BYD SEAL 6 DM-i

The BYD SEAL 6 DM-i Saloon measures 4,840mm long, 1875mm wide and 1495mm high, putting it firmly in the category of family-sized models, and a generous wheelbase of 2790mm that’s longer than any of its C-segment Saloon rivals. Inspired by the ocean, its front-end design mixes flowing shapes with sharper lines in the lower bumper for a sporty, dynamic look that nonetheless contributes to the car’s incredible efficiency.

The SEAL 6 DM-i has comfortable space for five adults, including excellent rear legroom and headroom. Its load space is more than capable of accommodating large suitcases or shopping bags, with a capacity of 491 litres, rising to 1370 litres when the 40:60-split rear seat is folded down. 

The wave-inspired front grille has a clean, minimalist design, and it incorporates an active air-intake system that boosts that aero efficiency. The bold inverted trapezoidal lower grille is accented with chrome detailing and body-coloured surrounds, creating a distinctive, sophisticated presence. The SEAL 6 DM-i’s ‘face’ is completed by crystal-inspired headlights that feature full-LED technology on all versions of the car and reflect the shimmer of ocean waves in a unique signature.

Along the sides, sculpted dual waistlines accent the SEAL 6 DM-i’s sleek profile and agile silhouette, aided by 18-inch ‘flying axe’ alloy wheels that enhance the feeling of speed and precision, hinting at the car’s strong performance even when it is stationary.

At the rear, the SEAL 6 DM-i’s tail-lights feature high-grade smoked finishes and layered LED-matrix sequences that are designed to create a flowing visual motion.

The estate version of the car, called SEAL 6 DM-i Touring, is precisely the same length and width as its Saloon sibling, but marginally taller, at 1505mm. It features the same wheelbase too, giving it greater cabin space than you’ll find in many rival C-segment hybrid estates. When combined with the Super Hybrid powertrain’s efficiency, this creates a standout model in the class, capable and practical while also allowing daily pure-electric use and the flexibility of colossal real-world combined range.

The core design elements at the front remain the same as the Saloon’s, while the side profile combines the double waistline with a gently sloping rear roofline and a contrast finish in the D-pillar that creates a ‘floating’ effect. The overall look mixes practical references, including standard aluminium roof rails, with an agile appearance.

The rear features the same complex LED-matrix tail-lights, along with an integrated washer/wiper designed to maintain visibility during longer journeys. The overall drag coefficient of the SEAL 6 DM-i Touring is just 0.280, an impressively low figure for an estate and a contributing factor in its ground-breaking efficiency.

BYD’s first estate in Europe has a sizeable and flexible load space. There’s 500 litres of capacity behind the rear seats, up to the level of the parcel shelf, and 675 litres if you load beyond it. And with the 40:60-split second row folded down, the ultimate boot capacity is an impressive 1535 litres. Accessing the Touring’s load bay is easy, too, thanks to a powered tailgate, standard on all versions, that can be remotely activated via the key fob.

The SEAL 6 DM-i is based on BYD’s ground-breaking Super Hybrid with DM (Dual Mode) technology, which mixes the benefits of an EV driving experience – refinement and response – with the flexibility of BYD’s self-developed petrol-electric hybrid system. It features several BYD-exclusive innovations, including dual high-speed electric motors with an integrated controller, a Blade Battery and a Xiaoyun 1.5-litre petrol engine with a ground-breaking thermal efficiency of 43%. 

As its name suggests, Super Hybrid with DM technology can operate in two distinct ways – EV, where the wheels are driven solely by the electric motor, and HEV, where the same principle applies most of the time; in these cases the petrol engine is supplying charge to the battery and electric motor via an inverter, and the car has the driving response of a pure EV. In moments when additional power is required, HEV mode can switch from Series to Parallel, combining the potential of the petrol engine and the electric motor.

The result is a powertrain that spends the majority of its time operating like an EV, with up to 65 miles of pure-electric range from the larger of the SEAL 6 DM-i’s two Blade Batteries. And the intelligent control of the systems (the ‘i’ in DM-i) lifts the efficiency beyond any of the car’s rivals, with weighted combined fuel consumption of up to 188.3 mpg and a combined range, on a full charge and a full tank of petrol, of as much as 935 miles. This makes the SEAL 6 DM-i an excellent real-world alternative to not only mild hybrids but also traditional pure-combustion models, thanks to its mix of long cruising range and the ability to complete many journeys without using any petrol at all.

Alongside these impressive efficiency figures, the Super Hybrid with DM technology also delivers comfortable performance; all versions of the SEAL 6 DM-i, Saloon or Touring, can accelerate from 0-62 mph in under nine seconds and reach a top speed of 111 mph.

In addition, Super Hybrid with DM technology uses its Blade Battery to support Vehicle to Load, which can power devices – anything from a portable grill or an air compressor to a coffee machine or fairy lights – at up to 3.3kW. This feature allows all versions of the SEAL 6 DM-i Saloon and Touring to support active lifestyles anywhere from the front driveway to the forest or beach.

There are two configurations of Super Hybrid available in the SEAL 6 DM-i. In Boost spec the Blade Battery capacity is 10.08kWh and the maximum system power is 135kW. This is the version with the longest WLTP combined range, at 935 miles/839 miles (Saloon/Touring).

Comfort editions of the SEAL 6 DM-i feature a higher system power output (156kW) and a larger battery (19kWh). The Saloon and Touring can travel further on electricity alone, at 65 miles and 62 miles. The WLTP combined ranges of these models are 904 miles (Saloon) and 839 miles (Touring).

Space meets comfort in the SEAL 6 DM-i’s cabin, which mixes a sophisticated design with high-quality materials and, of course, BYD’s usual innovative technologies. The dashboard continues the ocean-inspired design theme of the exterior, with smooth, flowing lines that extend across the front of the cabin to the door panels. This wraparound design creates a premium finish and an atmosphere that blends space efficiency with comfort.

At the heart of the dashboard is a high-resolution infotainment screen (12.8 inches or 15.6 inches, depending on trim level) and it’s easy for everyone in the cabin to stay connected and powered up, with a pair of USB ports (one 18W Type C, one 60W Type C) in the front cabin and two more 18W Type C sockets in the rear. A 50W wireless charging pad for smartphones is also available on most versions.

The front seats feature power adjustment, position memory, ventilation and heating functions to offer both support and comfort. The rear cabin, meanwhile, has levels of space that rival those from models in the class above, making every seat a personal comfort zone. All of the seats are wrapped in premium textured vegan leather for a cushioned, refined look that remains durable in everyday use. All of the seats feature adjustable headrests for extra comfort and support.

Comfort versions of the SEAL 6 DM-i come with a panoramic sunroof that floods the interior in natural light and can open it to the freshness of nature.

The SEAL 6 DM-i is designed for city use and long journeys alike, so it features an extensive line-up of safety and driver-assistance technologies. All versions of the car get seven airbags (driver’s, front passenger’s, front centre, two front side and two side curtain), double pre-tensioned front seat belts with height adjustment, ISOFIX and i-Size connectors on the outer rear seats and the front passenger’s seat, Child Presence Detection and a speed-sensing auto-lock system.

The list of driver-assistance functions includes front and rear parking sensors, rear-view and 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control and intelligent cruise control, blind-spot detection, direct driver fatigue management, rear cross-traffic alert and brake, lane-departure assistance, forward and rear collision warnings and a door-opening warning.

The SEAL 6 DM-i is designed for customers who don’t want any compromises on everyday use and real-world range – and the standard-equipment lists are suitably comprehensive as a result. The range starts with Boost, which comes with metallic paint, LED headlights, tail-lights and daytime-running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic wipers, electrically adjustable front seats, electrically adjustable and folding side mirrors, an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, four USB ports, rear parking sensors and rear-view camera, and Vehicle-to-Load functionality. Touring-specific features include aluminium roof rails, a powered tailgate and a rear washer/wiper.

As well as the larger battery for greater pure-electric range and a faster onboard AC charger, the range-topping Comfort version increases the size of the infotainment display to 15.6 inches, emphasising BYD’s technology strength with comfortably the largest screen in the class. It also adds a heated steering wheel, side-mirror ‘puddle lights’, 18-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, rhythm-reactive ambient lighting, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a wireless smartphone charging pad and an uprated audio system with eight speakers.

The SEAL 6 DM-i line-up also includes a Comfort Lite edition that features the same equipment as Comfort but has the more compact 12.8-inch touchscreen display.

The BYD SEAL 6 DM-i is now available to order in many European markets, with the first deliveries expected to reach customers before the end of 2025. Every version of the SEAL 6 DM-i comes with excellent warranty conditions as standard, consisting of a six-year manufacturer’s warranty and eight years’ cover for the drivetrain and battery.