You’re looking at one of the biggest reasons plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) are firmly on the map in Australia.
While Mitsubishi deserves credit for pioneering and sticking with PHEV tech locally, BYD has really spearheaded the widespread uptake of plug-in hybrids Down Under.
The BYD Sealion 6 mid-size SUV was released in 2024 and quickly became Australia’s top-selling PHEV, overtaking the similarly sized Mitsubishi Outlander and smaller Eclipse Cross, and being a key driver of the 100.2 per cent increase in PHEV sales in this market last year.
It remains a strong contender in 2025, though BYD’s own Shark 6 dual-cab ute has run away with the PHEV sales crown, doubling the Sealion 6’s volume so far this year and making the Chinese auto brand the clear leader in PHEV tech.
This entry-level variant is one of the cheapest PHEVs available in Australia at under $43,000 plus on-road costs, though the bigger news for the nameplate is the addition of Extended Range grades offering over 120km of EV range per charge.
Watch: Paul’s video review of the 2024 BYD Sealion 6
While we wait for a steer in one of the new long-range versions, we’re revisiting the Essential-spec Sealion 6 to see how it stacks up in a market that is a lot more saturated and competitive than it was even 12 months ago.
Let’s take a closer look at the Sealion 6 Essential then, shall we?
How much does the BYD Sealion 6 cost?
The Sealion 6 Essential is the most affordable version of the plug-in hybrid medium SUV on sale in Australia, priced from $42,990 plus on-road costs.
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
|---|---|
| BYD Sealion 6 Essential Standard Range FWD | $42,990 |
| BYD Sealion 6 Dynamic Standard Range FWD | $45,990 |
| BYD Sealion 6 Dynamic Extended Range FWD | $46,990 |
| BYD Sealion 6 Premium Standard Range AWD | $52,990 |
| BYD Sealion 6 Premium Extended Range AWD | $52,990 |
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
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What is the BYD Sealion 6 like on the inside?
Not much has changed here, though the Essential does have some lower-spec equipment compared to other variants in the lineup.
Most obvious is the central multimedia touchscreen, which is smaller at 12.8 inches compared to the 15.6-inch unit seen in the Dynamic grade and up.
The driver’s seat also loses power adjustment as well as its heating and ventilation functions, and buyers also miss out on a head-up display – everything else is less conspicuous.
Thankfully, the general presentation and ambience hasn’t really changed save for the smaller screen, which is unlike some other brands that trade out material quality in some of their entry variants (cough, Kia and Mazda).
BYD’s interior colour choices still aren’t quite as conventional as those of Japanese and Korean brands, with the dual-tone black and brown leatherette upholstery also donning orange stitching and piping – no doubt it’ll polarise.
It still feels more familiar than some of the ‘out there’ design choices of the smaller Atto 3 electric SUV, for example, but it remains distinctively BYD inside – from the displays and interface, to the materials and switchgear.
While smaller, the 12.8-inch touchscreen still rotates, and offers wireless smartphone mirroring. It also offers built-in Spotify and Amazon Music apps, in addition to a karaoke app – which could be dangerous for Uber drivers…
Rounding out the features list are Bluetooth phone connectivity, embedded satellite navigation, over-the-air software updates, and AM/FM/DAB radio. The Essential loses the 10-speaker Infinity sound system in favour of a six-speaker non-branded unit, though it still offers decent quality audio.
The interface is less convoluted than those offered by some other Chinese brands, though the graphics and layout of some of the menus aren’t quite as user-friendly as I’d like. For example, toggling the trip computer can be a bit of a mess-around both via the cluster and the touchscreen.
The Sealion 6’s long 2765mm wheelbase makes the second row quite commodious, meaning adults can sit behind adults without issue.
I’m a little over 6’1 and had plenty of headroom, even with the panoramic glass sunroof. You could even get three across at a squeeze, helped by the flat floor, though the centre seat is a little raised.
The thoughtful and eye-catching trim detailing extends to the rear as well, including the dual-tone colour scheme, contrast piping and stitching, and high ratio of soft-touch surfaces.
Amenities include reclining backrests for the rear seats, a fold-down central armrest with cupholders, directional rear air vents, USB-A and USB-C charge ports, as well as ISOFIX and top-tether points for child seats.
BYD quotes a boot capacity of 425 litres (minimum) with the rear seats in place, expanding to up to 1440L.
There’s no spare wheel of any kind in the Sealion 6. Instead, a tyre repair kit is standard equipment across the lineup.
| Dimensions | BYD Sealion 6 |
|---|---|
| Length | 4775mm |
| Width | 1890mm |
| Height | 1670mm |
| Wheelbase | 2765mm |
| Cargo capacity | 425L-1440L |
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
What’s under the bonnet?
The Sealion 6 Essential comes with the Standard Range FWD PHEV system, one of four available powertrains available in Australia.
| Specifications | BYD Sealion 6 Essential |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L 4cyl petrol |
| Engine outputs | 72kW + 135Nm |
| Electric motor outputs | 145kW + 300Nm |
| System outputs | 160kW + 300Nm |
| Battery | 18.3kWh ‘Blade’ LFP |
| Transmission | Single-speed, reduction gear |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1940kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 8.5 seconds |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 1.1L/100km |
| Fuel economy (as tested) | 4.8L/100km |
| Electric driving range (PHEV) | 92km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 litres |
| Fuel requirement | 95-octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 24g/km |
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
How does the BYD Sealion 6 drive?
The driving experience hasn’t changed all that much since I last drove a Sealion 6, though BYD did implement a suspension change after launch in response to customer feedback.
Initially, the Sealion 6 drew criticism for its soft ride, which on occasion could make it feel a little loose and wobbly, particularly over consecutive hits or undulations.
Chinese-market cars – particularly the earlier ones – often have soft and cushy ride quality in line with domestic tastes, but that doesn’t always translate well to Australia’s varied and often poorly surfaced roads.
BYD’s running change definitely makes the Sealion 6 feel a bit firmer and tighter than before, though it continues to err on the softer and more compliant side rather than giving any false pretensions of being ‘sporty’.
I did find this revised suspension tune a little less forgiving over the sharper hits you’ll find on pockmarked Melbourne roads, but there’s noticeably less pogoing and body movement after larger bumps and undulations.
The changes haven’t turned the Sealion 6 into an SUV for keen drivers though, as the light controls and relaxed responses favour smooth, effortless driving and are better suited to everyday scenarios.
I like the light but accurate steering calibration, which helps make this 4775mm-long and 1890mm-wide SUV pretty easy to manoeuvre in town. The Essential only gets a reversing camera rather than the surround sensors of higher grades, but it does the job fine and the side mirrors offer good visibility.
However, the slim rear window and rising shoulder line means over-the-shoulder visibility can be hindered somewhat when it comes to doing head-checks. Thankfully, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard equipment.
Driving refinement beyond the at-times jittery ride is generally pretty good, with solid insulation of wind and road noise keeping the cabin quiet on the move. Further, the petrol engine doesn’t make too much noise when it fires up, though it can transmit vibrations into the cabin on cold starts.
BYD’s fuel consumption claim of 1.1L/100km is achievable if you charge nightly, but if you’re like me and don’t always have access to charging the Sealion 6 is fairly efficient as a hybrid.
We saw an indicated readout of 4.8L/100km following several days worth of daily commuting, having started the week with a full battery. As for EV range, you’ll see closer to 70-75km if you throw in some freeway driving like I do daily.
Unlike a number of rival Chinese brands, BYD has managed to calibrate its driver assistance systems rather well.
Adaptive cruise and lane centring functions just work, which is nice, and the aforementioned assists like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert all come in handy.
That is generally the theme of the Sealion 6 – everything just ‘works’. There’s nothing groundbreaking, but for the average buyer that’s all it needs to do.
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
What do you get?
The Essential is the base grade in the Australian Sealion 6 lineup.
2025 BYD Sealion 6 Essential equipment highlights:
- Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability
- Eco, Normal, Sport and Snow drive modes
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- 235/50 R19 Giti tyres
- Tyre repair kit
- Panoramic sunroof
- Matte roof rails
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Power-folding, heated exterior mirrors
- Keyless entry and start
- NFC card key
- Privacy glass – rear
- LED headlights
- LED daytime running lights
- Automatic high-beam
- 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 Dynamic adds:
- One-touch power tailgate
- Head-up display
- 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen
- 10-speaker Infinity sound system
- 8-way power driver’s seat
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- 2 x wireless phone chargers – 15W
- ‘Dynamic’ ambient lighting with rhythm function
- PM2.5 filtration system
Sealion 6 Premium adds:
- Additional terrain modes
- All-wheel drive
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 lines up against the competition, 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:
- 7 airbags incl. front-centre
- Adaptive cruise control
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Child Presence Detection
- Front cross-traffic assist
- Intelligent speed limit information, control
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-keep assist
- Emergency lane-keep assist
- Rear parking sensors
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Safe exit warning
- Traffic sign recognition
Sealion 6 Dynamic adds:
- Front parking sensors
- Surround-view cameras
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
How much does the BYD Sealion 6 cost to run?
BYD covers its Australian range with a six year, 150,000km new vehicle warranty, and its ‘Blade’ battery for eight years or 160,000km.
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| Servicing and Warranty | BYD Sealion 6 Essential |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 6 years, 150,000km
8 years, 160,000km – HV battery |
| Roadside assistance | 1 year – then service-activated |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 20,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 11 years |
| Total capped-price service cost | $4549 |
To see how the BYD Sealion 6 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
CarExpert’s Take on the BYD Sealion 6
The Sealion 6 remains a well-priced and solid-performing plug-in hybrid medium SUV.
Compared to similarly priced rivals, this entry-level Essential grade still feels more refined and better rounded, from its performance to its tech. It also doesn’t really try to rewrite the book on car design and ergonomics, either.
However, the step up to the Dynamic Extended Range doesn’t seem all that expensive, given the extra $4000 gets you 50 per cent more EV range and a number of desirable equipment items. For me, that’s the sweet spot of the range.
Still, the Essential is a very affordable yet solid PHEV for those giving the powertrain technology a first go, because it offers plenty of EV range, solid feature and tech levels, and plenty of space for the family.
If you have the means to plug in nightly or even every second night, you may almost never have to visit a petrol station again, except when you head out of town.
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MORE: Explore the BYD Sealion 6 showroom
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