BYD Sealion 6 2025 Review: Makes Plug-In Hybrids Feel Seamless But Fun Is Optional
Plug-in hybrids are enjoying a surge in demand across many important markets around the world, and after recently spending a week with the BYD Sealion 6, it's easy to see why.
The Sealion 6 forms part of BYD's expanding Ocean Series, which also includes the Seagull, Dolphin, Seal, and the larger Sealion 7. It debuted in China as the Song Plus in 2020 and received a facelift in 2023, before rolling out to several key western regions including Europe and Australia.
Quick Facts:- Model: 2025 BYD Sealion 6 Essential- Starting Price: AU$42,990 ($27,900)- Dimensions: 4,775 mm length, 1,890 mm width, 1,670 mm height- Curb Weight: 1,940 kg- Powertrain: 1.5-liter four-cylinder / electric motor- Output: 214 hp (160 kW) / 221 lb-ft (300 Nm)- 0-62 mph: 8.5 seconds- Efficiency: 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg)
Four Different Versions:BYD sells the Sealion 6 in four different versions. They start at AU$42,990 ($27,900) for the Essential that we tested. Sitting above it in the range are the Sealion 6 Dynamic Extended (AU$46,990 / $30,500), the Premium (AU$52,990 / $34,400), and the Premium Extended.
The Essential and Dynamic models have the same powertrain, consisting of a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder working alongside an 18.3 kWh battery pack and an electric motor. This results in a combined 160 kW (214 hp) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque.
Those seeking more performance can opt for either the Premium or the Premium Extended. Both use a turbocharged 1.5-liter with dual electric motors. The Premium is capped at 238 kW (319 hp) and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft), while the Premium Extended has 253 kW (339 hp).
A Cabin That Feels Premium:Although the model we tested was the entry-level Essential, its cabin felt surprisingly premium, especially given the price tag.
The interior has some similarities to other BYD models, but there are some distinctive features as well. Perhaps the biggest disappointment, at least from a design perspective, is the steering wheel. While it's comfortable to use, it looks unattractive and doesn't have quite the same flowing design as the rest of the cabin.
The Essential model sports a 12.8-inch rotating infotainment screen sitting in the center of the dash. It's smaller than the 15.6-inch display that comes standard on the Premium versions, but it is definitely big enough.
Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard and worked flawlessly. The infotainment system also supports an advanced voice assistant and over-the-air software updates.
A Smooth Cruiser:In 2024, BYD sold almost 2.5 million plug-in hybrids worldwide. It should thus come as no surprise that it knows how to build an efficient and smooth PHEV powertrain.
If the battery pack is fully charged, the Sealion 6 will operate primarily on electric power alone, allowing it to sip just 1.4 l/100 km (168 US mpg) on average. That means that owners who drive less than 100 km (62 miles) per day and can fully recharge it overnight will be able to enjoy this exceptional fuel efficiency without the range anxiety of an EV.
Of course, once you drive beyond 100 km, the battery drains, and the engine has to be used more of the time. During testing, we averaged 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg), which is good for an SUV of this size, but not much better than a conventional hybrid.
With a fully-charged battery and a full tank of regular unleaded, the Sealion 6 can travel up to 1,092 km (678 miles).
Verdict:BYD continues to go from strength to strength, and while the Sealion 6 may be one of its older models, it still feels up to date. It's certainly not the most appealing mid-size SUV to look at, but one could argue that rivals like the Kia Sportage or the Toyota RAV4 aren't particularly good-looking either.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain is the standout, ensuring the Sealion 6 is quiet, smooth, and efficient. The somewhat small trunk will limit its appeal to larger families, but for those with younger kids and young teenagers, it ticks most boxes.
Source: [Carscoops](https://www.carscoops.com/2025/11/its-not-fun-but-byds-sealion-6-is-appealing-review/)
