BYD (Build Your Dreams), the well-known Chinese automaker, has officially revealed the prices and specifications for its new Seal 6 DM-i models in the United Kingdom. The new models are plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and will be offered in two body styles: a sedan and a wagon, which is branded as the “Touring” version in Europe.
Key Takeaways
- The BYD Seal 6 DM-i sedan starts at £33,990 (around $42,500).
- The Seal 6 DM-i wagon starts at £34,990 (around $43,750).
- Both are plug-in hybrids, not fully electric, featuring BYD’s “Super Hybrid DM-i” technology.
- The higher “Comfort” trim offers an electric-only driving range of up to 65 miles.
- At the moment, BYD has not announced any plans to sell the Seal 6 or its other passenger models in the United States.
Powertrain and Price Details
The Seal 6 DM-i is engineered to run primarily on electric power, with its 1.5-liter gasoline engine acting mostly as a generator or providing extra boost when needed. For the UK market, two trim levels are being offered: Boost and Comfort.
The Boost version comes with a 10.08 kWh Blade Battery and delivers an electric-only range of roughly 31 miles.
The Comfort model, on the other hand, features a larger 19 kWh battery, extending the electric range to about 65 miles. Its total combined driving range, factoring in both gas and electric power, exceeds 900 miles, which is impressive for a plug-in hybrid.
Pricing for the Comfort trim starts at £36,990 (approximately $46,250) for the sedan and £37,990 (around $47,500) for the wagon.
Features and the New Wagon
The arrival of the Seal 6 DM-i wagon is quite a milestone since it marks BYD’s first wagon-style vehicle offered in Europe. This version puts a clear focus on practicality, providing 500 liters of cargo space (about 17.6 cubic feet) behind the rear seats, which expands to 1,535 liters (about 54.2 cubic feet) when the seats are folded down.
Inside, the car leans heavily into modern tech. The Boost trim includes a 12.8-inch central touchscreen, while the Comfort trim upgrades that to a 15.6-inch display. Both versions support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Comfort models also include a panoramic roof, along with heated and ventilated front seats, which makes them feel a bit more upscale.
US Market Availability
Despite BYD’s rapid global expansion and its position as one of the top sellers of electric and hybrid vehicles worldwide, its footprint in the US passenger car market remains nonexistent. In America, BYD currently focuses on commercial vehicles such as electric buses and trucks.
For now, the company has not announced any plans to bring the Seal 6 DM-i or even its popular all-electric Seal or compact Dolphin—to US showrooms. This launch is aimed squarely at the UK and European markets, where BYD continues to broaden its range and strengthen its presence.
It’s interesting to think about whether BYD could eventually test the waters in the US with something like the Seal 6. Perhaps the market isn’t ready yet, or maybe BYD is waiting for the right moment. Either way, this hybrid’s combination of range, practicality, and value certainly makes it one to watch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the BYD Seal 6 DM-i?
A. The BYD Seal 6 DM-i is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicle. It is sold as a four-door sedan and a five-door wagon. It combines a 1.5-liter gas engine with an electric motor and battery.
Q. Is the BYD Seal 6 coming to the US?
A. No. BYD has not announced any plans to sell the Seal 6 DM-i or any of its other consumer passenger cars in the United States. This model is for the UK and European markets.
Q. How much does the BYD Seal 6 cost?
A. In the UK, the sedan starts at $42,500 and the wagon starts at $43,750.
Q. Is the BYD Seal 6 a fully electric car?
A. No, it is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). It has both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. BYD does sell a separate, all-electric sedan (named the BYD Seal) in other countries.
Q. What is the electric-only range of the BYD Seal 6 hybrid?
A. The standard “Boost” trim has an electric range of about 31 miles. The upgraded “Comfort” trim has a larger battery and an electric range of up to 65 miles.
