Just when you thought the automotive landscape couldn’t get any wilder, another contender emerges from the East. Buckle up, because the BYD Seal 6 DM-i plug-in hybrid is here to electrify the scene and potentially rewrite the rules of the game.
Forget decoding the name; this isn’t some oversized Seal on steroids. BYD’s latest creation dives into the large family car pool, armed with plug-in hybrid power and a tempting choice: sleek Saloon or versatile Touring estate. Think of it as BYD’s fresh take on family adventures, electrified.
While technically a D-segment contender think Volkswagen Passat eHybrid BYD’s audacious pricing and market swagger could lure drivers away from even the prestige of a BMW 3 Series Touring PHEV… if BMW Australia actually offered one.
Bold claims, so we headed over to the European launch of the car in the UK to discover the truth.
How much does the BYD Seal 6 cost?
The BYD Seal 6 DM-i hasn’t officially landed Down Under, so pricing and specs are still under wraps. But knowing BYD’s track record, expect a feature-packed ride without breaking the bank. Think maximum car, maximum kit, minimum spend.
Leaping into the realm of pure speculation isn’t ideal, but let’s glance across the pond to Europe, where similar price points offer a tantalizing glimpse. Even the most luxurious Touring Premium trim undercuts the bargain-basement Skoda Superb iV Estate by a solid 9.4%. The gap widens to a whopping 17.3% when stacked against the gateway to Volkswagen Passat Estate PHEV ownership (and remember, in VW-land, plug-in hybrid means wagon-only).
Speaking of forbidden fruit, the Superb arrives on Australian shores, but not as a humble offering. Instead, it’s decked out in top-tier Sportline trim, boasting a 4×4 TSI drivetrain, immediately slapping a $74,000 price tag before you even glance at the options list. As for the Passat wagon? Forget about it. We’re completely deprived.
Forget apples and oranges. The real benchmark for value? BYD’s own Sealion 6. This mid-size SUV, rocking a DM-i PHEV, currently commands between $42,990 and $52,990 (before on-roads). The juicy rumor? The incoming Seal 6. If it undercuts its bigger brother, the Sealion 6, as anticipated, we’re talking potentially earth-shattering value for the sheer size and class of vehicle you’d be getting. Imagine premium space at a budget price.
Let us help you find your new car
Buy your new car without the stress. It’s fast, simple and completely free.
"Travis and his crew are simply outstanding! Twice they’ve come to my rescue, and both times they’ve exceeded expectations. For reliable, top-notch service, look no further – I wholeheartedly recommend them."
Craig C.
Purchased a Ford Ranger in Sunshine Coast, QLD
childcareman.xyz helped Craig save thousands on his Ford Ranger, now let us save you on your next new car.
Find a deal
What is the BYD Seal 6 like on the inside?
Acceptable, but hardly awe-inspiring. The materials mostly scrape by, yet some critical contact points betray a certain cheapness. The column-mounted gear shifter, for example, feels like it might snap off in your hand.
Stepping inside the Seal 6 is less a sensory assault and more a quiet agreement. The interior isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, and that’s perfectly okay. Tech takes center stage via a dual-screen setup: a crisp 8.8-inch LCD cluster keeps the driver informed, while the central touchscreen scales with your ambition. Entry-level models sport a respectable 12.8-inch display, but those craving the full cinematic experience can opt for the flagship, boasting a massive 15.6-inch command center.
The smaller screen might feel a tad jealous because only the larger one gets to show off BYD’s signature move: flipping between landscape and portrait views. Sure, the 12.8-inch display is locked in landscape, but let’s be honest – that rotating screen always felt more like a gimmick anyway. Especially since you’re stuck without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in portrait mode, rendering the "party trick" completely useless.
The Seal 6’s interior is a win. It’s thoughtfully designed with enough visual flair to keep things interesting. The synthetic leather seat trim? Definitely a highlight.
Rear passengers in both the Saloon and Touring models enjoy generous legroom. However, the rear bench feels perched a bit high, resulting in merely adequate headroom. And those hoping to tuck their toes under the front seats will find that space surprisingly limited.
There is, though, a flat floor right through the back of the cabin.
Cargo capacity? Think practical luxury. The saloon boasts a generous 491 litres ready for anything with the seats up, and transforms into a cavernous 1370 litres when you fold the rear seats down. Just remember, this is a classic saloon, not a sneaky liftback – elegance takes precedence over ultimate loading convenience.
The Touring’s cargo hold? Deceptively spacious. That impressive 675L figure? It shrinks fast once you realize that number assumes you’re packing all the way to the ceiling.
Forget cavernous. Forget estate-car expectations. This isn’t your Skoda-crushing cargo hauler. You get a measly 500 liters to the rear seats, and even with those seats folded flat, you’re only looking at 1535 liters. Disappointed? You should be.
| Dimensions | BYD Seal 6 DM-i Saloon | | — | — | |Length| 4840mm | |Width| 1875mm | |Height| 1495mm | |Wheelbase| 2790mm | |Cargo capacity| 491L – 2nd row up 1370L – 2nd row down |
What’s under the bonnet?
BYD’s Seal 6 DM-i unveils a double dose of plug-in hybrid power, staying true to its ‘Dual Mode’ moniker, with two distinct PHEV powertrains announced.
| Specifications | BYD Seal 6 DM-i Saloon | | — | — | |Engine| 1.5L 4cyl petrol/electric | |Engine outputs| 72kW + 122Nm | |Electric motor outputs| 145kW + 300Nm | |System outputs| 135kW + 300Nm – Essential 156kW + 300Nm – Premium | |Battery| 10.08kWh LFP – Essential 19kWh LFP – Premium | |Transmission| e-CVT | |Drive type| FWD | |Weight| 1665kg – Essential 1765kg – Premium | |0-100km/h (claimed)| 8.9 seconds – Essential 8.5 seconds – Premium | |Fuel economy (claimed)| 4.4L/100km – Essential 4.8L/100km – Premium | |Fuel economy (as tested)| 6.1L/100km – Premium | |Electric driving range (PHEV)| 55km – Essential 105km – Premium | |Fuel tank capacity| 65L | |CO2 emissions| 52g/km – Essential 34g/km – Premium | |Emissions standard| Euro 6e-bis | |Max AC charging rate| 3.3kW – Essential 6.6kW – Premium | |Max DC charging rate| 26kW – Premium |
Beneath the hood lies a humble heart: a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine, producing a modest 72kW and 122Nm. Don’t expect tyre-shredding performance; power is channeled exclusively to the front wheels via a smooth, electronically controlled CVT, prioritizing efficiency over exhilaration.
The "Essential" trim, likely the entry-level offering Stateside (dubbed "Boost" in Europe), sacrifices some key features found on the top-tier "Comfort" (or "Premium") model.
The powertrain’s lost a step, now topping out at 135kW – a 21kW dip from its peak. The result? A 0-100km/h sprint that’s dulled by 0.4 seconds, clocking in at a less-than-thrilling 8.9 seconds.
Most drivers will likely gravitate towards the 156kW Premium, but be warned: those extra bells and whistles add roughly 100kg thanks to upgrades under the hood. Think of it as packing an extra passenger. The Essential might feel a bit lighter on its feet.
The Touring packs an extra 40-45kg over the Saloon, model for model. Question is, will this tempting estate even grace our shores?
Seal 6 DM-i: Essential vs. Premium. The real story is in the battery. The Essential trim offers a 10.1kWh power pack, good for 55km of pure electric bliss. How far will your daily commute take you?
The catch? Charging becomes a patience game. Forget quick top-ups; its AC charging rate is slashed in half compared to the Premium version. And when it comes to DC fast charging, forget about it entirely – its LFP ‘Blade’ battery is incompatible, leaving you tethered for longer.
But the real magic happens with the Premium model. Boasting a beefier 19kWh battery, cleverly designed to minimize weight gain, it unleashes over 100km of pure electric freedom. Juice it up at home with its 6.6kW AC charger, or, for a rapid recharge, tap into a DC fast-charger and gulp down electricity at a rate of 26kW.
How does the BYD Seal 6 drive?
This is a long way from being BYD’s finest dynamic hour.
Is a bargain basement price tag truly a victory if the car offers a consistently disappointing driving and ownership experience? Saving money loses its luster when overshadowed by constant frustration.
The biting British dawn clung to the windows of the Essential Saloon as we set off. Optimism, however, proved as fleeting as the saloon’s warmth; the BYD Seal 6’s performance nosedived faster than the temperature, starting from the very first kilometer.
Forget gliding; imagine a drunken sailor trying to navigate a trampoline. That’s the ride quality. The suspension wallows and flounders, turning even the smallest imperfections in the road into a carnival ride of wobbles and shimmies at city speeds.
For a comfortable ride, a soft suspension is ideal, but without precise damping, it’s a recipe for disaster. BYD’s current setup? Think bouncy castle, not luxury sedan.
Beyond 80km/h, the steering morphs into something akin to navigating a waterbed – vague and detached. The road shrinks beneath you, the tactile connection severed, leaving you adrift from the asphalt’s embrace in a disquieting way.
Confidence in the Seal 6’s handling erodes faster than a sandcastle at high tide. Before you eventhinkabout pushing its limits on a winding road, you’ll wrestle with steering as communicative as a mime and a brake pedal that plays hide-and-seek with consistent response.
"At a crawl, the throttle bites with exhilarating immediacy. But push the pace, and that responsiveness melts away, leaving you wading through a disconcerting dead zone before the power arrives."
We attacked the corners, pushing the BYD with a reckless abandon that bordered on bravery. The reward? A white-knuckle ballet of scrappy handling, a testament to the car’s limits (and perhaps our own).
The car danced a treacherous tango between understeer’s stubborn refusal and snap-oversteer’s sudden betrayal. We’ll concede the Hankook tires, struggling on the Essential’s 17-inch wheels amidst the slick conditions, weren’t exactly helping. But even a sun-drenched day wouldn’t likely unlock a hidden reservoir of confident, polished roadholding.
Forget pretending to be a hot hatchback. A mid-size PHEV with sub-200kW power? It’s about serene comfort, not carving corners. Think silent, effortless kilometer-gobbling – a rolling sanctuary, not a wannabe racer.
The Seal 6’s ride? Let’s just say it’s less "smooth sailing" and more "constant negotiation" with the road. Forget settling into a comfortable groove; even on pristine highways, you’re merely achieving "adequate" at best. Any imperfection? Brace yourself.
However, the relentless roar of the road grates on the nerves. From the moment you set off, the whoosh of tires becomes a constant companion, a sound destined to wear thin with every mile repeated.
But let’s talk power. Tread lightly on the accelerator – keep it under fifty percent – and the Seal 6 DM-i is… manageable. Dare to unleash more, and prepare for a soundtrack only a dentist’s drill could love. Ironically, it’s a smoother operator when relying solely on electric power. The 1.5-liter engine’s contribution? Let’s just say it’s an acquired taste, best enjoyed in small doses.
The result? A cacophony of mechanical protests, glacial acceleration, and a phantom powertrain. All 135kW and 300Nm seem to have vanished, leaving you with a vehicle that’s both boisterous and sluggish – a truly frustrating pairing.
Even with its modest power, the Seal 6 Essential struggled for grip, its front wheels chirping like stressed birds or the traction control light flickering a frantic warning – a far too frequent dance for our comfort.
"A fleeting taste of the Premium Touring trim offered a faint glimmer of hope, though the improvement proved marginal at best."
The transformation was palpable. Chalk it up to two key factors: First, the sun had kissed the asphalt dry, coaxing grip from the road like warmth from skin. Second, it was rolling on 18-inch wheels, their Continental tires clinging to the tarmac with tenacious authority, leaving no doubt about their superior contact.
But the promised speed boost felt more like a gentle nudge. The familiar chorus of drivetrain groans and refinement hiccups persisted, failing to rescue BYD from its initial, underwhelming debut.
What do you get?
Official specs for our market are still under wraps, but if the European models are anything to go by, the Essential trim should offer a surprisingly generous array of standard features.
2026 BYD Seal 6 DM-i equipment highlights:
- 17-inch alloys
- Twin digital screens (8.8-inch cluster and 12.8-inch infotainment)
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity
- Dual-zone climate control
- Vegan leather upholstery
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- LED headlight and tail-lights
- Rear parking sensors
- Reversing camera
- Adaptive cruise control
- Keyless entry and go
- Six-speaker sound system
- Comprehensive suite of ADAS
Stepping up to the Premium adds:
- 18-inch alloys
- Larger battery, DC charging
- Power upgrade to 156kW
- Privacy rear glass
- Panoramic sunroof
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Memory function for front seats
- Ambient interior lighting
- Auto-dimming interior mirror
- Eight-speaker sound system
- 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen
- 50W wireless smartphone charging
- Front parking sensors
- 360-degree camera
Is the BYD Seal 6 safe?
While ANCAP’s verdict is still pending, the Seal 6 DM-i already boasts a Euro NCAP five-star safety rating, suggesting a robust and protective design.
Trusted Reviews, Smarter Choices, Better Prices
Tired of car buying headaches? Childcareman.xyz delivers expert reviews, personalized guidance, and unbeatable deals, putting you in the driver’s seat to savings on your next new ride.
View showroom
Compare cars
Find a deal
| Category | BYD Seal 6 DM-i* | | — | — | |Adult occupant protection| 92 per cent | |Child occupant protection| 90 per cent | |Vulnerable road user protection| 84 per cent | |Safety assist| 85 per cent |
*Euro NCAP scoring
BYD doesn’t play games with your safety. Forget add-ons and upgrades; every single ADAS feature comes standard, right from the base model. It’s safety, locked and loaded, from the get-go.
How much does the BYD Seal 6 cost to run?
The benefit of the DM-i system is that the BYD Seal 6 has some mammoth range claims to its name.
Forget the purely electric stats – a modest 55km for the Essential, a respectable 105km for the Premium. The real magic lies in the combined range, a testament to how far you can push its limits with fuel and electric power working in perfect harmony.
Imagine a fuel tank that laughs in the face of distance: a capacious 65 liters paired with BYD’s ingenious energy management. The result? The Saloon Essential boasts a staggering 1505km range on a single tank, a testament to efficiency. Even the slightly more luxurious Premium model stretches an impressive 1455km, turning road trips into a virtually non-stop adventure.
Forget range anxiety. Every Touring model boasts a staggering 1350km combined range. During our Premium Touring test, we coaxed out an impressive 6.1L/100km. Of course, that figure benefited from plenty of effortless, fuel-sipping freeway miles.
BYD sweetens the deal with a standard warranty covering a generous six years or 150,000km, whichever comes first, ensuring peace of mind on the road ahead. Roadside assistance? They’ve got you covered, kicking things off with a complimentary 12-month safety net from the moment your BYD arrives.
childcareman.xyz’s Take on the BYD Seal 6
Forget fireworks. The BYD lineup has delivered some genuine bangers lately. Sadly, the Seal 6 DM-i? More of a damp squib.
Forget wallet-draining price tags and enjoy a surprisingly roomy interior. Its design? Utterly forgettable, yet its plug-in hybrid engine promises an almost unbelievable driving range. Prepare to be economically liberated by a vehicle that prioritizes practicality over passion.
This car drives like a relic. Forget 2025 – its handling feels stuck in the early 2000s. Refinement and comfort are afterthoughts, and the major controls respond with the precision of a butter knife in a bowl of soup.
The Seal 6 DM-i promises economy, but other plug-in hybrids, though pricier upfront, deliver a richer, more rewarding driving experience. Is a lower price tag worth missing out?
Click the images for the full gallery
Explore the BYD Seal showroom
Thanks for reading 2026 BYD Seal 6 DM-i review: Quick drive
