The BYD Sealion 6 range has been upgraded with revised, Australia-specific suspension tuning, but the big news is actually around further pricing adjustments for this plug-in hybrid (PHEV) mid-sized SUV.
WATCH: Paul’s video review of the 2024 BYD Sealion 6 Premium AWD
Now, with the existing cheapest PHEV gone (goodbye, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross), and a readjustment of the lineup with the addition of a new Essential grade, the brand behind the Sealion 6 is showing its ambitious intentions in the Australian market.
And let me tell you, BYD is in for even more success. This is already Australia’s most popular plug-in hybrid vehicle, and it just got even better.
How much does the BYD Sealion 6 cost?
There are still two versions of the BYD Sealion 6 available in Australia, but the base variant is now called the Essential (previously Dynamic) and it has been de-specced to be even cheaper and more approachable for fleet and private buyers alike.
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
|---|---|
| 2025 BYD Sealion 6 Essential | $42,990 |
| 2025 BYD Sealion 6 Premium | $52,990 |
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool
What is the BYD Sealion 6 like on the inside?
It’s fair to say the interior follows the rulebook for modern SUV design… in most ways, at least.
For some, the brown and black interior finishing that’s standard in all grades will not be all that agreeable, but if you choose the high-grade Premium variant tested here, you can get it with a lighter trim combo. I would.
The design of the seat trim is a bit odd, but the seats themselves are comfortable and offer a good amount of adjustment. They are electrically adjustable for the driver and passenger, and in this grade you get heating and cooling up front, too. However, no Sealion 6 comes with seat position memory, so if you have a big disparity between driver’s heights, it might be a bit annoying to keep setting and resetting.
The playbook for the rest of the cabin is pretty much as expected… again, almost. There’s no other brand in Australia that has a rotating touchscreen, with the massive 15.8-inch central display able to be positioned in portrait or landscape orientation. If you’re using smartphone mirroring (Apple CarPlay or Android Auto) it will need to be in landscape, though.
The technology in the touchscreen is more useable and learnable than plenty of other new vehicles in the market. And like many, it still has no physical controls below the screen for ventilation or volume, but there is a volume scroll wheel between the seats, and the demister switches are there, too.
There’s a bar at the bottom of the screen for climate and fan menus, but if you don’t want to muck around with that you can use the steering wheel controls to adjust the fan speed and temperature, which is a plus.
Or you can use the voice control system in the car, which is way better than some other examples. I used it multiple times, using the command ‘Hey BYD, turn on the driver’s seat ventilation’, and within seconds my backside was being chilled. The voice control system is capable of hundreds of commands.
Back to the screen, though. There are multiple menus and sub-menu screens available to go through, from your charging settings to safety system adjustments, to display and volume setup, and lighting and locking systems. You will need to get to terms with it all, but seriously, it’s simpler than many other ‘software-derived vehicles’ out there.
The cabin storage is decent as well, with bottle holders in the doors, a reasonable glovebox, cupholders between the seats, a covered centre console bin, and in the top-spec Sealion 6 you get a pair of wireless phone chargers, too.
Another plus for this top-end variant is the inclusion of a very good head-up display, which is large but somehow unobtrusive. You don’t get that in the base model, but all versions have a decent digital instrument cluster for the driver.
The back seat space is a nice place to be, too, with directional air-vents and USB-C and USB-A ports for charging, plus storage nooks on the seatbacks, bottle holders in the doors, and a flip-down armrest with cupholders.
Adult occupant space is good, as well. At 182cm/6’0”, I managed to fit behind my own driving position with inches of space in front of my knees, some toe-wiggle space, and headroom to spare.
The big glass roof has a roller shade cover, so you can close it up if the weather is too warm, and open it up to keep the kids quiet. Speaking of, there are dual ISOFIX child seat anchors and three top-tether points, and you’ll fit two kid seats in the back comfortably, and three at a squish.
The boot space is a little smaller than some rivals, at just 425 litres. That’s similar to SUVs in the class below, but it’s not a deal-breaker for smart packers (or you could just get a roof storage pod). Fold down the rear seats and there’s 1440L of cargo space to use.
Under the boot floor, though, there’s no spare wheel. This car makes do with a tyre repair kit. It also lacks any shopping bag hooks in the cargo zone, which is a miss.
| Dimensions | BYD Sealion 6 Premium AWD |
|---|---|
| Length | 4775mm |
| Width | 1890mm |
| Height | 1670mm |
| Wheelbase | 2765mm |
| Cargo capacity | 425L (5 seats) 1440L (2 seats) |
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool
What’s under the bonnet?
As mentioned, you’ve got the choice of two different powertrains in the BYD Sealion 6 range: the front-wheel drive entry-level variant, or the all-wheel drive flagship.
| Specifications | BYD Sealion 6 Premium AWD |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L 4cyl turbo-petrol PHEV |
| Engine outputs | 96kW/220Nm |
| Electric motor outputs | 150kW/300Nm (front) 120kW/250Nm (rear) |
| System outputs | 238kW/550Nm |
| Battery | 18.3kWh BYD Blade (LFP) |
| Transmission | Single-speed reduction gear |
| Drive type | AWD |
| Weight (kerb) | 2100kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 5.9 seconds |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 1.4L/100km |
| Electric driving range | 81km (100-25 per cent) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60L |
| Fuel requirement | 95 octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 32g/km |
| Braked tow capacity | 1300kg |
You might be thinking that the official combined cycle fuel consumption figure is exceptionally low, and you’d be right. But like most PHEVs, you should think of it this way – you might get that for the first 100km, but not the next 100.
That’s because the battery will be depleted to a state that it won’t be possible to continue in EV mode to the same extent, and you’ll have to rely upon the petrol engine to keep going, in turn increasing the amount of petrol you use.
I did more than 250km of testing during my week with the Sealion 6 Premium AWD, and found that it covered 80km on EV alone, before switching to HEV hybrid mode for the remainder.
On test, I saw a displayed average fuel use of just 5.3L/100km, which is better than you’ll get in a conventional hybrid like a Toyota RAV4, in my experience.
It’s also better than what BYD suggests is the expected average fuel use when the battery is below a 25 per cent state of charge: 5.8L/100km is the claim in that instance.
In previous testing I have seen 90km of EV driving in the base FWD version with its slightly lower kerb weight and less powerful petrol engine, and fuel use of 4.9L/100km after the first 100km of driving. The number BYD states for that version is 4.72L/100km.
Suffice to say, if you charge it up regularly and you commute reasonable distances, you’ll be able to run this primarily as an EV, with a backup engine to keep you going for those weekend trips away.
No range anxiety, either…!
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool
How does the BYD Sealion 6 drive?
The big news here is that the Chinese brand has listened to some earlier feedback on its suspensions system, and made changes to help it meet Australian expectations better than the earlier models did.
Now, I have to say, I was pretty fine with the ride in the previous versions. Sure, they were definitely more comfort-focused and less about body control and cornering tenacity, but they offered a cushy experience in rougher situations and felt fine while commuting.
The new suspension is definitely more rigid and offers better cornering stability, and while it’s not as sharp a tool as a Cupra Formentor or something like that, it is improved in its dynamic capabilities on normal roads, and is a bit more enticing to drive fast than the last version.
It still has slightly less predictable steering than some rivals, so it’s not really the last word in handling. But I don’t think it really matters for the buyer that will be drawn to this car. It still steers with enough predictability to know what’ll happen next, and there are a few different modes you can play with to adjust the steering too.
The powertrain remains a really strong point for the BYD Sealion 6 Premium, with the extra grunt of the all-wheel drive version’s turbo-petrol engine making it a much more enthusiastic thing than the base model, which I’ve also spent plenty of time in.
It’s smooth in its transition between EV and HEV hybrid modes, and when you really need the powertrain to hustle, it all comes together to get you from A to B pretty rapidly. Remember, the 0-100km/h time is just 5.9 seconds, which matches the original Honda NSX sports car!
The fact, there’s no power interruption from a traditional gearbox – the car has a reduction gear, single-speed auto – which means there’s no dilly-dallying at the lights or on the move, and it really is impressively rapid in a mix of situations.
The only thing I’d suggest is that you be mindful if you’re facing downhill when you start the car up and put it in reverse, as the auto hold mightn’t engage unless you’re really planting the brake pedal down.
The all-wheel drive system certainly makes its presence felt when you’re hustling this car. It has a good amount of traction in bends, and there’s no front-wheel scrabble to speak of, even with the Giti tyres. They’re okay but not terrific, and the handling characteristics would no doubt be further improved with a better set of rubber.
It’s also relatively quiet. The highway and coarse-road ride isn’t too raucous, and thankfully there aren’t any of those invasive and interruptive warning chimes. Well, there are, but you can turn off the speed-sign recognition and warning system, and it will stay off (unlike other cars that default back on).
There’s also no driver monitoring camera, which is a plus in my opinion, because it means there’s less chance of actually getting distracted and annoyed. And while there is a lane-keeping system, it’s not too intrusive either.
On the whole, the Sealion 6 is a very agreeable drive experience. Again, it’s not the most engaging or dynamic SUV, but it is a bit more encouraging than the earlier versions.
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool
What do you get?
As mentioned, the previous Dynamic grade has been replaced by the Essential, and the new lower price point is accompanied by a reduction in some standard equipment – though the base model is still very well kitted out for the cash.
2025 BYD Sealion 6 Essential equipment highlights:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- 235/50 R19 Giti tyres
- Tyre repair kit
- Panoramic sunroof
- Matte roof rails
- One-touch power tailgate
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Electrically adjustable, heated mirrors
- Keyless entry and start
- NFC card key
- Privacy glass – rear
- LED headlights
- LED daytime running lights
- LED tail-lights
- Sequential rear indicators
- Synthetic leather-wrapped steering wheel
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.8-inch rotating infotainment touchscreen
- AM/FM/DAB radio
- Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Bluetooth phone, audio streaming
- Music streaming apps
- Satellite navigation
- Voice assistant
- BYD app store
- Over-the-air updates
- 6-speaker sound system
- 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A – front
- 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A – rear
- 12V accessory socket
- Sunglasses holder
- Synthetic leather-wrapped seats
- 6-way power driver’s seat
- 4-way power passenger seat
- Heated, ventilated front seats
- Manually adjustable rear seat backrests
- Front dual cup holders
- Rear centre armrest incl. 2 x cupholders
- Metal door sill protectors
- Front sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors
- LED front reading light
- LED rear side reading lights
- Dual-zone climate control
- Rear central air vents
Sealion 6 Premium adds:
- Additional terrain modes
- Mud + Sand
- All-wheel drive
- 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen
- 10-speaker Infinity sound system
- 2 x wireless phone charges – 15W
- 8-way power driver’s seat
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Auto-dimming interior mirror
- Head-up display
- Soundproof glass – front
- ‘Dynamic’ ambient lighting with rhythm function
- PM2.5 filtration system
It is also worth noting that the Premium is the only grade available with the no-cost optional Blue and Grey interior trim. The standard finish is brown and black as seen in these images. And the Azure Blue paint as shown on this tester is no longer available.
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool
Is the BYD Sealion 6 safe?
The BYD Sealion 6 has a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted by Euro NCAP in 2023.
| Category | BYD Sealion 6 |
|---|---|
| Adult occupant protection | 88 per cent |
| Child occupant protection | 86 per cent |
| Vulnerable road user protection | 83 per cent |
| Safety assist | 75 per cent |
Standard safety features include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian detection
- Cyclist detection
- Junction detection
- Child Presence Detection
- Door Open Warning
- Front collision warning
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Front cross-traffic assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- High beam assist
- Intelligent speed limit information, control
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keep assist
- Rear collision warning
- Traffic sign recognition
Choose the Essential 2WD, and you get a reversing camera and rear parking sensors.
Opt for the range-topping Premium AWD, and that parking assistance includes front sensors and a surround-view camera with multiple camera modes.
There are seven airbags fitted to the BYD Sealion 6 – dual front, front centre, front side, and full-length curtain coverage.
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool
How much does the BYD Sealion 6 cost to run?
BYD’s Australian importer, EVDirect, covers the BYD range with a six-year, 150,000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 160,000km battery warranty.
| Servicing and Warranty | BYD Sealion 6 Premium AWD |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 6 years, 150,000km 8 years, 160,000km (HV battery) |
| Roadside assistance | 1 year (then service-activated) |
| Service intervals | 12 months, 20,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 11 years |
| Total capped-price service cost | $4669 |
| Average capped-price service cost | $424 |
Those running costs are perhaps a bit dearer than a fully electric SUV, but cheaper than an equivalent petrol SUV and even some hybrid alternatives.
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool
CarExpert’s Take on the BYD Sealion 6
If you want a mid-sized SUV and you’re not sure if going full-electric is right, then the Sealion 6 could be the best option for you.
It has a useful EV range, plenty of spec and tech, and a more affordable price than any other medium SUV with this kind of smarts.
No wonder it’s the best-selling PHEV on the market. It deserves to be.
Interested in buying a BYD Sealion 6? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
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