2024 BYD Sealion 6 Detailed Review - EV range test (plug in hybrid SUV) | The BEST PHEV I've driven!

The BYD Sealion 6 is a plug-in hybrid SUV that can run on EV power alone for up to 92km!

Toyota might have a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) RAV4 Prime model in other markets, but it seems the brand is too scared to offer it here. Big loss, I reckon, because the Outlander PHEV has done really well here, and this? This is another level of greatness, in my opinion.

It has a BYD Blade Battery system and the brand's DM-i powertrain tech, and there's a choice of a front-wheel-drive non-turbo petrol model, and a more powerful turbo-petrol model with a bit less EV range but heaps more power and torque.

With five seats, a super smart cabin with all the tech you'd ever hope for, and affordable pricing for a midsize SUV, plus heaps of standard safety technology, there's a lot to like about this family crossover.

And we haven't even gotten to the fuel use figures yet... 1.1L/100km is the number for the base model, and it should do 92km of EV range. And in. this review you'll see what I achieved in a mix of driving to see how much EV range is really possible. You might be surprised what I saw!!

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00:00 BYD Sealion 6
00:36 Is it the right price?
02:34 What are the alternatives?
04:54 Is it the right size?
07:12 Interior
15:08 Under the bonnet
16:32 Range and charging
18:03 EV range test
23:23 Efficiency
24:31 Driving impressions
28:20 Is it safe?
29:44 Ownership
30:39 Verdict

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[karinahall]

My husband loved this car, and after research on all brands, we put a deposit down for this. And yes, we own a Camry, but we dont stick to brands, we go with whats best for us.

[LawlessRaafay]

Im gonna cancel my Kia Sportage hybrid man, this car looks awesome and Im saving money too.

[Deandzzzzzz]

I know no physical buttons/dials for AC control will be mentioned in this video so I l'd like to add that Sealion 6 has the most up-to-date software installed upon vehicle pickup from dealership. It allows 3-finger gesture touch AC control on the centre screen.
Regardless of what APP is on display, Google map/ DAB / Spotify/ built-in Sat Navigation etc. move your 3 fingers against the screen up and down to adjust the temperature, left and right to adjust fan speed. And you are welcome mate 😃

On a different note the pure EV range test and fuel efficiency test at battery-deficit state are brilliant! These test results are prob what potential buyers are really interested in. Big thumbs up Matt👍🏻

[markward]

83km electric would probably get me to work and back home each day. So I'd never use the petrol until days where we go out and do other shit

[Clim]

Getting my awd version this week, cancelled my rav 4 xse order as sea lion 6 awd had more pro's in comparison . Great review included a lot of extra info I didn't realise which is really just a bonus ...

[passby]

At this price, unless you are a Toyota tool, it would be completely foolish to get Rav 4. The nasty plastics, 20 yo tech, the 30 yo hybrid tech, BYD is just on another 2 levels above any Toyotas.

[jamie]

Toyota will be using BYD's hybrid tech, which tells you something about how good BYD is getting.

[markus]

Great review. Re the 25% minimum you can hold the EV toggle for a few seconds which forces EV mode until battery is down to 15%. So thats another 10km of EV range if you want it.

[sydryan]

"... a new type of technology for BYD". Ah new to Australia yes, but they've been producing hybrid cars since 2008. They definitely know what they're doing.

[deganellis]

Great detailed review, Matt! Love your work.
BYD really kicking goals right now.
Legacy manufacturers really need to start taking notes!

[phillbrewer]

We just bought a Rav 4 hybrid which we waited 20 months for, If this was available back then, I would have considered this for sure. The Rav is great and we are not disappointed but the EV range in the BYD is compelling

[andrer]

Great reviev. I’m patiently waiting for the Shark Ute myself, think that it will be the perfect all round vehicle - use it as an EV during the weekly commute, no range anxiety on weekends and even a nice power source for the campsite.

[ThaoLe]

Best review to date for this vehicle. You're getting a lot of praise from the Sealion 6 community on this - great work!

[AntihuaGoxiba]

This Sealion is just an entry level of DMI in China, the next level is Tang DMI, bigger size and More Impressive to Drive AWD, saddly Australia not selling those, and Leopard 5, Yangwang U9 U8... Those models killing any of the cars in current market

[petercrawford]

I'm in NZ, and I went and looked at the Premium version today. I'm driving the 2018 ZB Calais at the moment, and when I'm ready to trade out of that, the Premium is definitely on the list to consider. Similar in Kw, but the torque is soooo impressive. I'm sold on this SUV.

[rokchlafen]

It really was an enlightening video. I liked the way you present the vehicle with its pros and cons. I write to you from Spain. This SUV will begin to be delivered here at the end of September(BYD SEAL U DM i). There are not many tests and your analysis has helped me a lot. I don't know if it is included in the Australian version but according to the description in Spain it includes a voice control system ("HI BYD" or button).You can control the AC temperature, seats, open/close windows, roof, radio, navigation, etc...Through simple voice instructions. Thanks for the work. New subscriber.😊

[DD-fshq]

Love: power, interior, fuel consumption, ride comfort, price.
Dislikes: Vibration in brake padel on the highway going uphill with the battery below 20%, no memory sheets, boot could have been better.

I cancelled Rav4 order for this. I got stone grey premium earlier this week. love the back design.

[matthiasedwards]

Brilliant review! Matches my own findings. And it is so unbelievably quiet. Seems to be the best SUV value offer on the market atm. Especially as it is a Plug In Hybrid .

[Donster]

Thanks mate! going for a test drive this weekend.

[ARCTlCFOX]

Great review, thank you.
Really appreciate the test you did on pure EV, which I feel is a big question mark for a lot of people looking at the EV only use scenario. To be fair, I'm much more interested in the BYD Shark but can use this as encouragement that the Sharks EV only range will be as close to what's on paper as advertised.
Thank you for all your work on reviews.