BYD Sealion 6 – A new leader in the plug-in hybrid space?
With a claimed fuel economy of around 1.1 litres per 100 km when using the hybrid system effectively, the Sealion 6 is one of the most efficient PHEVs on the market
When you hear the name "Sealion 6," you expect something agile, powerful, and just a little bit playful. What you get is a plug-in hybrid SUV from BYD, the Chinese automaker that's been rapidly gaining ground in the electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid space. But is the Sealion 6 just another electrified soft-roader, or has BYD finally cracked the formula for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that delivers both performance and efficiency without compromise? We took one for a spin to find out.
At first glance, the Sealion 6 may look pretty mundane, but a closer look shows it has its own sleek and modern style. It features a bold front grille, sharp lines, and LEDs for headlights and taillights which enhance its aesthetic appeal. It evidently shares some features with the BYD Dolphin but this model appears more mature, aggressive, and confident.
To be fair however, it does not seem as aggressive as some of its competitors like the Toyota Harrier but its sheer gentleman-like charm is in a different league of its own. The sculpted sides lead to a rear that, while not groundbreaking, does the job with a full-width light bar and subtle badging. While this SUV might not possess the attention-grabbing appeal of a Lamborghini Urus, it makes up for it through its graceful and intelligent design.
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Stepping inside, it is immediately clear that BYD is serious about taking on established brands. The interior feels premium, with soft-touch materials, a well-laid-out dashboard, and a giant rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen dominating the center console. BYD's user interface is snappy and responsive, but it still takes a bit of getting used to, especially if you're coming from a traditional button-heavy interior.
The driver's display is crisp, offering all the essential info without overwhelming you. There's also an optional head-up display, which is a nice touch. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and the 10-speaker Infinity Premium Audio System is surprisingly good, delivering deep bass and clear mids. These enhance the listening experience, giving a surround sound feel. A personal favourite I have to mention is the volume roller in the center of the console that allows the driver and the passenger to easily control the sound– it's these little details that make the experience more enhancing.
Space-wise, the Sealion 6 offers ample room for five adults. The panoramic sunroof adds to the airy feel, and the seats, while on the firmer side, are supportive for long drives. Although people think that a glass sunroof only adds to the scorching heat on a sunny Dhaka summer day, the two extra AC vents in the back help to cool the car faster, keeping the passengers in the back comfortable. The boot offers around 550 liters of space, making it practical for family road trips.
Under the hood, you'll find BYD's latest plug-in hybrid system– a 1500cc petrol engine paired with an electric motor and a 18.3 kWh battery pack. Together, the system delivers around 160 kW and 300 Nm of torque, making it one of the more powerful options in its category. And, thanks to the electric motor, all that power is available instantaneously when you put your foot down.
Taking off in pure EV mode, the Sealion 6 feels every bit as futuristic as you'd hope. Power delivery is smooth, acceleration is brisk, and there's a noticeable absence of the whine you get in some EVs. Switch to hybrid mode, and things get interesting—the petrol engine kicks in when needed, but it's well-calibrated, meaning you don't get that unpleasant kickback common in some hybrids.
Handling-wise, the Sealion 6 felt great, especially considering its size and ride height. Although the steering is light and it is extremely responsive– almost sportscar like. It is fine for city driving but less engaging on twisty roads. Where it really shines is in ride comfort. The suspension is perfectly damped, soaking up bumps and potholes with ease, though it can feel a bit floaty at higher speeds. The cabin remains whisper-quiet, even at highway speeds, thanks to good insulation and clever aerodynamics.
Now we get to its main selling point, the mind-blowing claimed fuel economy. BYD claims the SUV can go more than 1000 km on one full tank (60 litres). With a claimed fuel economy of around 1.1 litres per 100km when using the hybrid system effectively, the Sealion 6 is one of the most efficient PHEVs on the market. BUT, the key word in their claim being "effectively", which I believe would make the driving experience horrible, making you think about every unnecessary pull you make. While navigating through the traffic-filled Dhaka streets, you'll likely see something closer to 4 to 5 litres per 100 km, but that's still excellent for an SUV of this size.
The BYD Sealion 6 comes with great safety features, including an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), 360-degree HD cameras, and six airbags. The SUV also comes with an eight-year or 160,000 km warranty for the battery, an eight-year or 150,000 km warranty for the drive unit, and a six-year or 150,000 km warranty for other key components. Wear-and-tear parts such as filters, brake pads, and tires are covered for six months or 5,000 km.
The BYD Sealion 6 is seriously an impressive package. It's fast, comfortable, and packed with tech. Sure, the steering could be a bit more engaging, and the design, while handsome, isn't the most daring. But at a price point of Tk63.9 lakh, it undercuts premium European rivals while offering more range and tech, something that's hard to argue against.
Specifications:
Engine: 1500cc Xiaoyun
high-efficiency engine
Transmission: Automatic
Max Power: 160 kW
Max Torque: 300 Nm
Price: Tk63.90 Lakh
