BYD Sealion 6 DM-i vs. the competition

The BYD Sealion 6 DM-i is the newest compact hybrid sport utility vehicle (SUV) from the Ayala-led brand here in the Philippines.

It is built on the carmaker’s Super Dual Mode-intelligent (DM-i) platform and offers an electric drive without the worry of range anxiety thanks to the combination of a permanent magnet synchronous motor (MSM) with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with the latter acting as the battery’s generator — also known as the range extender.

BYD Cars Philippines is touting the nameplate as a gateway to sustainable mobility and the first step to adopting its electric vehicle (V) offerings like the Atto 3, Dolphin, Han, and Tang.

The BYD Sealion 6 DM-i arrives at the segment facing tough competition against staples. But how does it fare against the group’s veteran nameplates? Join us in this quick category comparo to find out.

But before we begin, here is a quick spec check for the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i.

BYD Sealion 6 DM-i

Power for the Sealion 6 DM-i comes from the aforementioned combo of a PMSM, the brand’s Blade battery, and a 1.5-liter internal combustion engine. On paper, the said setup is able to dish out some 214 horsepower (hp) with 325 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque.

Range-wise, it can offer around 105 kilometers (km) of emissions-free driving. The numbers go up to 1,100 km when the so-called range extender kicks in.

At the fore, it wears a modern-looking grille complemented by double U-shaped suspension headlights with LED technology and a built-in crystal texture light belt. Its side is highlighted by a set of 19-inch wheels, with a design inspired by surging waves. The rear end boasts Ocean Starlight full-width taillamps, and rounds up BYD’s Ocean X Face Design language.

Inside, the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i offers would-be owners a set of leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with multi-functional controls, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a state-of-the-art rotating 15.6-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

The BYD Sealion 6 DM-i has a sticker price of P1.548 million and is offered in an the sole Advanced variant.

Here are the models that BYD’s small hybrid SUV will contend against.

Toyota Corolla Cross

The Japanese carmaker — in the face of a linear EV-shifting industry — has stuck to a multi-pathway approach to electrification with a focus on hybrids.

On that note, most of its offerings have adopted hybrid powertrains like the Toyota Corolla Cross.

Under its hood is a 1.8-liter gasoline engine paired with a motor generator. Much like conventional hybrid systems, the latter runs on low-power driving conditions like cruising or driving at low speeds. On the other hand, the internal combustion powerplant kicks in when more power is required, like when climbing up hills or catching up with expressway-level speeds.

Mated to a continuously variable transmission, the powertrain system puts out a combined power output of 120 horses with 142 Nm of pulling power.

Exterior appointments consist of a mesh-like grille with hexagonal outlines, an all-LED lighting setup, 18-inch alloy wheels, claddings on the wheel arches and side sills, roof rails, and a discreet roof-mounted spoiler.

Inside, it offers leather seats, a leather-wrapped multi-functional steering wheel, and a gear shifter finished in the same leather material. It also gets a seven-inch thin-film transistor multi-information display as well as a 10-inch floating infotainment screen.

The Toyota Corolla Cross is priced from P1.498 million-P1.917 million.

Honda CR-V RS e:HEV

The range-topping variant of the Honda CR-V is now fitted with a hybrid powertrain, which means that the sporty SUV now offers first-class efficiency on top of allowing its owners to enjoy an exciting drive.

Power for the Honda CR-V RS e:HEV comes from a 2.0-liter gasoline engine aided by a dual motor system. The former generates 146 hp with 183 Nm while the latter makes some 184 hp and 335 Nm.

Outside, the Honda CR-V RS e:HEV wears a mature-looking fascia with a honeycomb grille that boasts large holes. The said latticework is flanked by LED headlamps. On its sides are 18-inch wheels and windows with chrome trims. Finally, the rear end is slapped with aggressive-looking taillamps and a power liftgate.

The cabin of the hybrid Honda CR-V gets seats with leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped multi-functional steering wheel, a 10.2-inch fully digital instrument cluster, and a nine-inch infotainment touchscreen display with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Notably, it also has an intelligent dual- and tri-zone automatic air conditioning system, a wireless charging dock, and a panoramic sunroof.

Pricing for the Honda CR-V RS e:HEV is at P2.59 million.

Also read:

BYD Cars PH launches new app to boost ownership experience

ACMobility reveals BYD Sealion 6 DM-i

BYD Cars PH ready for Sealion 6 pre-orders