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The BYD Sealion 6 is extra recognisable than most Chinese mid-size SUVs, largely as a result of it is the chief of Australia’s PHEV-olution.
Once a distinct segment expertise, plug-in hybrid electrical car (PHEV) energy is now in vogue and the Sealion 6 is on the forefront of the motion, accounting for 9055 gross sales final yr, or 17 per cent of whole PHEV gross sales.
There are a pair causes for this, the obvious being that BYD beat most of its rivals to the punch. And for nicely south of $50k, the bottom Sealion 6 Essential nonetheless guarantees trendy, protected and versatile household transport, with no requirement for patrons to put their belief in an unfamiliar model.
That positive seems like an excellent deal, particularly when you think about a modestly specced Mazda CX-5 utterly devoid of electrification instructions comparable cash.
However, the Sealion 6 is now not alone in promising the world on paper. Several options have arrived since its native launch in May 2024, lots of that are even cheaper than BYD’s trendsetter.
So, how does the Sealion 6 stack up in 2026? Read on for all of the solutions.
How a lot does the BYD Sealion 6 price?
The Sealion 6 Essential is essentially the most reasonably priced model of the plug-in hybrid medium SUV on sale in Australia, priced from $42,990 plus on-road prices.
| Model | Price earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2026 BYD Sealion 6 Essential | $42,990 |
| 2026 BYD Sealion 6 Dynamic Extended Range | $46,990 |
| 2026 BYD Sealion 6 Premium Extended Range | $52,990 |
Rivals? It has a number of. Direct PHEV opponents embody (however aren’t restricted to) the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid, Geely Starray EM-i, Jaecoo J7 SHS, GWM Haval H6 PHEV, Leapmotor C10 Hybrid EV, and MG HS Super Hybrid – all priced from beneath $50,000 drive-away.
Beyond that, there are a further 28 mid-size SUVs obtainable for $65,000 or much less, leaving potential patrons spoilt for selection in what’s Australia’s single largest new-vehicle section by each gross sales quantity and mannequin rely.
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
What is the BYD Sealion 6 like on the within?
The entry-level Sealion 6 lacks a few of the inside wow-factor that has come to outline trendy Chinese automobiles.
It makes a typically constructive first impression, courtesy of widespread soft-touch supplies, eye-catching orange accents, and nearly-premium switchgear, all of that are uncommon in equally priced Japanese options.
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However, the entrance seats, although colourfully trimmed, are neither heated nor ventilated. Steering wheel heating is absent, too, and the expertise suite is pretty subdued by trendy requirements.
As such, it would not fairly really feel such as you’re getting a cut-price luxurious SUV.
You are, nonetheless, getting a snug and comparatively simple household hauler that nails a lot of the fundamentals.
While lacking some gear, the driving force’s seat is nonetheless soft and supportive, with plentiful energy adjustment. The steering wheel likewise tilts and telescopes to allow an ergonomic driving place, which is extra necessary than absolutely anything else.
The within the Sealion 6 can be fairly user-friendly, given the prevalence of bodily controls. A number of knurled toggle switches and shiny black buttons on the centre console deal with drive modes and key local weather capabilities, when you can modify cruise management, audio and instrument settings with out taking your palms off the steering wheel. Conventional door-mounted mirror controls are the icing on the cake.
All different capabilities are embedded throughout the iPad-style central infotainment touchscreen, which is barely smaller than these present in lots of its contemporaries. It’s the one display that rotates, although, not that there is a lot use for this enjoyable celebration trick.
Spinning {hardware} apart, the infotainment system would not home many surprises. It makes use of a primary app grid format with a pinned shortcut bar alongside the underside, offering easy accessibility to cabin temperature changes, car settings and different frequented capabilities.
However, some key options stay buried. For instance, discovering detailed vitality and gasoline consumption knowledge requires critical digging. It’s the identical story for security settings.
With uninspiring visuals and slow-ish software program, the system additionally simply feels extra primary than the setups in newer BYD fashions, regardless of that includes a linked app retailer and dependable wi-fi smartphone mirroring. Granted, it’s going to nonetheless appear space-age to patrons coming from older legacy SUVs.
This base Essential does and not using a wi-fi cellphone charger – one other supply of slight disappointment. Instead, you get a selection of USB-C and USB-A retailers hidden beneath the central bridge, making them considerably laborious to achieve.
The digital instrument show higher meets 2026 expectations, presenting vitality and gasoline use, driver assists, and velocity in a transparent, inoffensive method. Upgrading to the Dynamic nets you a further head-up show.
But, to be sincere, I’d desire if the additional spend went in the direction of a greater local weather management system – it doesn’t matter what you do, it’s all the time both too sizzling or too chilly contained in the Sealion 6. With the temperature set gentle, the air-conditioning blows aggressively beneath the belief it is serving eskimos. Switch the A/C off and the cabin heats up equally rapidly, significantly if the sunshade is left open. As a end result, I usually discovered myself driving with the home windows down to realize some consistency.
On a brighter word, cabin storage is plentiful. Highlights embody a large, rubber-lined tray on the base of the centre stack, a deep armrest compartment, an expansive glovebox, and extensive door bins with drink bottle holders. Sunglasses and cash rating their very own devoted cubbies, too.
Practicality is equally a power of the second row. Passenger area is in robust provide, even for taller adults, and the glass panel overhead ensures an abundance of pure gentle.
Both outboard seats are gentle and alluring, albeit missing in under-thigh help, whereas the center seat is way firmer however extra usable than most courtesy of a flat ground.
And whereas it might be a base mannequin, the Essential would not skimp on rear facilities, providing USB-A and USB-C retailers, twin air vents with fan controls, seatback sleeves, helpful door storage, and a fold-down centre armrest with built-in cupholders. That’s fairly good for a $43k plug-in hybrid household SUV.
Moving additional again, the tailgate raises manually to disclose a surprisingly small boot with a claimed capability of simply 425 litres – lower than the overwhelming majority of mid-size SUVs. Of course, you possibly can drop the rear seatbacks in 60/40 vogue to extend the obtainable area, however simply be conscious of the step between the boot ground and folded bench.
A retractable cargo cowl is nearly the one promoting level right here, because the boot ground sits fairly excessive, and whereas there isn’t a lot of a load lip, there’s additionally no underfloor storage.
Don’t count on a spare wheel of any sort, both. Instead, a tyre restore package is commonplace gear throughout the Sealion 6 lineup.
| Dimensions | BYD Sealion 6 |
|---|---|
| Length | 4775mm |
| Width | 1890mm |
| Height | 1670mm |
| Wheelbase | 2765mm |
| Cargo capability | 425L (rear seats up) 1440L (rear seats folded) |
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
What’s beneath the bonnet?
The base Sealion 6 Essential misses out on each the bigger battery of the Extended Range fashions and the turbocharged all-wheel drive powertrain discovered within the flagship Premium. However, it nonetheless gives first rate electrical vary and satisfactory efficiency.
| Specifications | BYD Sealion 6 Essential |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L 4cyl petrol |
| Engine outputs | 72kW 135Nm |
| Electric motor outputs | 145kW 300Nm |
| System outputs | 160kW 300Nm |
| Battery | 18.3kWh ‘Blade’ LFP |
| Transmission | Single-speed, discount gear |
| Drive sort | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1940kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 8.5 seconds |
| Fuel economic system (claimed) | 1.1L/100km |
| Fuel economic system (as examined) | 1.5L/100km |
| Electric driving vary (PHEV) | 92km |
| Fuel tank capability | 60L |
| Fuel requirement | 95-octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 24g/km |
| Emissions commonplace | Euro 5 |
| Braked tow capability | 750kg |
If you want extra of both, the Dynamic Extended Range can journey a claimed 140km as an EV, whereas the Premium brings additional punch and all-paw traction.
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
How does the BYD Sealion 6 drive?
You get what you pay for on this regard, because the Sealion 6 would not drive in addition to its opponents.
There’s an argument to be made that it gives plug-in hybrid flexibility for a similar outlay as a Toyota plug-less hybrid. However, so do the aforementioned Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid, Geely Starray EM-i, Jaecoo J7 SHS, GWM Haval H6 PHEV, Leapmotor C10 Hybrid EV, and MG HS Super Hybrid.
That mentioned, even BYD’s entry-level PHEV system works higher than most. It’s extremely environment friendly as a hybrid, defaulting to electrical energy as usually as attainable, and allows silent, clean operating in EV mode.
Said EV mode is finest saved for city errands, although, as a result of it would not supply a lot ‘go’ at increased speeds. Press via the kick-down detent and the petrol engine fires up for a fast, but nonetheless comparatively quiet burst of additional acceleration.
But even with the engine and electrical motor working collectively, this base Sealion 6 is not any rocketship.
Switching between the ability sources is tremendous simple. There’s a HEV/EV toggle on the centre console, plus a number of further drive modes – Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow.
That’s about the place the positives begin to dry up from a driving perspective.
There’s little to love about how the suspension is ready up – it’s extremely gentle, and whereas which may sound like a recipe for consolation, the Sealion 6 struggles with physique management and has a poor main experience.
The secondary experience is considerably higher. Smaller imperfections within the highway hardly ever make themselves recognized within the cabin, and harsher impacts aren’t felt too strongly up entrance.
Even so, the general suspension tune stays too gentle for Australian roads. Over bigger bumps and undulations, the physique bounces and rocks, throwing occupants – together with the driving force – round greater than is cheap. The rear-end is especially vulnerable to trampolining over lumpy nation roads, which may make for a genuinely nauseating passenger expertise.
Those similar roads additionally expose points within the dealing with division.
The Sealion 6 is vulnerable to loads of physique roll – extra so than most opponents – and the steering feels solely loosely linked to the wheels, making it tough to put the automotive exactly.
So whereas the Giti tyres present sufficient grip, you by no means really feel particularly assured throwing it into sooner corners.
It’s not significantly better in tighter metropolis confines, the place the Sealion 6 usually feels greater than it truly is, significantly when tasked with one thing like a 180-degree flip.
Parking presents its personal challenges. The rear window is sort of slim, there are pronounced blind spots over each rear quarters, and the Essential misses out on the surround-view digicam fitted to increased mannequin grades. Instead, you get a reasonably grainy reversing digicam, which isn’t particularly useful after darkish.
The headlights can be problematic at night time. On a number of events the automated high-beams have been gradual to dip for oncoming visitors, dazzling different drivers within the course of. Sorry to all of the harmless motorists caught within the crossfire of my highway testing.
Worse nonetheless, the brakes really feel a bit undercooked. The pedal requires a stunning quantity of power to carry the automotive to a cease, which rapidly turns into tiring.
As such, the Sealion 6 is happiest cruising on straight, clean roads. In different phrases, it’s finest suited to freeway driving.
Here, it rolls alongside quietly, successfully shielding occupants from exterior noise. I’ve not too long ago began measuring cabin noise on a stretch of freeway close to our Docklands workplace, and the Sealion 6 recorded 56.3dB – a suitably hushed end result for a household SUV.
Further, BYD’s Integrated Cruise Control (ICC) system provides a level of semi-autonomous functionality for longer journeys, combining adaptive cruise management with lane-centring help. It’s not the perfect system I’ve used, although. The Sealion 6 tends to wander round inside its lane, at instances nearly ping-ponging back and forth slightly than holding a constantly central place.
In equity, it does a greater job of managing velocity, and the opposite superior driver help techniques (ADAS) are comparatively well-behaved. I’d additionally slightly take care of ICC inconsistencies than most of the basic dynamic shortcomings talked about earlier.
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
What do you get?
The Essential is the bottom grade within the Australian Sealion 6 lineup.
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2026 BYD Sealion 6 Essential gear highlights:
- Vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Tyre restore package
- Panoramic sunroof
- Matte roof rails
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Power-folding, heated exterior mirrors
- Keyless entry and begin
- NFC card key
- Privacy glass – rear
- LED headlights
- LED daytime operating lights
- Automatic high-beam
- LED tail-lights
- Synthetic leather-wrapped steering wheel
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.8-inch rotating infotainment touchscreen
- AM/FM/DAB+ digital radio
- Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Bluetooth cellphone, audio streaming
- Satellite navigation
- Voice assistant
- BYD app retailer
- Over-the-air software program 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
- Synthetic leather-based upholstery
- 6-way energy driver’s seat
- 4-way energy passenger seat
- Dual-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 cellphone chargers – 15W
- ‘Dynamic’ ambient lighting with rhythm operate
- PM2.5 filtration system
Sealion 6 Premium provides:
- Additional terrain modes
- All-wheel drive
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
Is the BYD Sealion 6 protected?
The BYD Sealion 6 has a five-star ANCAP security score based mostly on testing carried out by Euro NCAP in 2023.
| Category | BYD Sealion 6 |
|---|---|
| Adult occupant safety | 88 per cent |
| Child occupant safety | 86 per cent |
| Vulnerable highway consumer safety | 83 per cent |
| Safety help | 75 per cent |
Standard security options embody:
- 7 airbags incl. front-centre
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Child Presence Detection
- Front cross-traffic help
- Intelligent velocity restrict data, management
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-keep help
- Emergency lane-keep help
- Rear parking sensors
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Safe exit warning
- Traffic signal recognition
Sealion 6 Dynamic provides:
- Front parking sensors
- Surround-view cameras
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
How a lot does the BYD Sealion 6 price to run?
BYD covers its Australian vary with a six-year, 150,000km new-vehicle guarantee, and its ‘Blade’ battery for eight years or 160,000km.
| Servicing and Warranty | BYD Sealion 6 |
|---|---|
| Vehicle guarantee | 6 years or 150,000km |
| High-voltage battery guarantee | 8 years or 160,000km |
| Roadside help | 1 yr, then service-activated |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 20,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 11 years |
| Average annual service price | $414 |
| Total capped-price service price | $4549 |
Servicing is not precisely low-cost, though upkeep prices are capped for 11 years, whereas the trade commonplace sits at round seven years. And not like some automakers (I’m taking a look at you, Toyota), BYD has set beneficiant 20,000km intervals.
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
CarExpert’s Take on the BYD Sealion 6 Essential
The sport has moved on.
While the Sealion 6 was as soon as a standout choice within the reasonably priced mid-size SUV area, it now faces stiffer competitors from each a brand new wave of PHEV rivals and up to date variations of common HEVs such because the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
Indeed, the proliferation of cheaper electrified choices has solely served to reveal the shortcomings of this OG BYD – specifically its small boot, disappointing dynamics and patchy expertise.
There’s nonetheless sufficient to love – a spacious second row, upmarket supplies and wonderful cabin storage stay inside highlights, whereas the sleek, versatile powertrain aligns strongly with the calls for of contemporary life.
But regardless of its strengths, the Sealion 6 – particularly in Essential guise – is now not the plain decide.
That might sound harsh given we named it ‘Best Affordable PHEV SUV’ within the 2026 CarExpert Choice Awards, however I’d argue that gong is finest attributed to the Extended Range with its… prolonged vary and considerably longer checklist of normal gear.
By all means take the Essential for a check drive, simply ensure that the Geely Starray EM-i, MG HS Super Hybrid and Honda CR-V e:HEV X are additionally in your shortlist.
CarExpert can prevent 1000’s on a brand new BYD Sealion 6. Click right here to get an excellent deal.
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