BYD Sealion 6 & 7 Review: Hybrid vs Full EV — Which One Should You Buy?

BYD Sealion 6 and BYD Sealion 7, These two vehicles represent BYD’s strategic push into electrified SUVs, each targeting a different kind of buyer—one leaning toward hybrid flexibility, the other embracing full electrification. The BYD Sealion 6 is BYD’s first plug-in hybrid SUV introduced to markets like Australia, and it’s a compelling alternative to established players such as the Toyota Rav-4 Hybrid and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. What makes the Sealion 6 stand out is its ability to offer a genuine electric driving experience without the range anxiety that often accompanies full EVs. It’s built on BYD’s DM-i platform, which cleverly combines an electric motor with a petrol engine that acts solely as a generator. This setup allows the car to run primarily on electricity for up to 92 kilometers, and then seamlessly switch to petrol-powered battery charging when needed, extending the total range to over 1,000 kilometers. From a design standpoint, the Sealion 6 is more conservative than its electric siblings. It borrows styling cues from the Song Plus, which was its predecessor in the Chinese market. The exterior is clean and modern, though not particularly daring. Inside, however, the cabin impresses with its spaciousness and quality. The dashboard is upright and uncluttered, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch rotating infotainment screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The materials used—leatherette surfaces, soft-touch plastics, and stitched accents—give the interior a premium feel that belies its price point.