BYD adds Sealion 6 hybrid family duo to its EV line-up

The latest addition to the BYD Ocean Series, the Sealion 6 SUV, is about to splash down in New Zealand. It is the first petrol-electric hybrid from the brand, the other three Ocean Series members being full electrics. We first saw an evaluation model in January of this year.

The public can get up close and personal with the Sealion 6 at the National Fieldays event in June. Test drives also commence next month for the RAV4 hybrid and Outlander PHEV rival.

Sealion 6 is a medium-sized crossover with LxWxH dimensions of 4775mm, 1890mm and 1670mm. Its wheelbase measures up at 2765mm. The vehicle utilises BYD’s DM-i (Dual Mode Intelligence) platform for plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Warren Willmot, BYD Auto NZ’s Manager, said “This new platform offers New Zealanders the best of both worlds, with the ability to drive on full electric for those daily commutes. There’s also the opportunity to supplement electric with the 1.5L engine for those longer-range trips.” 

He added “I recently drove the Sealion 6 to Wellington from Auckland and was genuinely blown away by how quiet and comfortable it was. It’s like driving on a cloud.”

Sealion 6 becomes available in two model variants, distinguished by their powertrains. The 1940kg Dynamic front-wheel drive variant features a plug-in hybrid 1.5L engine (78kW/135Nm) and a 145kW/300Nm motor. It has an all-electric range of 92km. Combined power is 160kW/300Nm. BYD reckons its combined driving range is 1100km thanks to a 60L fuel tank. 

The Premium all-wheel drive model has a plug-in hybrid 1.5 turbopetrol (96kW/220Nm), a 150kW/300Nm front motor and a 120kW/250Nm rear motor. Being heavier (2.1 tonnes) and more powerful, it has a claimed all-electric range of 81km and an estimated combined driving range of up to 970km.

The BYD Super Hybrid DM-i Technology comprises an electric-based hybrid system. It mainly defaults to its primary electric power source, while the engine is there for assistance in parallel hybrid fashion, and for battery charging purposes. With a full battery, fuel consumption is a claimed 1.1L per 100km for the Dynamic, 1.4L/100km for the Premium model. 

Featuring system total power of 238kW and 550Nm, the AWD dual-motor model evidently needs 5.9sec to reach open road speeds. The single-motor Dynamic FWD model requires 8.5sec. 

Underpinning both hybrids is an 18.3kWh BYD Blade battery pack that can handle at least 5000 charge and discharge cycles. DC fast charging has the battery rezipped in half an hour, while a wallbox can do the job in 2.7 hours.

Up front is an X-shape formed by lines of the light cluster and lower grille. Inside it is Seal-like with artificial leather upholstery. The centre console features a 15.6-inch LCD touchscreen that can be oriented in landscape or portrait configuration. The cabin features plenty of storage options, and a pair of wireless charge pads. Luggage capacity ranges from 425L with all five seats in use to 1440 litres with rear seats folded away.

Available in five colours, the base Dynamic FWD variant carries a sticker price of $57,990 plus onroads. The Premium AWD costs $64,990 plus ORCs. All BYD vehicles come with a six-year/150,000km factory warranty, and eight-year roadside assistance and battery cover. 

Test drives for the public will commence in the first week of June.