- BYD’s first hybrid vehicle in India
- Over 1,000km claimed range
BYD India seems to be gearing up and enhancing its defensive here. Given that we have seen several PHEV patents and sightings, this might be a significantly important powertrain for the foreseeable future. In line with the PHEV ensemble, an undisguised test mule of the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) was spied on Indian roads.
The biggest selling point of PHEVs is a claimed cumulative range of over 1,000 kilometres on a single charge and tank, and this should ideally allay range anxiety concerns. The Sealion 6 promises 1,100km on a full refill (tank and battery). Spanning 4.78 metres in length, 1.9 metres wide, 1.67 metres high, the Sealion 6 has a 2.76-metre wheelbase. Boot capacity is rated at 425 litres. The cabin has a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, 15.6-inch rotating infotainment screen, vegan leather upholstery vegan leather steering, eight-way powered driver seat, four-way powered passenger seat, and a rear row centre armrest with two cup holders.
Mechanically, the BYD Sealion 6 is powered by a front-wheel-drive motor that churns out 194.3bhp/300Nm (PMS type), and this is paired with a 1.5-litre engine that churns out 96bhp/122Nm. Combined output stands at 214bhp. There’s also a more powerful AWD configuration, which has a 201bhp/300Nm front motor, 161bhp/250Nm rear motor, and 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine that churns out 129bhp/220Nm, taking the combined output up to 339bhp.
The battery in both FWD and AWD configurations is offered in two sizes – 18.3kWh and 26.6kWh (BYD Blade LFP). Charge rates stand at 6.6kW (AC) and 18kW (DC). Both iterations support V2V and V2L reverse charging. Expect an official showcase in the final quarter of the current calendar year.
