2024 BYD Sealion 6 now on sale
Competitive pricing and spec details announced for new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid fighter and BYD’s first PHEVThe 2024 BYD Sealion 6 has been launched in Australia, priced from $48,990 plus on-road costs and available in two versions.
Previously known as the BYD Seal U (and the Song Plus in China), the Sealion 6 is the first plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) and the first mid-size SUV to be sold in Australia by the fast-growing Chinese auto brand.
The sub-$49,000 starting price applies to the entry-level Dynamic variant, while the more powerful Premium all-wheel drive flagship costs $52,990 plus ORCs, undercutting the AWD-only Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV (from $57,290 plus ORCs).
But the BYD Sealion 6 is more expensive than the plugless Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – Australia’s top-selling SUV, priced from $42,260 plus ORCs in front-wheel drive form – and the MG HS Plus EV, which is priced from $43,690 drive-away in run-out ahead the arrival of its all-new replacement.
Both versions of the Sealion 6 are powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that outputs 70kW in the Dynamic and 96kW (courtesy of a turbocharger) in the Premium, however, most of the power and torque comes from electric motors.
The front-wheel drive Dynamic’s engine is paired with a 145kW/300Nm electric motor for a combined 160kW/300Nm, while the Premium ups the ante with a 150kW/300Nm front motor as well as a 120kW/250Nm rear motor, yielding AWD and a total system output of 238kW/550Nm.
This makes the 2024 BYD Sealion 6 Premium one of the most powerful and torquiest mid-size SUVs on the market and its rapid 5.9sec 0-100km/h acceleration is accompanied by an official combined fuel consumption of just 1.4L/100km (NEDC).
The milder Dynamic entry variant trims this figure down to just 1.1L/100km.
An 18.3kWh battery pack powers the motors in all Sealion 6s and provides 81-92km of electric driving range depending on the variant, with BYD officials claiming a total fuel range of 1100km.
MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension arrangements are fitted to both variants, as are 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/50-profile tyres.
Likewise, both the Dynamic and Premium grades share a common equipment list, with the only difference between the two being the aforementioned powertrains, plus a head-up display for the AWD Premium.
Headline standard features include vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging functionality, full LED exterior lighting, a swivelling 15.6-inch infotainment touch-screen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, panoramic roof, heated/ventilated and power-adjustable front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, smartphone mirroring, sat-nav, a 10-speaker Infinity sound system, keyless entry/start, two wireless phone chargers, dual-zone climate control and rain-sensing wipers.
Stand-out safety kit and driver aids comprise a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, departure warning and prevention, emergency lane keeping assist, front collision warning, rear collision warning, traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed limit information, front and rear cross traffic alert with braking, blind spot detection and a full suite of airbags.
“The Sealion 6 is a game-changer in the new energy vehicle market,” said the CEO of Australian BYD importer EVDirect, David Smitherman.
“It combines BYD’s world-leading new energy innovation with the luxury of European design – while still being affordable for everyday Australians and their families.”
The BYD Sealion 6 measures 4775mm long, 1890mm wide, 1670mm tall and rides on a 2765mm wheelbase. Boot space is rated at a class-competitive 574 litres with the second row in place, but maximum cargo volume is yet to be published.
The standard colour palette comprises Harbour Grey, Arctic White, Delan Black, Azure Blue and Stone Grey.
How much does the 2024 BYD Sealion 6 cost?
Dynamic – $48,990
Premium – $52,990
* Prices exclude on-road costs
Related: BYD Seal U becomes BYD Sealion 6
Related: BYD pivots to PHEV in Australia
Related: BEIJING MOTOR SHOW: BYD Ocean-M electric hot hatch unveiled
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