In 2024, BYD made waves in the Australian automotive market (pun intended), selling 6198 units of the Sealion 6 – no mean feat for a model that only launched in the latter half of the year.
BYD’s current dominance is well documented, with its focus on plug-in hybrids playing a key role in outselling Tesla in the global market last year. While Tesla remains a global powerhouse, the arguably controversial behaviour of its CEO has raised eyebrows, creating an opening for brands like BYD to capitalise.
With the Sealion 6, BYD offers a medium plug-in hybrid SUV aimed at budget-conscious buyers with a mixture of premium and not-so-premium attributes. Recent spec and price revisions for the MY2025 update are set to further boost the appeal of BYD’s latest, blubbery ocean creature.
2024 BYD Sealion 6 Dynamic: Specifications
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder plug-in hybrid
Battery: 18.3kWh, 92km electric range
Output (combined): 160kW / 300Nm
Gearbox: Single-speed auto
Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 19×7.5, 235/50
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 1905kg
Power-to-weight: 11.90:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 1.1L/100km
Our consumption: 5.1L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 60L/95 RONPower efficiency: 145.45kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 4.12 seconds*
0-100km/h: 8.46 seconds*
60-110km/h: 5.82 seconds*
1/4 mile: 16.29 seconds at 143.5km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.658g*
100-0km/h braking: 43.08m in 3.34 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.036g*
Decibel at idle/standby: 24*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 76*
Starting price: $48,990
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 BYD Sealion 6 Dynamic: How much does it cost?
For 2025, BYD has slashed the price from an already sharp $48,990 (MSRP) to $45,990. Opting for metallic paint adds $900 to the bottom line.
A comprehensive capped-price servicing plan includes a complimentary service at 6 months or 3500km , followed by annual or every 20,000km – potentially stretching time between visits for long distance drivers. This campaign extends to 11 years or 220,000km, which shows the company is putting its money where its mouth is. Servicing can be carried out at local MyCar garages, too. You can find a list of the costs here.
At first glance, the exterior is unarguably premium in its appearance. It features confident proportions, with a strong shoulder line, conveying solidity. The front end treatment, to our eyes has some Porsche Macan and Lamborghini Urus-esque elements with its sharp nose, swept-back LEDs and opening slits forming a grille.
It has the presence of an Audi Q5/ BMW X3/ Mercedes-Benz GLC rival, rather than any mainstream player. Soon it will be joined by the Sealion 7 – a fastback electric companion to the plug-in hybrid here.
2024 BYD Sealion 6 Dynamic: Interior & packaging
Measuring 4775mm in length, 1890mm in width, and 1670mm in height, it offers a wide, purposeful stance on the road while being easy to manoeuvre in tight city streets. A wheelbase of 2765mm ensures ample interior space for passengers, while boot capacity ranges from 425 litres to 1440 litres with the rear seats folded, accommodating a variety of cargo needs.
The interior design is modelled around a 15.6-inch central screen, which can rotate between portrait and landscape orientation. Somewhat gimmicky, but there’s no denying the crispness of the operating system which powers it. Fast acting graphics make it easy to navigate between menus, with steering wheel and voice controls proving effective.
The synthetic leather of the seats feels somewhat cheap, as do some of the harder materials, but BYD once again uses clever design to offset this. Is it just us, or do the outboard air vents remind you of ’67 Mustang fastback taillamps?
A 10-speaker stereo acquits itself far better than the Seal‘s system, with more sustained radio signal, but maybe still not quite loud enough to scratch the itch of a true audiophile. Still, standard equipment inclusions for both the Dynamic and range-topping Premium are staggering; 360 cameras, DAB, panoramic sunroof and a very sophisticated electrical architecture that knows when you’re entering a tunnel and can close all windows.
The Sealion 6 was recently tested by ANCAP and achieved a 5-star rating, with very healthy scores for adult (88%), child (86%), vulnerable road user (83%), with a 75 per cent score for Safety Assist perhaps reflecting our experience; some teething issues emerged, with the occasional false positive from the AEB system.
Other than that, the ADAS inclusions are vast and work well. It even remembers settings that other cars don’t, saving potential frustration that other cars may exhibit.
2024 BYD Sealion 6 Dynamic: Powertrain & handling
There’s no question that BYD is at, or near the cutting edge of engineering when it comes to hybrid systems. BYD’s proprietary DM-i, or Dual Mode-Intelligent, leans more towards the electrical powertrain than traditional hybrid or PHEV systems. This goes a long way to explaining the 1092km range claim.
Less realistic is the 1.1L/100km consumption average – which shows how irrelevant the ADR82/01 test protocol is when it comes to plug-in hybrids. In the real world, with varied driving and charging every other day, we averaged 5.1L/100km. Bear in mind, however, that you have the ability to fast charge this and run on EV power for up to 92km.
At the current Sydney median price of $1.90/L for premium unleaded petrol, a full tank would cost approximately $114. Given the vehicle’s fuel efficiency, this translates to a theoretical cost of about $2.09 per 100km when operating in hybrid mode.
Unfortunately, the Sealion’s brake re-gen function operates in tandem with the brake pedal only, which is not as user friendly or as effective as ‘one pedal’ driving systems seen in some rivals.
This entry level Dynamic has a combined output of 160kW and 300Nm. It merges a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a 145kW permanent magnet electric motor. We clocked 0-100km/h in 8.46 seconds. The AWD Premium elevates that to a much tastier 238kW and 550Nm total system output. Hence, we found the acceleration brisk at times but unremarkable overall. Part of the reason is because the more expensive model adds a turbo to the dinky little ‘Xiaoyun’ motor.
GitiComfort tyres were never going to do the chassis justice in terms of wind noise and grip, but overall chassis balance is surprisingly adept. High speed stability and road manners are an impressive aspect of the Sealion 6, for this price range – which we expect the AWD version to improve upon further. Is it a driver’s car? Not exactly, but it is a formidable cross-country tourer and very comfortable around town.
Frustratingly for many motorists, a temporary inflation kit is supplied in lieu of a spare tyre. A baffling omission in Australia; the land of the pothole.
2024 BYD Sealion 6 Dynamic: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Exceptional fuel efficiency: While the official 1.1L/100km is specious at best, having the ability to fast charge or sip around 5.1L/100km is impressive.
- Spacious interior: It maximises its proportions well for front and rear occupants.
- Advanced infotainment system: 15.6-inch rotating touch-screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless connectivity.
- Safety: With a long list of ADAS inclusions and a strong body, the Sealion 6 seems to be a safe choice
2024 BYD Sealion 6 Dynamic: Key considerations before you buy
- Abrupt AEB activation: The autonomous emergency braking system can engage too suddenly, potentially causing safety concerns.
- Inconsistent handling and feedback: Though there are more engaging and more dynamic SUVs in this class if that’s a priority, the steering her lacks synchrony with the chassis, offering limited feel and feedback to the driver.
2024 BYD Sealion 6 Dynamic: Video
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X-factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
BYD has one of the most innovative ranges of any Chinese car company operating in Australia. The low purchase price and operating costs work strongly in its favour. Where it comes up short compared with more established rivals is in terms of material quality in the cabin, chassis engagement and for this model at least, performance.
