BYD Sealion 6 Plug-in Hybrid

Test Drive Review: BYD Sealion 6 DM-i (Pre-Launch Experience)

I had the chance to test drive the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i during their pre-launch sales event at BYD Alexandra on Sunday. BYD has clearly adjusted the specifications of the Sealion 6 DM-i to keep it competitively priced. Most of the omitted features are nice-to-haves rather than essentials. The more noticeable exclusions include: Head-Up Display (HUD), Parking Assist, Memory Seats, and downgraded tires and sound system. (Personally, I couldn't really tell the difference in sound quality, but both my wife and daughter felt that the systems in the Sealion 7 and Seal were noticeably better.)

Driving Experience

The overall driving feel is solid — composed, comfortable, and refined, without being overly floaty or dull. Cabin soundproofing is excellent, and on par with what you'd expect from higher-end luxury vehicles.

My only real gripe is with the steering. It felt far too light and disconnected, almost like a video game steering wheel — in fact, my PS5 steering wheel gives more feedback. Switching to Sport mode helps slightly with steering response, but it still felt numb to me.

Interior & Space

Cabin space is generous. Seating three adults in the back is comfortable, and if the passengers are smaller in size, you might even manage to squeeze four. Boot space is decent — about the same as what you'd get in a typical mid size SUV.

Performance

Acceleration is smooth and adequate. It's not a rocket off the line, but it moves from a standstill with ease and without drama. Engine noise is minimal, contributing to the premium and relaxing drive feel.

Braking performance is also impressive. Whether you set the regenerative braking to high or low, it doesn't have the abrupt, jerky feel that earlier EVs often struggled with (at least from what I remember).

Final Thoughts

The 10-year battery warranty and 10 years of free servicing make this an even more attractive package.

There is another PHEV SUV in the same price range that includes many of the features missing from the Sealion 6 — including a Sony sound system — but I'd still pick the Sealion 6 DM-i for its overall comfort, excellent noise insulation, refined suspension, and premium driving feel.

That said, if you're open to going fully electric, the BYD Sealion 7 is definitely worth a serious look.