BYD Sealion 6 DM-i: is the single variant enough?

BYD Cars Philippines introduced the Sealion 6 DM-i last year as part of its multi-car salvo in 2024. 

As you might have guessed from the title, the hybrid crossover is offered only in a single variant here in the Philippines. In other countries like Australia, the nameplate comes in two trims, giving car buyers options to what best suits their budget and motoring needs. 

That said, do we really need two variants to choose from, or is a single offering enough to rule them all? Stick around to find out as we dig into the sole variant of the Philippine-spec BYD Sealion 6 DM-i. 

Exterior 

Outside, the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i is fitted with double U-shaped suspension headlights with LED technology and a built-in crystal texture light belt. The grillework offers a good blend of design as well as functionality and somewhat gives us Aston Martin DBX 707 vibes. 

Its side profile is highlighted by a set of 19-inch wheels. It also has sport utility vehicle-like appointments, which are the blacked-out wheel arches and the side sill garnishes that help protect the vehicle’s flanks from scratches and stone chip marks. 

The crossover also gets power side mirrors, puddle lamps, and roof racks. 

The rear end of the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i gets Ocean Starlight full-width taillamps, LED fog lamps, and a power tailgate. Its sporty design is accentuated by a roof-mounted spoiler with an integrated third brake lamp. 

Interior 

Inside, the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i is packed with technological features that would entice many of this generation’s car buyers. 

To begin with, the crossover gets a suite of digital screens. The instrument cluster measures 12.3 inches and displays relevant driving information, which we have listed below: 

• Speed
• Engaged gear
• Selected driving mode
• Temperature 
• Fuel gauge 
• Battery level meter
• Estimated range
• Time

The instrument panel is complemented by a state-of-the-art rotating 15.6-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Like other BYD cars, the infotainment display can change its orientation to best suit the needs of its occupants. 

In portrait mode, the screen allows better real estate space for optimal viewing of navigation tools such as maps and other direction-giving systems. When in landscape mode, the screen allows improved viewing of entertainment apps such as music, audio book, and podcast applications. 

Sound is blasted to an Infinity 10-speaker sound system. 

There are also two wireless charging docks under the infotainment unit as well as an automatic air conditioning system and a panoramic sunroof. 

For added convenience, the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i gets a suite of leather trims, which can be found on the seats, parts of the dashboard and console, door trims, and the center armrest. 

Power 

Under its hood, the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i uses a permanent magnet synchronous motor as its main mode of propulsion. The electric motor — which is powered by the company’s Blade battery with 13.8-kilowatt-hour capacity — spins the front wheels. 

On the other hand, the 1.5-liter gasoline engine acts as the system’s “range extender” or the battery’s generator.

Here are its performance figures according to BYD Cars Philippines: 

Maximum power output (in hp)	214
Maximum torque (in Nm)	325
Maximum range EV mode only (in km)	105
Maximum range with range extender (in km)	1,100

 

The hybrid powertrain is accompanied by three drive modes, which are Economy, Normal, Sports. A terrain mode adjuster is also available, which offers Snowfield, Grit, and Grass modes. 

Safety

Below are the safety features of the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i: 

• 360-degree camera
• Radar system
• Cruise control 
• Lane keeping assist
• Lane departure assist
• Automatic emergency braking 
• Front collision warning 
• Traffic congestion assistance 
• Traffic sign recognition 
• Intelligent speed limit control 
• Traction control
• Electronic stability control 
• Anti-lock braking 
• Electronic brakeforce distribution 
• Hill descent control
• Comfort braking 
• Tire pressure monitoring system 

Variant, pricing 

BYD Sealion 6 DM-i Advanced

P1.548 million

 

Final thoughts 

Overall, the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i comes with all the necessary appointments, allowing would-be owners to have the right ride whether they plan to use it for daily errands or spontaneous weekend getaways. 

Having a single variant also eliminates the confusion among car buyers who are just starting on their sustainable mobility journey. 

Also read:

Australasian-marketed BYD Sealion 6 gets 5-star safety rating

How did the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i cover 1k-km in one full tank?

BYD Sealion 6 DM-i: Long-range master