What is it?
The Sealion 6 is BYD's mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV and the brand's most accessible introduction to its DM-i hybrid system. A 1.5L Atkinson engine works primarily as a generator, with electric motors driving the wheels. The 18.3 kWh Blade LFP battery is large for a PHEV and supports up to 92 km NEDC EV-only range. Three grades from $42,990 to $52,990 plus on-roads, with FWD on Essential and Premium and AWD on Dynamic.
The lineup runs from Essential FWD at $42,990 plus on-roads, through to Dynamic AWD at $52,990 plus on-roads. Warranty cover sits at 6 years, 150,000 km (vehicle).
Interior and Technology
18.3 kWh Blade battery is larger than most PHEV rivals and supports up to 92 km NEDC EV-only range. 3.3 kW V2L standard. $42,990 entry undercuts the Toyota RAV4 PHEV by roughly $20,000. 5 star ANCAP under the 2024 protocol with a full ADAS suite from Essential.
Quoted EV range is on the older NEDC cycle. Real-world EV-only running on Australian roads sits closer to 60 to 70 km. Tow rating of 1,500 kg braked matches but does not beat key rivals. Rotating central screen polarises, and physical climate controls are missed.
Should you buy the Sealion 6?
Reasons to buy
- 18.3 kWh Blade battery is larger than most PHEV rivals and supports up to 92 km NEDC EV-only range. 3.3 kW V2L standard. $42,990 entry undercuts the Toyota RAV4 PHEV by roughly $20,000. 5 star ANCAP under the 2024 protocol with a full ADAS suite from Essential.
- Warranty: 6 years, 150,000 km (8 years, 160,000 km Blade battery).
- 5-star ANCAP (2024), full driver-assist suite.
- 425 L (1,440 L folded) boot, segment-competitive cargo space.
- Braked towing rated at 1,500 kg.
Reasons to wait
- Quoted EV range is on the older NEDC cycle. Real-world EV-only running on Australian roads sits closer to 60 to 70 km. Tow rating of 1,500 kg braked matches but does not beat key rivals. Rotating central screen polarises, and physical climate controls are missed.
- You need a 7 seat PHEV (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV), a longer EV-only claim (GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV claims around 180 km), or a more established service network in regional Australia (Toyota RAV4 PHEV).
- The Essential is the volume seller for a reason. Only stretch to Dynamic AWD if you genuinely need the second motor. Service network is still scaling, so check capped-price servicing arrangements before committing.
- Top trim climbs to $52,990 plus on-roads.
CarTell.tv review of the BYD Sealion 6 is coming. Subscribe on YouTube and you will be first to see it.
