At the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, BYD (Build Your Dreams) showcased its latest SUV, the Sealion 6, alongside the Sealion 7. Now, BYD has kicked off bookings for the Sealion 7 in India, but the Sealion 6 has been spotted undergoing testing on Indian roads. This hints that the Sealion 6 might also make its debut in the Indian market soon.
The big question is: Could the BYD Sealion 6 be the first Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) in the premium mainstream segment in India?
What We Know About the BYD Sealion 6 So Far
Photos from the testing phase reveal that the BYD Sealion 6 is a special plug-in hybrid variant. The badge on its tailgate reads DM-i AWD, where DM-i stands for BYD’s Dual Mode Intelligence plug-in hybrid technology. The AWD (All-Wheel Drive) badge suggests that this is likely a top-spec premium variant.
Powertrain and Performance
The Sealion 6’s powertrain is its biggest attraction. It features a plug-in hybrid setup with an 18.3 kWh Blade Battery and an internal combustion (IC) engine. Here’s a breakdown of what it offers:
- Total System Output: 320 bhp of peak power and 550 Nm of peak torque.
- Electric Range: In pure EV mode, the 18.3 kWh battery delivers a range of 92 km on a single charge.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: With a 60-liter fuel tank, BYD claims a combined range of around 1,000 km.
- Fuel Efficiency: The company promises an impressive 1.4L/100 km, which translates to around 71.42 km/l.
In terms of speed, the BYD Sealion 6 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds. The 1.5L Xiaoyun hybrid powertrain allows it to run up to 81 km in pure electric mode until the battery drops to 25% State of Charge (SOC), after which it switches to the IC engine.
Design and Features
The BYD Sealion 6 appears to be a smaller and less aggressive version of the Sealion 7. It follows the Ocean lineup design language seen in other BYD SUVs, giving it an attractive and premium look.
Interior Highlights:
- 15.6-inch rotatable touchscreen infotainment system
- 12.3-inch digital driver display
- 3-spoke steering wheel
- Ambient lighting
- Premium Infinity audio system
- Digital key
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Dual wireless chargers
- Panoramic sunroof
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
- 360-degree camera
Competing Models in the Segment
If launched, the BYD Sealion 6 will face tough competition from other premium electric and hybrid vehicles in India:
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| BYD Sealion 7 | ₹45 – 55 lakh |
| BMW iX1 LWB | ₹49 lakh |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | ₹46.05 lakh |
| Skoda Enyaq | ₹50 – 55 lakh |
| Mahindra BE 6 | ₹18.9 – 26.9 lakh |
| Mahindra Thar ROXX | ₹12.99 – 22.49 lakh |
Why Is the BYD Sealion 6 Important for India?
The Indian automotive market has never seen a proper plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) in the premium mainstream segment. The BYD Sealion 6 could be a game-changer, blending the best of internal combustion engines (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) technology. Its impressive range, performance, and premium features make it a promising option for Indian buyers looking for a luxury hybrid SUV.
