BYD launches first ICE vehicle in NZ with PHEV Sealion 6

BYD’s run as an ‘all-electric’ brand has ended, though it remains ‘all-electrified’.

Today it confirmed details for the Sealion 06, a plug-in hybrid mid-size SUV formerly known as the Seal-U, pitching it against some of the markets most popular fleet and family vehicles.

Importantly for the brand, it will be the first of what it calls a dual-mode drivetrain to come to New Zealand, ahead of the Fieldays launch of the Shark ute.

The system can act as a parallel hybrid, where the engine and generator provide power to dual electric motors in partnership with the battery, a series hybrid, where the engine can direct drive the front wheels under heavy load, or as a pure electric vehicle.

It comes in two variants: the Dynamic front-wheel-drive (FWD) and the Premium all-wheel-drive (AWD). Priced from $57,990+ orc for the Dynamic FWD variant and $64,990+ orc for the Premium AWD variant, the Sealion 6 offers excellent value for money. The Dynamic FWD variant offers an output of up to 160kW, 300Nm max torque, and can accelerate from 0-100km/hr in 8.5 seconds. The Premium AWD variant boasts up to 238kW power, 550Nm torque, and a 0-100km/hr time of just 5.9 seconds.

Both models are equipped with BYD’s ultra-safe Blade Battery, providing a battery capacity of 18.3kWh. This allows for an all-electric range of up to 92kms in the Dynamic FWD and 81kms in the Premium AWD, with a combined driving range of up to 1100km and 970km, respectively. Claimed fuel efficiency is impressive, with the Dynamic variant achieving a combined fuel consumption as low as 1.1L/100km and the Premium at 1.4L/100km when the battery is fully charged.

The Sealion 6 faces some tough competition. The MG HS +EV is priced around $49,990, with an electric range of 52kms and a combined fuel consumption of approximately 1.7L/100km. The Toyota Rav4 Hybrid, priced at about $47,990, offers a combined fuel consumption of 4.7L/100km but lacks a significant electric-only range. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, at around $60,990, offers an electric range of 54kms and a combined fuel consumption of 1.7L/100km.

BYD NZ brand manager Warren Willmot says the Sealion 6 introduction is growing the brand.

“This new platform offers New Zealanders the best of both worlds, with the ability to drive on full electric for those daily commutes and the opportunity to supplement electric with the 1.5L engine for those longer-range trips.”

Specification is high. The interior boasts soft-touch surfaces, premium upholstery, and a 15.6” rotatable full LCD touchscreen for a connected driving experience. Practical features include spacious storage compartments, wireless charging for two mobile phones, and generous cargo capacity with a boot that expands from 425 litres to 1440 litres when the rear seats are folded flat.

The BYD Sealion 6 will be available in five colours: Azure Blue, Harbour Grey, Stone Grey, Delan Black, and Arctic White, with two interior colour themes: Black + Brown, and Blue + Grey (optional for the Premium model).

The BYD Sealion 6 will be available for viewing and test drives at local BYD dealers starting the first week of June 2024. All BYD models come with a comprehensive 6-year/150,000km new vehicle warranty, an 8-year roadside assistance package, and the Blade Battery is covered by an 8-year/160,000km warranty.