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The all-new 2024 BYD Sealion 6 electric car delivers with its impressive hybrid powertrain and luxurious interior.
10 August 2024
Written by Wheels magazine
The 2024 BYD Sealion 6 comes equipped with a variety of features aimed at providing comfort and convenience. Both the Dynamic and Premium models include a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen that can switch between portrait and landscape orientations, enhancing usability. The interior boasts a standard panoramic sunroof, plush materials, and an airy cabin feel, despite slightly lagging behind competitors in luggage capacity. Additionally, the vehicle offers a comprehensive array of safety features such as a 360-degree parking system and multiple phone charging ports, ensuring a well-rounded package.
Inside the 2024 BYD Sealion 6, you'll find an inviting and spacious environment. Measuring almost 4.8 meters in length, it surpasses many of its rivals in size, with a significant portion of this length contributing to a roomy wheelbase. The rear seats are designed for flexibility, splitting 60:40 and reclining separately to balance passenger and cargo space. The standard panoramic sunroof and expansive side windows create an open, premium feel. High-quality materials are prevalent throughout the cabin, with durable plastics reserved primarily for the trunk. The tech features are particularly noteworthy, including a large rotating touchscreen and a clear head-up display, making for a user-friendly and enjoyable driving experience.
The Sealion 6 offers two powertrain configurations. The Dynamic model combines a 1.5-litre non-turbo 4-cylinder engine with a 145kW electric motor for a total output of 160kW in a front-wheel-drive setup. The Premium model steps up with a 1.5-litre turbo engine and an additional electric motor at the rear axle, producing a combined 238kW and enabling a 0-100km/h sprint in just 5.9 seconds. Both models feature an 18.3kWh lithium-iron-phosphate 'Blade Battery', providing strong thermal efficiency and body stiffness. Charging capabilities include up to 11kW on home AC power and up to 18kW on DC fast chargers, with the Dynamic offering 80km of electric-only range and the Premium providing 70km.
Driving the Sealion 6 feels akin to piloting a single-speed electric vehicle. The engine primarily acts as a range extender, with the electric motors handling most of the propulsion duties. When the battery is well-charged, the ride is silent and refined, though the engine will kick in quietly when necessary.
The powertrain's design aims to create a distance between the driver and the mechanical operations, which may be disconcerting at first but ultimately contributes to a smooth, effortless driving experience. Eco, Normal, and Sport modes adjust the engine's responsiveness, but overall, the vehicle prioritizes comfort over sporty handling. The steering is light, and the ride quality is generally soft, though repeated bumps can challenge the damping system.
Safety is a key strength of the Sealion 6, with a comprehensive suite of features included as standard. These features include a 360-degree parking system, which helps with manoeuvring in tight spaces, and multiple phone charging ports to keep devices powered on the go. The vehicle's design and construction emphasise passenger safety, making it a reliable choice for families and individuals alike.
The 2024 BYD Sealion 6 stands out for its impressive value, comfort, and array of standard features. The vehicle excels in providing a smooth and relaxing driving experience, making it ideal for those who prioritise comfort and convenience over sporty performance. The Premium model's AWD capability adds versatility for different terrains, though most buyers are likely to use it for everyday driving. Overall, the Sealion 6 is a compelling option in the hybrid SUV market, offering strong value and a comfortable ride.
Images supplied by Wheels magazine. This article was written by an independent author of Wheels Media. Full disclaimer