BYD Sealion 6 DM-i Teased? - PHEV SUV With 1,100 KM Range Coming Soon?

The local NEV market could be in for another shake-up, or perhaps a touch of crowding, depending on how you look at it. BYD Cars Malaysia has dropped yet another cryptic teaser on its official social channels, this time with the video titled “1 + 2 + 3 - that’s a 6.” 

Naturally, the guessing game begins.

Unlike the earlier Atto 2 or Seal teasers, there’s no animal theme here, just the number 6, which strongly hints at the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i, the brand’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV.

Our hunch is reinforced by the fact that SUVs remain the most popular choice among Malaysians and a hybrid offering slots in as a perfect transitional option could be just what the market needs as more drivers warm up to full electrification.

Should specifications mirror the model launched in neighbouring Singapore, the Sealion 6 DM-i will pair a 1.5-litre Xiaoyun petrol engine with a PHEV e-motor driving the front wheels. Combined system output is rated at 217 kW (291 HP) and 300 NM, which in turn ought to see 0–100 km/h sprints dispatched in just 8.5 seconds plus a V-Max of 170 KM/H.

The PHEV half also harnesses an 18.3 kWh iteration of BYD’s signature ‘Blade’ LFP battery pack, and it promises up to 80 KM of WLTP-rated EV range (SOC 100% to 15%). Paired with a 60-litre fuel tank, the total claimed range stands at an impressive 1,100 KM. Fuel consumption, on the other hand, is rated at 5.7L/100KM, while hybrid energy use sits at 18.8kWh/100KM.

Charging options consist of both 7 kW AC and 18 kW DC inputs - relatively slow for a Chinese offering versus what competitors offer. Nevertheless, the Sealion 6 DM-i does offer Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, thus allowing it to power external devices and make it ideal for road trips, camping or emergency use.

On board, the cabin is decked out in vegan leather upholstery and sees both 8-way powered driver’s seat plus 4-way powered passenger seat brimmed. BYD’s signature 15.6-inch rotating infotainment unit comes supported by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Plus an Infinity 10-speaker audio system.

Additionally, the infotainment half should also see wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto present, whilst dual wireless chargers plus OTA software update abilities caps off the tech bill.

As for safety, the Sealion 6 DM-i is equipped with a full suite of driver assistance systems (ADAS). Expect things like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure prevention, blind spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alert with braking, plus a 360-degree camera and ultrasonic sensors, all accounted for - typical of any top-end BYD offering.

Measuring 4,775 MM long with a 2,765 MM wheelbase, 1,890 MM wide, and 1,670 MM tall, the Sealion 6 DM-i sits firmly in the D-segment SUVs space. For perspective, it’s just a touch smaller than the all-electric Sealion 07 but is aimed squarely at buyers who want electrified perks minus the range anxiety.

The question now is whether the Sealion 6 DM-i will win over Malaysian buyers looking for the best of both worlds, or whether it will face tough competition from the growing ranks of PHEV SUVs. We will find out soon enough when BYD Malaysia finally pulls the covers off.