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You’re taking a look at one of many largest causes plug-in hybrid automobiles (PHEVs) are firmly on the map in Australia.
Whereas Mitsubishi deserves credit score for pioneering and sticking with PHEV tech domestically, BYD has actually spearheaded the widespread uptake of plug-in hybrids Down Below.
The BYD Sealion 6 mid-size SUV was launched in 2024 and shortly turned Australia’s top-selling PHEV, overtaking the equally sized Mitsubishi Outlander and smaller Eclipse Cross, and being a key driver of the 100.2 per cent enhance in PHEV gross sales on this market final 12 months.
It stays a powerful contender in 2025, although BYD’s personal Shark 6 dual-cab ute has run away with the PHEV gross sales crown, doubling the Sealion 6’s quantity to date this 12 months and making the Chinese language auto model the clear chief in PHEV tech.
This entry-level variant is among the least expensive PHEVs accessible in Australia at underneath $43,000 plus on-road prices, although the larger information for the nameplate is the addition of Prolonged Vary grades providing over 120km of EV vary per cost.
Watch: Paul’s video overview of the 2024 BYD Sealion 6
Whereas we await a steer in one of many new long-range variations, we’re revisiting the Important-spec Sealion 6 to see the way it stacks up in a market that’s much more saturated and aggressive than it was even 12 months in the past.
Let’s take a better have a look at the Sealion 6 Important then, we could?
How a lot does the BYD Sealion 6 price?
The Sealion 6 Important is essentially the most inexpensive model of the plug-in hybrid medium SUV on sale in Australia, priced from $42,990 plus on-road prices.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| BYD Sealion 6 Important Commonplace Vary FWD | $42,990 |
| BYD Sealion 6 Dynamic Commonplace Vary FWD | $45,990 |
| BYD Sealion 6 Dynamic Prolonged Vary FWD | $46,990 |
| BYD Sealion 6 Premium Commonplace Vary AWD | $52,990 |
| BYD Sealion 6 Premium Prolonged Vary AWD | $52,990 |
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
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What’s the BYD Sealion 6 like on the within?
Not a lot has modified right here, although the Important does have some lower-spec gear in comparison with different variants within the lineup.
Most blatant is the central multimedia touchscreen, which is smaller at 12.8 inches in comparison with the 15.6-inch unit seen within the Dynamic grade and up.
The motive force’s seat additionally loses energy adjustment in addition to its heating and air flow capabilities, and consumers additionally miss out on a head-up show – all the things else is much less conspicuous.
Fortunately, the overall presentation and atmosphere hasn’t actually modified save for the smaller display, which is not like another manufacturers that commerce out materials high quality in a few of their entry variants (cough, Kia and Mazda).
BYD’s inside color selections nonetheless aren’t fairly as typical as these of Japanese and Korean manufacturers, with the dual-tone black and brown leatherette upholstery additionally donning orange stitching and piping – little doubt it’ll polarise.
It nonetheless feels extra acquainted than a number of the ‘on the market’ design selections of the smaller Atto 3 electrical SUV, for instance, but it surely stays distinctively BYD inside – from the shows and interface, to the supplies and switchgear.
Whereas smaller, the 12.8-inch touchscreen nonetheless rotates, and provides wi-fi smartphone mirroring. It additionally provides built-in Spotify and Amazon Music apps, along with a karaoke app – which could possibly be harmful for Uber drivers…
Rounding out the options record are Bluetooth telephone connectivity, embedded satellite tv for pc navigation, over-the-air software program updates, and AM/FM/DAB radio. The Important loses the 10-speaker Infinity sound system in favour of a six-speaker non-branded unit, although it nonetheless provides first rate high quality audio.
The interface is much less convoluted than these supplied by another Chinese language manufacturers, although the graphics and format of a number of the menus aren’t fairly as user-friendly as I’d like. For instance, toggling the journey pc is usually a little bit of a mess-around each through the cluster and the touchscreen.
The Sealion 6’s lengthy 2765mm wheelbase makes the second row fairly commodious, that means adults can sit behind adults with out concern.
I’m somewhat over 6’1 and had loads of headroom, even with the panoramic glass sunroof. You would even get three throughout at a squeeze, helped by the flat flooring, although the centre seat is somewhat raised.
The considerate and attention-grabbing trim detailing extends to the rear as nicely, together with the dual-tone color scheme, distinction piping and stitching, and excessive ratio of soft-touch surfaces.
Facilities embody reclining backrests for the rear seats, a fold-down central armrest with cupholders, directional rear air vents, USB-A and USB-C cost ports, in addition to ISOFIX and top-tether factors for youngster seats.
BYD quotes a boot capability of 425 litres (minimal) with the rear seats in place, increasing to as much as 1440L.
There’s no spare wheel of any sort within the Sealion 6. As a substitute, a tyre restore package is normal gear throughout the lineup.
| Dimensions | BYD Sealion 6 |
|---|---|
| Size | 4775mm |
| Width | 1890mm |
| Peak | 1670mm |
| Wheelbase | 2765mm |
| Cargo capability | 425L-1440L |
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
What’s underneath the bonnet?
The Sealion 6 Important comes with the Commonplace Vary FWD PHEV system, certainly one of 4 accessible powertrains accessible in Australia.
| Specs | BYD Sealion 6 Important |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L 4cyl petrol |
| Engine outputs | 72kW + 135Nm |
| Electrical motor outputs | 145kW + 300Nm |
| System outputs | 160kW + 300Nm |
| Battery | 18.3kWh ‘Blade’ LFP |
| Transmission | Single-speed, discount gear |
| Drive kind | Entrance-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1940kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 8.5 seconds |
| Gas financial system (claimed) | 1.1L/100km |
| Gas financial system (as examined) | 4.8L/100km |
| Electrical driving vary (PHEV) | 92km |
| Gas tank capability | 60 litres |
| Gas requirement | 95-octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 24g/km |
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
How does the BYD Sealion 6 drive?
The driving expertise hasn’t modified all that a lot since I final drove a Sealion 6, although BYD did implement a suspension change after launch in response to buyer suggestions.
Initially, the Sealion 6 drew criticism for its tender journey, which from time to time may make it really feel somewhat unfastened and wobbly, significantly over consecutive hits or undulations.
Chinese language-market automobiles – significantly the sooner ones – usually have tender and comfortable journey high quality consistent with home tastes, however that doesn’t all the time translate nicely to Australia’s assorted and sometimes poorly surfaced roads.
BYD’s operating change undoubtedly makes the Sealion 6 really feel a bit firmer and tighter than earlier than, although it continues to err on the softer and extra compliant aspect slightly than giving any false pretensions of being ‘sporty’.
I did discover this revised suspension tune rather less forgiving over the sharper hits you’ll discover on pockmarked Melbourne roads, however there’s noticeably much less pogoing and physique motion after bigger bumps and undulations.
The adjustments haven’t turned the Sealion 6 into an SUV for eager drivers although, as the sunshine controls and relaxed responses favour easy, easy driving and are higher suited to on a regular basis eventualities.
I like the sunshine however correct steering calibration, which helps make this 4775mm-long and 1890mm-wide SUV fairly simple to manoeuvre on the town. The Important solely will get a reversing digicam slightly than the encompass sensors of upper grades, but it surely does the job tremendous and the aspect mirrors supply good visibility.
Nonetheless, the slim rear window and rising shoulder line means over-the-shoulder visibility may be hindered considerably in terms of doing head-checks. Fortunately, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are normal gear.
Driving refinement past the at-times jittery journey is mostly fairly good, with stable insulation of wind and street noise holding the cabin quiet on the transfer. Additional, the petrol engine doesn’t make an excessive amount of noise when it fires up, although it could possibly transmit vibrations into the cabin on chilly begins.
BYD’s gasoline consumption declare of 1.1L/100km is achievable in the event you cost nightly, however in the event you’re like me and don’t all the time have entry to charging the Sealion 6 is pretty environment friendly as a hybrid.
We noticed an indicated readout of 4.8L/100km following a number of days price of every day commuting, having began the week with a full battery. As for EV vary, you’ll see nearer to 70-75km in the event you throw in some freeway driving like I do every day.
Not like various rival Chinese language manufacturers, BYD has managed to calibrate its driver help programs slightly nicely.
Adaptive cruise and lane centring capabilities simply work, which is sweet, and the aforementioned assists like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert all come in useful.
That’s typically the theme of the Sealion 6 – all the things simply ‘works’. There’s nothing groundbreaking, however for the typical purchaser that’s all it must do.
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
What do you get?
The Important is the bottom grade within the Australian Sealion 6 lineup.
2025 BYD Sealion 6 Important gear highlights:
- Car-to-load (V2L) functionality
- Eco, Regular, Sport and Snow drive modes
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- 235/50 R19 Giti tyres
- Tyre restore package
- Panoramic sunroof
- Matte roof rails
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Energy-folding, heated exterior mirrors
- Keyless entry and begin
- NFC card key
- Privateness glass – rear
- LED headlights
- LED daytime operating lights
- Computerized high-beam
- 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 self-importance mirrors
- LED entrance studying gentle
- LED rear aspect studying lights
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Rear central air vents
Sealion 6 Dynamic provides:
- One-touch energy tailgate
- Head-up show
- 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen
- 10-speaker Infinity sound system
- 8-way energy driver’s seat
- Heated and ventilated entrance seats
- 2 x wi-fi telephone chargers – 15W
- ‘Dynamic’ ambient lighting with rhythm operate
- PM2.5 filtration system
Sealion 6 Premium provides:
- Further terrain modes
- All-wheel drive
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 strains up towards the competitors, 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 |
| Weak street person safety | 83 per cent |
| Security help | 75 per cent |
Commonplace security options embody:
- 7 airbags incl. front-centre
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Youngster Presence Detection
- Entrance cross-traffic help
- Clever pace restrict data, management
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-keep help
- Emergency lane-keep help
- Rear parking sensors
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Protected exit warning
- Site visitors signal recognition
Sealion 6 Dynamic provides:
- Entrance parking sensors
- Encompass-view cameras
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
How a lot does the BYD Sealion 6 price to run?
BYD covers its Australian vary with a six 12 months, 150,000km new automobile guarantee, and its ‘Blade’ battery for eight years or 160,000km.
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| Servicing and Guarantee | BYD Sealion 6 Important |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 6 years, 150,000km
8 years, 160,000km – HV battery |
| Roadside help | 1 12 months – then service-activated |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 20,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 11 years |
| Complete capped-price service price | $4549 |
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the BYD Sealion 6
The Sealion 6 stays a well-priced and solid-performing plug-in hybrid medium SUV.
In comparison with equally priced rivals, this entry-level Important grade nonetheless feels extra refined and higher rounded, from its efficiency to its tech. It additionally doesn’t actually attempt to rewrite the e-book on automotive design and ergonomics, both.
Nonetheless, the step as much as the Dynamic Prolonged Vary doesn’t appear all that costly, given the additional $4000 will get you 50 per cent extra EV vary and various fascinating gear gadgets. For me, that’s the candy spot of the vary.
Nonetheless, the Important is a really inexpensive but stable PHEV for these giving the powertrain expertise a primary go, as a result of it provides loads of EV vary, stable function and tech ranges, and loads of area for the household.
You probably have the means to plug in nightly and even each second night time, it’s possible you’ll virtually by no means have to go to a petroleum station once more, besides while you head out of city.
CarExpert can prevent hundreds on a brand new BYD Sealion 6. Click on right here to get an awesome deal.
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MORE: Discover the BYD Sealion 6 showroom
