BYD Sealion 6 plug-in now on sale in Aus

BY MATT BROGAN | 16th May 2024

FORMERLY known as the Seal U, the BYD Sealion 6 plug-in hybrid SUV is now available for order in Australia.

Priced from $48,990 plus on-road costs, in Australia the Chinese-built model will rival the likes of the MG HS +EV (from $43,690 drive-away) and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (from $57,290 + ORC) and will be sold in two variants – Dynamic and Premium – with front- and all-wheel drive options.

BYD says that both configurations can travel over 80km on all-electric power, the higher performing all-wheel drive model covering the 0-100km/h sprint in just 5.9 seconds.

The Sealion 6 is powered by the combination of a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and single electric motor in Dynamic form, and a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and dual electric motors in Premium guise.

Output figures for the pair are listed at 160kW/300Nm and 238kW/550Nm respectively.

BYD claims combined fuel consumption figures of 1.1 litres per 100km in front-wheel drive form and 1.4L/100km for the all-wheel drive. Both variants utilise an 18.3kWh LFP battery, and both require 95 RON premium unleaded.

Against the tape, the BYD Sealion 6 is longer than both the MG and Mitsubishi, measuring up at 4775mm in length, 1890mm in width, 1670mm in height, and 2765mm between the axles. Kerb weights are listed at 1940kg and 2100kg for front- and all-wheel drive configurations respectively.

Cargo space is listed at 574 litres in five-seat mode.

For the BYD Sealion 6 Dynamic, feature highlights include 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, all-LED lighting, keyless entry and start, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rear privacy glass, dual-zone climate control, brown-on-black synthetic leather upholstery, heated and ventilated powered front seats, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

The infotainment suite comprises a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen, DAB+ digital radio reception, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity, native satellite navigation, wireless device charging, voice control, and 10-speaker Infiniti sound.

The BYD Sealion 6 Premium (from $52,990 + ORC) adds all-wheel drive with two terrain modes (Mud and Sand), head-up display, and optional blue-on-grey upholstery.

Colour options include Arctic White, Azure Blue, Delan Black, Harbour Grey, and Stone Grey.

On the safety front, the BYD Sealion 6 is yet to be rated by ANCAP but is expected to achieve a five-star result based on Euro NCAP test scores.

Safety equipment extends to seven airbags, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, child presence detection, door open warning, front and rear collision warning, front and rear cross-traffic assist, high beam assist, intelligent speed control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and traffic sign recognition.

The BYD is covered by a six-year/150,000km new vehicle warranty and eight-year/160,000km battery warranty. Scheduled servicing intervals are set at 12 months or 20,000km, whichever comes first.