as much as preserve the youngsters quiet. Talking of, there are twin ISOFIX youngster seat anchors and three top-tether factors, and also you’ll match two child seats within the again comfortably, and three at a squish.
The boot house is somewhat smaller than some rivals, at simply 425 litres. That’s just like SUVs within the class under, nevertheless it’s not a deal-breaker for sensible packers (or you would simply get a roof storage pod). Fold down the rear seats and there’s 1440L of cargo house to make use of.
Beneath the boot ground, although, there’s no spare wheel. This automobile makes do with a tyre restore package. It additionally lacks any purchasing bag hooks within the cargo zone, which is a miss.
| Dimensions | BYD Sealion 6 Premium AWD |
|---|---|
| Size | 4775mm |
| Width | 1890mm |
| Peak | 1670mm |
| Wheelbase | 2765mm |
| Cargo capability | 425L (5 seats) 1440L (2 seats) |
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 stacks up towards its rivals, try our comparability software
What’s underneath the bonnet?
As talked about, you’ve received the selection of two totally different powertrains within the BYD Sealion 6 vary: the front-wheel drive entry-level variant, or the all-wheel drive flagship.
| Specs | BYD Sealion 6 Premium AWD |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L 4cyl turbo-petrol PHEV |
| Engine outputs | 96kW/220Nm |
| Electrical motor outputs | 150kW/300Nm (entrance) 120kW/250Nm (rear) |
| System outputs | 238kW/550Nm |
| Battery | 18.3kWh BYD Blade (LFP) |
| Transmission | Single-speed discount gear |
| Drive kind | AWD |
| Weight (kerb) | 2100kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 5.9 seconds |
| Gasoline financial system (claimed) | 1.4L/100km |
| Electrical driving vary | 81km (100-25 per cent) |
| Gasoline tank capability | 60L |
| Gasoline requirement | 95 octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 32g/km |
| Braked tow capability | 1300kg |
You is likely to be considering that the official mixed cycle gasoline consumption determine is exceptionally low, and also you’d be proper. However like most PHEVs, it is best to consider it this manner – you would possibly get that for the primary 100km, however not the subsequent 100.
That’s as a result of the battery can be depleted to a state that it gained’t be attainable to proceed in EV mode to the identical extent, and also you’ll need to depend on the petrol engine to maintain going, in flip growing the quantity of petrol you utilize.
I did greater than 250km of testing throughout my week with the Sealion 6 Premium AWD, and located that it coated 80km on EV alone, earlier than switching to HEV hybrid mode for the rest.
On take a look at, I noticed a displayed common gasoline use of simply 5.3L/100km, which is best than you’ll get in a traditional hybrid like a Toyota RAV4, in my expertise.
It’s additionally higher than what BYD suggests is the anticipated common gasoline use when the battery is under a 25 per cent state of cost: 5.8L/100km is the declare in that occasion.
In earlier testing I’ve seen 90km of EV driving within the base FWD model with its barely decrease kerb weight and fewer highly effective petrol engine, and gasoline use of 4.9L/100km after the primary 100km of driving. The quantity BYD states for that model is 4.72L/100km.
Suffice to say, if you happen to cost it up usually and also you commute cheap distances, you’ll have the ability to run this primarily as an EV, with a backup engine to maintain you going for these weekend journeys away.
No vary anxiousness, both…!
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 stacks up towards its rivals, try our comparability software
How does the BYD Sealion 6 drive?
The large information right here is that the Chinese language model has listened to some earlier suggestions on its suspensions system, and made adjustments to assist it meet Australian expectations higher than the sooner fashions did.
Now, I’ve to say, I used to be fairly nice with the journey within the earlier variations. Certain, they have been positively extra comfort-focused and fewer about physique management and cornering tenacity, however they provided a comfortable expertise in rougher conditions and felt nice whereas commuting.
The brand new suspension is certainly extra inflexible and affords higher cornering stability, and whereas it’s not as sharp a software as a Cupra Formentor or one thing like that, it’s improved in its dynamic capabilities on regular roads, and is a little more engaging to drive quick than the final model.
It nonetheless has barely much less predictable steering than some rivals, so it’s probably not the final phrase in dealing with. However I don’t assume it actually issues for the customer that can be drawn to this automobile. It nonetheless steers with sufficient predictability to know what’ll occur subsequent, and there are a couple of totally different modes you’ll be able to play with to regulate the steering too.
The powertrain stays a extremely sturdy level for the BYD Sealion 6 Premium, with the additional grunt of the all-wheel drive model’s turbo-petrol engine making it a way more enthusiastic factor than the bottom mannequin, which I’ve additionally spent loads of time in.
It’s easy in its transition between EV and HEV hybrid modes, and when you really want the powertrain to hustle, all of it comes collectively to get you from A to B fairly quickly. Keep in mind, the 0-100km/h time is simply 5.9 seconds, which matches the unique Honda NSX sports activities automobile!
The actual fact, there’s no energy interruption from a standard gearbox – the automobile has a discount gear, single-speed auto – which suggests there’s no dilly-dallying on the lights or on the transfer, and it truly is impressively fast in a mixture of conditions.
The one factor I’d recommend is that you just be aware if you happen to’re dealing with downhill while you begin the automobile up and put it in reverse, because the auto maintain mightn’t interact until you’re actually planting the brake pedal down.
The all-wheel drive system definitely makes its presence felt while you’re hustling this automobile. It has a superb quantity of traction in bends, and there’s no front-wheel scrabble to talk of, even with the Giti tyres. They’re okay however not terrific, and the dealing with traits would little doubt be additional improved with a greater set of rubber.
It’s additionally comparatively quiet. The freeway and coarse-road journey isn’t too raucous, and fortunately there aren’t any of these invasive and interruptive warning chimes. Nicely, there are, however you’ll be able to flip off the speed-sign recognition and warning system, and it’ll keep off (not like different automobiles that default again on).
There’s additionally no driver monitoring digicam, which is a plus in my view, as a result of it means there’s much less probability of really getting distracted and aggravated. And whereas there’s a lane-keeping system, it’s not too intrusive both.
On the entire, the Sealion 6 is a really agreeable drive expertise. Once more, it’s not probably the most participating or dynamic SUV, nevertheless it is a little more encouraging than the sooner variations.
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 stacks up towards its rivals, try our comparability software
What do you get?
As talked about, the earlier Dynamic grade has been changed by the Important, and the brand new lower cost level is accompanied by a discount in some commonplace tools – although the bottom mannequin remains to be very properly kitted out for the money.
2025 BYD Sealion 6 Important tools highlights:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- 235/50 R19 Giti tyres
- Tyre restore package
- Panoramic sunroof
- Matte roof rails
- One-touch energy tailgate
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Electrically adjustable, heated mirrors
- Keyless entry and begin
- NFC card key
- Privateness glass – rear
- LED headlights
- LED daytime operating lights
- LED tail-lights
- Sequential rear indicators
- Artificial leather-wrapped steering wheel
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.8-inch rotating infotainment touchscreen
- AM/FM/DAB radio
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Bluetooth telephone, audio streaming
- Music streaming apps
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Voice assistant
- BYD app retailer
- Over-the-air updates
- 6-speaker sound system
- 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A – entrance
- 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A – rear
- 12V accent socket
- Sun shades holder
- Artificial leather-wrapped seats
- 6-way energy driver’s seat
- 4-way energy passenger seat
- Heated, ventilated entrance seats
- Manually adjustable rear seat backrests
- Entrance twin cup holders
- Rear centre armrest incl. 2 x cupholders
- Metallic door sill protectors
- Entrance sunvisors with illuminated vainness mirrors
- LED entrance studying gentle
- LED rear aspect studying lights
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Rear central air vents
Sealion 6 Premium provides:
- Further terrain modes
- Mud + Sand
- All-wheel drive
- 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen
- 10-speaker Infinity sound system
- 2 x wi-fi telephone prices – 15W
- 8-way energy driver’s seat
- Heated and ventilated entrance seats
- Auto-dimming inside mirror
- Head-up show
- Soundproof glass – entrance
- ‘Dynamic’ ambient lighting with rhythm perform
- PM2.5 filtration system
Additionally it is value noting that the Premium is the one grade out there with the no-cost optionally available Blue and Gray inside trim. The usual end is brown and black as seen in these photographs. And the Azure Blue paint as proven on this tester is now not out there.
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 stacks up towards its rivals, try our comparability software
Is the BYD Sealion 6 secure?
The BYD Sealion 6 has a five-star ANCAP security score primarily based on testing performed by Euro NCAP in 2023.
| Class | BYD Sealion 6 |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 88 per cent |
| Youngster occupant safety | 86 per cent |
| Susceptible street consumer safety | 83 per cent |
| Security help | 75 per cent |
Commonplace security options embrace:
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian detection
- Bicycle owner detection
- Junction detection
- Youngster Presence Detection
- Door Open Warning
- Entrance collision warning
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Entrance cross-traffic help
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Excessive beam help
- Clever velocity restrict data, management
- Lane departure warning
- Lane preserve help
- Rear collision warning
- Visitors signal recognition
Select the Important 2WD, and also you get a reversing digicam and rear parking sensors.
Go for the range-topping Premium AWD, and that parking help consists of entrance sensors and a surround-view digicam with a number of digicam modes.
There are seven airbags fitted to the BYD Sealion 6 – twin entrance, entrance centre, entrance aspect, and full-length curtain protection.
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 stacks up towards its rivals, try our comparability software
How a lot does the BYD Sealion 6 price to run?
BYD’s Australian importer, EVDirect, covers the BYD vary with a six-year, 150,000km car guarantee and an eight-year, 160,000km battery guarantee.
| Servicing and Guarantee | BYD Sealion 6 Premium AWD |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 6 years, 150,000km 8 years, 160,000km (HV battery) |
| Roadside help | 1 12 months (then service-activated) |
| Service intervals | 12 months, 20,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 11 years |
| Complete capped-price service price | $4669 |
| Common capped-price service price | $424 |
These operating prices are maybe a bit dearer than a totally electrical SUV, however cheaper than an equal petrol SUV and even some hybrid alternate options.
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 stacks up towards its rivals, try our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the BYD Sealion 6
In order for you a mid-sized SUV and also you’re undecided if going full-electric is correct, then the Sealion 6 might be the most suitable choice for you.
It has a helpful EV vary, loads of spec and tech, and a extra reasonably priced worth than another medium SUV with this sort of smarts.
No marvel it’s the best-selling PHEV in the marketplace. It deserves to be.
Curious about shopping for a BYD Sealion 6? Get in contact with one in every of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here
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