2024 BYD Sealion 6 Premium Review

We recently released our full video review of the 2024 BYD Sealion 6, and I gave it my most controversial title yet.

“2024 BYD Sealion 6: The BEST SUV I've EVER Reviewed?! Very possibly...”

That’s a big claim, I know. 

I’ve reviewed a lot of really good SUVs. A Porsche Cayenne S E Hybrid for example, was a wicked fast and refined SUV. The GWM Tank 500 Ultra is a fantastic value, luxury offroader.

But the BYD Sealion 6 just seems to get so much right.

It has its flaws, absolutely. And so in today’s review, I’m going to take you through everything you need to know about the 2024 BYD Sealion 6 Premium – previously known as the Seal-U – which is the top-specification in the BYD Sealion 6 range.

Let’s get into it!

How much does the BYD Sealion 6 cost?

I’ve said it before: there’s no such thing as a bad car, just a bad priced car.

A car could be terrible, but if it was $10,000 you could probably forgive it for everything.

The BYD Sealion 6 is certainly not that cheap, but it is remarkably well priced for a plug-in hybrid, 5-seat fully loaded family SUV.

The range kicks off with the Dynamic, which will set you back $48,990 + on road costs.

The model we’re reviewing today, the top-spec Premium AWD, costs $52,990 + on road costs, and adds a new brown colour option for the interior, a turbo for the 1.5L petrol engine, an extra motor at the rear, and a heads-up display.

2024 BYD Sealion 6 Pricing:

• 2024 BYD Sealion 6 Dynamic FWD - $48,990
• 2024 BYD Sealion 6 Premium AWD - $52,990

Note: Prices exclude on-road costs

What’s the exterior like of the 2024 BYD Sealion 6?

If you’ve spent any time with BYD Seal – their fully electric sedan – you’d be quite familiar with the front of the Sealion 6.

It essentially looks the same, but SUV-ified.

That means you get some nice and bright LED headlights, a tasteful yet large grille, and of course down the bottom you’ll find your radar for adaptive cruise control.

At the side you’ll see well sized 19” wheels. Well sized, because much larger and the ride is at risk of becoming crashy, much smaller – and it just looks odd.

Unfortunately, the wheels are wrapped in below-average Giti tyres, which frankly – suck. Traction is poor, and it would be the first thing I would swap off the car if I bought one.

You get keyless entry and go, privacy glass on the rear windows (i.e. tinted windows), and an almost coupe style roofline which is very much in fashion at the moment.

The rear has bright fully-LED lights, with a large lightbar running across the length of it. And frankly, the design is quite tame, especially for BYD.

But that’s not a bad thing, it looks quite elegant and certainly far more expensive than its price tag would suggest.

And best of all? The exterior, and even interior for the most part, are exactly the same no matter if you get the base Dynamic grade or this top-spec Premium trim.

What’s the interior like of the BYD Sealion 6

For a BYD interior, it’s remarkably not overstyled – unlike what you’d find in the fun yet certainly quirky interior in a BYD Atto 3.

The layout is simple and intuitive, and like I said earlier – it comes remarkably well spec’d.

You can’t not be wowed by the huge 15.6” rotating infotainment display. Sure, the rotation mechanism itself is rather gimmicky. You can’t use your wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in its portrait mode, for example.

But it’s a nifty party trick, and certainly a passenger conversation starter.

It’s also very snappy, responsive to the touch, bright and colour accurate. Exactly what you look for in a display.

Up in front of the driver is another screen, this time your 12.3” digital instrument cluster. It shows plenty of information if you want it, or you can just set-and-forget like I did over my week of testing.

Touch around the cabin and you’ll find soft touch materials everywhere, which is fantastic for dampening road noise rather than reflective, hard scratchy plastics you find on most other competitors at this price point.

The brown – or rather orangey-brown – interior won’t be for everyone, so the optional white interior may be the go. I don’t mind the brown, personally.

Storage as well is great, with a large glovebox, big centre armrest, a couple of cupholders and large doorbins.

And you’re not going to be wanting for charging devices – there are two Qi wireless charging spaces up front, and access to a USB-C port and USB-A port should you prefer plugging in.

The seats (though lacking adjustable lumbar support) were very comfortable and adjustable, wrapped in synthetic leather and heated and cooled.

The steering wheel as well is remarkably… normal, wrapped in synthetic leather as well but also very pleasant to hold.

And then there are just the extra features you wouldn’t expect to see at this price point. Especially versus major competitors, like the Toyota RAV4.

The passenger seat is automatically adjusting, with 4-ways of power.

You get acoustically treated front glass to quieten the cabin.

The ambient lighting around the cabin is adjustable to whatever colour you fancy, is bright and manages to not look tacky.

The 10-speaker Infinity sound system is actually well tuned. I can’t tell you how many manufacturers just slap a badge on their speakers thanks to licencing rights, and they end up sounding awful.

You even get a huge panoramic sunroof, as standard.

The list goes on and on (I’ve got a full list of features later in this review, don’t worry). It’s a very impressive cabin space.

What about back seats?

At 5’11”, behind my normal driving position, I have plenty of leg-room, head-room and toe-room.

Amenities are good too, with dual map pockets, air-vents, another USB-A and USB-C ports and a little storage cubby below those.

Material quality is also just as good as up front, with the same synthetic leather on the rear seats. You can also recline the rear seats quite far, if your passengers want a nap for instance.

You also get a centre armrest, with a couple more cupholders in there.

Even the doors open not far off 90 degrees, so loading passengers and kids in will be easier than a lot of other competitors.

What’s boot space like in the Sealion 6?

Boot space on paper is just okay, with 425L of space. Frankly, its enough to get a couple of large suitcases in, which is what most people will care about anyway.

Should you need more space, you can drop the 60:40 folding rear seats and get a pretty large 1440L of boot space.

It’s not mind-blowing numbers, hampered mostly by the packaging constraints of where BYD has to place the Sealion 6’s battery under the rear seats, but its fine.

There’s no spare wheel either, unfortunately. If you get a flat tyre, a tyre repair kit is what you’ll need to use (which is never ideal).

What’s under the bonnet of the 2024 BYD Sealion 6?

The 2024 BYD Sealion 6 offers two plug-in hybrid drivetrains in Australia.

The Sealion 6 Dynamic features a 1.5L 4-cylinder PHEV engine paired with a single front electric motor, delivering a combined power output of 160kW and a peak torque of 300Nm. It uses a single-speed reduction gear transmission to drive the front wheels.

With a kerb weight of 1940kg, it accelerates from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds. Fuel economy is claimed at 1.1L/100km, with CO2 emissions of 24g/km. The 18.3kWh BYD Blade (LFP) battery offers an electric driving range of 92km.

The Sealion 6 Premium is equipped with a 1.5L 4-cylinder turbo PHEV engine and dual electric motors, one at the front and one at the rear, providing a combined power output of 238kW and a peak torque of 550Nm.

This setup also uses a single-speed reduction gear transmission. The kerb weight is 2100kg, and it can go from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds. The claimed fuel economy is 1.4L/100km, with CO2 emissions of 32g/km. The same 18.3kWh BYD Blade (LFP) battery gives an electric driving range of 81km.

Both trims support fast charging up to 18kW via a CCS plug, charging the battery from zero to 80 percent in around 30 minutes.

They also offer Vehicle to Load (V2L) functionality with an output of up to 10A, enabling power to external electrical appliances.

How does the BYD Sealion 6 Premium Drive?

Driving the BYD Sealion 6 offers two distinct experiences, depending on whether you’re in the Dynamic or Premium trim. Each has its unique strengths catering to different driving preferences, providing options for both efficiency and performance-oriented drivers.

The Dynamic trim features a front-wheel-drive setup with a naturally aspirated 1.5L petrol engine and a single front electric motor. This combination delivers a total output of 160kW, providing a balanced mix of power and efficiency, ideal for everyday driving scenarios.

In the Dynamic, acceleration is smooth and responsive, making it well-suited for city driving. The front-wheel drive enhances its agility, allowing for easy maneuverability in tight urban spaces.

Handling in the Dynamic is predictable and confidence-inspiring. The suspension setup is tuned to offer a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections on city roads effectively.

Switching to the Premium trim introduces a turbocharged 1.5L petrol engine, coupled with both front and rear electric motors. This all-wheel-drive configuration offers a substantial 238kW of power and 550Nm of torque, delivering a much more powerful driving experience.

The Premium trim significantly enhances acceleration and handling, making it feel more robust and capable. The transition between electric and petrol modes is seamless, providing an engaging and versatile driving experience.

In sport mode, the instant torque from the electric motors is particularly noticeable, delivering quick and exhilarating acceleration. This makes overtaking and merging onto highways a breeze.

The Sealion 6 Premium’s suspension is soft and comfortable, ideal for a mid-size SUV. Despite some body roll, it manages to provide a stable and smooth ride, even around corners, ensuring passenger comfort.

However, the body roll is more pronounced than expected, which might be a downside for those who prefer a sportier feel. Additionally, the suspension, while comfortable, may feel too soft for some drivers.

The light steering adds to the ease of handling, making it effortless to drive. This is especially beneficial on long journeys, reducing driver fatigue and making the drive more enjoyable.

In EV mode, the Sealion 6 allows for quiet, efficient driving, with an electric-only range that closely matches real-world conditions. In my testing, the Premium trim achieved about 80 kilometers of electric range, which is quite close to the claimed 81 kilometers.

However, the all-wheel-drive variant shows slightly higher fuel consumption on highways compared to the front-wheel-drive Dynamic. In my real-world testing, I found that the Premium trim averaged about 6.9 liters per 100 kilometers on the highway, which is respectable given its power and performance capabilities.

The Sealion 6's hybrid system is designed to provide practical usability, with the EV mode offering significant range before switching to hybrid mode. This ensures that drivers can make the most of electric driving while still having the flexibility of a petrol engine when needed.

Nevertheless, the Premium’s real-world efficiency is slightly behind some rivals like the Toyota RAV4.

Overall, whether you choose the Dynamic for its efficiency and agility or the Premium for its power and all-wheel-drive capability, the BYD Sealion 6 offers a driving experience that caters to various needs. It successfully combines comfort, advanced hybrid technology, and performance, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of drivers.

What do you get with the BYD Sealion 6?

Well, you get a lot frankly.

BYD Sealion 6 Dynamic:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• 235/50 R19 tyres
• Panoramic sunroof
• Matte roof rails
• One-touch tailgate
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Electrically adjustable, heated mirrors
• Auto-dimming interior mirror
• Soundproof front glass
• Rear privacy glass
• Synthetic leather-wrapped steering wheel
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Sunglasses holder
• Synthetic leather-wrapped seats
• 8-way power driver’s seat
• 4-way power passenger seat
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Manually adjustable rear seat backrests
• Front dual cup holders
• Rear center armrest with cup holders
• Metal door sill protectors
• Front sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors
• 15.6-inch rotating infotainment touchscreen
• AM/FM/DAB radio
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Bluetooth phone and audio streaming
• Music streaming apps
• Satellite navigation
• Voice assistant
• 10-speaker Infinity audio system
• BYD app store
• USB-C and USB-A ports (front and rear)
• Over-the-air updates
• LED headlights
• LED daytime running lights
• LED tail lights
• Sequential rear indicators
• RGB dynamic ambient lighting with rhythm function
• LED front and rear reading lights
• Keyless entry and start
• NFC card key
• Dual wireless phone chargers (15W)
• 12V accessory socket
• PM2.5 filtration system
• Dual-zone climate control
• Rear central air vents
• Tyre repair kit
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Adaptive cruise control
• Traffic sign recognition
• Front and rear cross-traffic alerts
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Blind-spot detection
• Surround-view monitor
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Exit warning
• 18.3kWh battery with up to 92km of all-electric driving range (NEDC)

Sealion 6 Premium Adds:

• Additional terrain modes (Mud + Sand)
• All-wheel drive (AWD)
• Head-up display
• Blue and Grey upholstery (optional at no cost)

Is the BYD Sealion 6 safe?

The BYD Sealion 6 has not yet received an ANCAP safety rating. However, BYD expects a five-star rating based on the performance of the electric BYD Seal U, which achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating in 2023.

The Euro NCAP results for the Seal U were impressive, with a 90% score for adult occupant protection, 86% for child occupant protection, 83% for vulnerable road users, and 77% for safety assist. If the Sealion 6 shares similar structural and safety features, it could potentially achieve comparable ratings.

Standard safety features in the BYD Sealion 6 include:

• 7 airbags (dual front, dual side, dual curtain, front-centre)
• Adaptive cruise control
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Child Presence Detection
• Door Open Warning
• Front collision warning
• Front cross-traffic assist
• High beam assist
• Intelligent speed limit information and control
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Rear collision warning
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Traffic sign recognition

How much does it cost to run the BYD Sealion 6?

The BYD Sealion 6 is backed by a six-year, 150,000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 160,000km battery warranty provided by EVDirect. While this coverage is decent, it falls short compared to some competitors. For instance, brands like MG and Mitsubishi offer more comprehensive warranties, with MG providing a seven-year, unlimited kilometer warranty, and Mitsubishi offering up to 10 years or 250,000 km.

Maintenance costs for the Sealion 6 have not been fully detailed by BYD or EVDirect. However, based on the brand’s existing electric vehicle range, the Sealion 6 will likely require scheduled servicing every 12 months or 20,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.

As detailed service pricing information becomes available, we'll provide updates to help you better understand the ongoing costs associated with owning a BYD Sealion 6.

Final thoughts on the BYD Sealion 6

The 2024 BYD Sealion 6 stands out as a remarkably well-rounded SUV, offering a compelling blend of performance, advanced hybrid technology, and a feature-rich cabin at an attractive price point.

Its impressive electric range, coupled with a powerful yet efficient PHEV system, ensures that it caters to both eco-conscious drivers and those seeking a dynamic driving experience. While it has some minor shortcomings, such as the below-average tyre choice and the absence of a spare wheel, the overall package is hard to fault.

With its elegant design, comfortable interior, and advanced safety features, the Sealion 6 proves to be a versatile and practical choice for a wide range of drivers. If you're in the market for a new family SUV that offers excellent value, the BYD Sealion 6 should definitely be on your shortlist.