BYD Sealion 6 DM-i Hybrid Spotted Testing in India

BYD is looking to expand its offerings in India with a new (PHEV) plug-in hybrid SUV. The Sealion 6 PHEV, also known as the Sealion 6 DM-i, has been spotted testing on Indian roads without any camouflage.

This will be the carmaker's first hybrid model in the country.

BYD Sealion 6 Dimensions, Design, and Features

The Sealion 6 is a mid-size crossover SUV that measures around 4,775 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, and 1,670 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,765 mm. It offers a practical boot space of about 425 litres.

On the outside, the vehicle features sharp LED headlamps with DRLs, a slatted grille, and a sculpted bonnet. The side profile includes body-coloured door handles, chrome window surrounds, large 19-inch alloy wheels, body cladding, and a gently sloping roofline. At the rear, one can notice connected tail lamps and a rugged bumper with metallic accents.

The Sealion 6's cabin promises a premium experience with a large 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Other highlights include a 10-speaker Infinity audio system, head-up display, synthetic leather seats and steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, and multiple USB ports.

Safety features comprise seven airbags, 360-degree camera, parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and a full ADAS suite.

Also Read - 2026 BYD Atto 3 - Top 5 Features Explained
 

Powertrain and Performance

Globally, the Sealion 6 comes with plug-in hybrid options using BYD's efficient DM-i technology. The base front-wheel-drive version pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and an 18.3 kWh Blade battery, delivering a combined output of around 214 bhp and an electric-only range of up to 80 km.

The higher AWD variant, which is expected to come to India, uses a more powerful 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine along with dual electric motors. It offers a combined system output of over 315 bhp and a pure electric range of around 70 km.

Overall, the Sealion 6 is claimed to deliver a total range exceeding 1,000-1,100 km on a full fuel tank and charged battery, which eliminates the range anxiety us Indian buyers have with EVs.

Also Read - BYD Leopard 8 Design Patent Filed In India
 

Launch Timeline and Positioning

This hybrid SUV is positioned as a premium family vehicle and will join BYD's growing portfolio in India.

We expect the Sealion 6 to launch here by the end of this year or by early 2027, upon which it could compete against SUVs like the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line and the upcoming JSW Jetour T2.

Image Source: BYD, Instagram - autotechstudio7, motoring_with_manas