2025 BYD Sealion 6 Essential launches with lower price

A new entry-level 2025 BYD Sealion 6 Essential plug-in hybrid has arrived Down Under, the newcomer lowering the starting price of the nameplate to just $42,990 plus on-road costs (ORCs).

Now the cheapest plug-in hybrid sold in Australia, the BYD Sealion 6 Essential has been temporarily positioned $3000 below the Sealion Dynamic, which is priced from $45,990 (plus ORCs) following last week’s price cut.

The Dynamic will only remain on sale while 2024-model-year stocks last, before being phased out and replaced by the new Essential.

Differing from the Dynamic, the Essential gets a smaller 12.8-inch infotainment unit instead of the larger 15.6-inch touchscreen and only gets six speakers as standard, rather than the more expensive PHEV’s 10-speaker premium sound system.

Other changes include a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat instead of eight-way adjustment.

The Essential also loses heated and ventilated front seats, doesn’t get wireless phone chargers, misses out on a 360-degree camera and deletes the front parking sensors.

Also dropped to lower the price is acoustic front glass, multi-colour ambient lighting and cabin air purification.

The good news is the Essential comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, power tailgate, LED headlamps, two-tone brown faux leather seats, keyless entry and starting and dual-zone climate control.

Powering the Essential and Dynamic grade is a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that in isolation produces 72kW and 122Nm. It’s combined with an 18.3kWh battery and a single e-motor that pumps out 145kW and 300Nm.

Total power is 160kW and 300Nm, but most buyers of the Sealion 6 will be attracted by its ability to cover up to 92km in EV mode alone, based on NEDC lab testing.

Fuel use is said to be 1.1L/100km when there’s 25-100 per cent battery charge.

Below 25 per cent, the Sealion 6’s fuel efficiency drops to 4.7L/100km.

At the top of the range is the Premium grade ($52,990 plus ORCs) that adds a head-up display, all-wheel drive, mud and sand driving modes and different blue and grey seats.

The flagship BYD plug-in hybrid produces 238kW and 550Nm.

The 2025 BYD Sealion 6 Essential is available to order now with first deliveries set to begin this March.

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