BYD Sealion 6 Review

Editor : Mark K | Cars&TechSG

Fun Facts

The BYD Sealion 6 DM-i marks another major step in BYD's expanding lineup of electrified vehicles, sitting comfortably in the mid-to-large SUV segment. It represents BYD's effort to offer a more refined and capable plug-in hybrid alternative for drivers who value range, practicality, and long-distance comfort.

In case you might be curious, the "DM-i" badge stands for Dual Mode intelligent, BYD's proprietary plug-in hybrid system that intelligently switches between electric and hybrid power for maximum efficiency. Unlike some plug-in hybrids that focus purely on performance, the DM-i system prioritises smoothness, fuel economy, and seamless transitions between EV and engine power — delivering the best of both worlds.

Form-wise, the Sealion 6 DM-i is a mid-size SUV built on BYD's latest Super Hybrid platform, designed to bridge the gap between city-friendly EVs and long-distance family haulers. It aims to offer drivers a vehicle that's practical, efficient, and still enjoyable to drive on both urban roads and highway journeys. However, looking at it in person, it certainly has the wow factor in terms of size.

From the outside, when we first got our hands on the Sealion 6 DM-i looks every bit the contemporary SUV. It carries a confident stance with broad proportions and fluid lines, giving it a balanced presence on the road. The front end features BYD's Ocean Aesthetics design language, where smooth, wave-like contours meet a clean, aerodynamic fascia.

The slim LED headlamps stretch neatly across the front, linked by a minimalist grille design that hints at the vehicle's electrified identity. Subtle chrome accents around the lower bumper and window frames add a touch of sophistication without feeling excessive.

From the side, the SUV's long wheelbase and strong shoulder line emphasize its length and stability, while the slightly sloping roofline lends a sporty, coupe-like profile. The 19-inch alloy wheels (depending on trim) fill the arches nicely and complement the overall stance.

At the rear, the full-width LED light bar is both striking and elegant, tying the design together with a modern touch. The rear bumper is cleanly sculpted, and the integrated diffuser-style panel subtly enhances its sporty look. Overall, we feel the Sealion 6 DM-i's exterior design is mature, aerodynamic, and premium — more understated than flashy, but clearly well thought-out and cohesive.

Step inside, and the Sealion 6 DM-i immediately feels spacious and inviting. The cabin design leans toward practicality and comfort, with a well-laid-out dashboard and quality materials throughout. 

Inside, BYD continues its focus on functionality and refinement. The cabin features a minimalist yet premium look, highlighted by the crystal gear lever, which adds a touch of luxury. Everything feels thoughtfully positioned, from the switchgear to the central screen controls, making it intuitive to operate even on the go.

The panoramic sunroof floods the interior with light, enhancing the sense of openness.

Rather than chasing extravagant aesthetics, the Sealion 6 DM-i's design is all about real-world usability — the kind of SUV that looks good, feels good, and works well for daily life.

The 15.6" infotainment system in the Sealion 6 DM-i doesn't try to impress with gimmicks — instead, it focuses on simplicity and ease of use. All major controls, from air-conditioning to the ventilated seats, are accessible through the main touchscreen. While it's not packed with flashy graphics or complex tech savvy menus, it's responsive and intuitive once you get used to the layout.

The 12.3" digital driver instrument cluster display takes a little time to adjust to if you want to change the layout, but once familiar, it presents all essential information clearly. The learning curve is minor, and our team found it straightforward after a few drives.

As for the cabin comfort, both front and rear passengers enjoy generous legroom and headroom, and the front ventilated seats (with two cooling levels) perform well in our local climate. There's also plenty of storage throughout the cabin, including large door bins and a deep center console compartment for smaller items. 

The BYD Sealion 6 DM-i offers a practical and flexible boot setup ideal for family use. Its 425-litre trunk provides enough room for daily errands, while folding the 6/4 split rear seats opens up more than 1,400 litres of usable space — perfect for strollers, sports gear, or luggage for longer trips.

We found the boot to be wide, easy to load, and shaped for real everyday convenience. While the official capacity isn't the highest in its class, the car still makes strong use of its space, giving families a versatile and functional cargo area that adapts well to different needs.

On Road Performance: 

Out on the road, the Sealion 6 DM-i impresses with its smooth power delivery and confident acceleration. The hybrid powertrain provides strong torque from a standstill, helping it achieve the 0–100 km/h sprint in about 8.5 seconds.

After a 4 days worth of driving experience, we found that the steering is on the lighter side, which makes city driving and parking effortless, though some drivers may prefer a bit more feedback at highway speeds. Ride comfort is generally good — slightly bumpy over uneven surfaces, but well-controlled overall.

The suspension is on the softer side, which makes the car feel a little floaty, and you can feel it lean more in tighter turns. 

What stood out most to our team was the excellent noise insulation. Thanks to BYD's advanced NVH engineering, the cabin remains impressively quiet, even at higher speeds, allowing for a calm and premium driving experience.

This is where the Sealion 6 DM-i truly stands out. The Dual Mode intelligent (DM-i) system effortlessly manages power between the Ultra-Efficient Xiaoyun Hybrid Engine and the electric motors, ensuring optimal efficiency at all times.

Range anxiety was never a concern. Even after 300 km, the combined range still sat at about 620 km, showing just how efficiently the system balances fuel and electricity use.

Charging is equally practical — the Sealion 6 DM-i supports 7 kW AC and DC 18kW rapid charging, which allows a full recharge from 0% to 100% in just under 3 hours with AC charging. That means you can easily top it up overnight at home or during a shopping spree at a public charger.

The Bottom Line:

Our feel: We were impressed by its balance of performance, comfort, and efficiency. It's clear that BYD has engineered this SUV with practicality and refinement in mind, rather than just chasing specs.

The Sealion 6 DM-i offers a comfortable and premium driving experience to fit 5 adults, a decent 425-litre boot, smooth hybrid transitions, and a real-world range that removes any hint of range anxiety. It's the kind of SUV that makes sense for long road trips to Genting or Penang, but is equally at home in city traffic.

If you're looking for a plug-in hybrid SUV that feels well-built, efficient, and future-ready without compromising comfort, the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i is easily one of the most complete options in its class today.

Add to your shopping list? For Sure!

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