New BYD Seal 6 DM-i  – The Future of Efficient Hybrid Driving.

New BYD Seal 6 DM-i  – The Future of Efficient Hybrid Driving.

Founded in February 1995, BYD is a high-tech company devoted to leveraging technological innovations for a better life. After more than 3 decades of high-speed growth, BYD has established over 30 industrial parks across 6 continents and has played a significant role in industries related to electronics, auto, renewable energy and rail transit. With a focus on energy acquisition, storage, and application, BYD offers comprehensive new energy solutions with zero-emissions. On a global scale, BYD has now overtaken Tesla to become the world’s biggest electric car maker.

BYD’s Signature Design Language.

The Chinese car manufacturer, arrived in Ireland in 2023, and has built up a solid reputation for producing well-priced electric vehicles which are good to drive and are packed with cutting-edge technology. Now, with the launch of its latest model, the SEAL 6 DM-i plug-in hybrid (PHEV), buyers have the option of a Saloon body style or an even more-practical Estate version. The SEAL 6 combines BYD’s signature design language with a practical, spacious cabin layout. The front features sleek, ocean-like lines and a sharper lower section that gives it a clean, dynamic look. The wave-inspired front grille gives the car a bold presence. The clean lines and flowing shape help the car move through the air smoothly, improving efficiency as you drive. A sculpted lower grille with chrome detailing and body-coloured accents complete the sophisticated look.

Intuitive, High-Quality Cabin.

Inside the cabin of the Seal 6, material quality is good with everything laid out intuitively, and there is enough visual interest going on to ensure the fascia of the Seal 6 doesn’t look boring. There is an ample amount of interior storagedotted around the cabin, and the vegan leather seat trim is supportive and comfortable. Rear passengers  have plenty of legroom space, with a flat floor right through the back of the cabin. Technology is represented by a dual-screen interface – all cars get an 8.8-inch full-LCD instrument panel, but the size of the central touchscreen varies according to trim; base cars make do with a 12.8-inch unit, while the flagship version upgrades to a 15.6-inch unit.  Boot space measures in at a respectable 491-litres with all seats in use, with up to 1370-litres on offer with the rear seats folded down.

Dual Mode with Intelligence (DM-i).

Both versions of the Seal 6 DM-i, (which stands for Dual Mode with intelligence) are front wheel-drive, with a CVT fitted to transmit power to the road.  Both versions come with a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that can deliver 98hp/122Nm, accompanied by a 145kW electric motor which can generate up to 300Nm. 

Two Trims, Two Bodystyles.

There are two trims available in the Seal 6 DM-I Saloon and Estate: an entry-level Boost trim, which is powered by a 145kW electric motor and Lithium-ion ‘Blade’ LFP battery with a usable 10.08kWh capacity. This provides an electric-only range of up to 55km, and has a total power output of 184hp and 300Nm of torque, but has no capability to charge via DC rapid methods. The Comfort trim increases the battery capacity to 19kWh, which almost doubles the electric range to 100km, and can be topped up at either 6.6kW on AC, or 26kW on a DC connection. A combined power output of 212hp, and 300Nm of torque, results in a 0-100km/h sprint time of 8.4 seconds, 0.4 seconds quicker than the Boost trim. The combined range achievable in Boost trim is up to 1505km for the Saloon, and up to 1350km for the Estate. Achievable range in Comfort trim is up to 1455km for the Saloon, and up to 1350km for the Estate – all of which are very impressive real-world figures. Standard equipment is generous on the base Seal 6 Boost model with LED Headlights, Intelligent High Beam Control, 17’ monochrome alloy wheels, 12.8” touchscreen, rear parking radars, rear camera, Smartphone Bluetooth key, Smartphone NFC key, keyless entry & start, vegan leather seats, vegan leather multi-function steering wheel, front & rear armrests with cupholders, intelligent voice control “Hi BYD”, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, and a 3.3kW on-board charger, along with many more comfort, convenience, safety and infotainment features. Key standard driving assistance systems include: Intelligent Driver Fatigue Management, Intelligent Speed Limit Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Brake, Intelligent Power Braking System, Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Collision Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Hydraulic Brake Assistant, Brake Override System, Blind Spot Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Intelligent Cruise Control, Hill Hold Control, and Vehicle Dynamics Control. With the top-spec Comfort trim you get 18” monochrome alloy wheels, front parking radars, a 360-degree camera, panoramic sunroof with an electrically-adjustable sunshade, exterior mirror footlights, heated steering wheel, heated & ventilated driver and front passenger seats, multi-colour ambient lighting (rhythm reactive), 15.6” touchscreen, 8-speaker sound-effect HiFi, and a 6.6kW on-board charger. There are just four exterior colours to choose from: Polar White (a no-cost option), Obsidian Black metallic, Atlantis Blue metallic, and Sandstone metallic, while interior colour options are Blue & Black, or Black & Grey.

Test Car Details.

My test car was a BYD Seal 6 DM-I Saloon in top-spec Comfort trim, and was finished in Obsidian Black metallic paint (a €1,100 cost option). Driving the Seal 6 DM-i is easy and relaxing. Much like the Seal U, the Seal 6 is designed for long-distance drivers who want to do their bit for the environment but whose high-mileage schedules make it difficult to own an EV. Unlike almost every other hybrid car in the class, the Seal 6’s powertrain has been wired to use its electric power slowly rather than in one go by default,  Visibility is really good too. You do notice that the rear window is narrow but seeing all around you at junctions is no trouble. On the road, this BYD’s acceleration is smooth and very EV-like. However, push the accelerator to the floor, and the engine will smoothly, and discreetly kick in. Driving modes available are EV, Hybrid, Sport, Normal and Eco. The only notable difference is when in Sport mode , as this sharpens the throttle response. Ride-wise the Seal 6 is firm but without the slightly brittle edge over rough surfaces while handling is accurate and flowing, with a tendency towards safe, predictable understeer at the limits.  There is also minimal body roll and the steering is nicely weighted, actually possessing quite a bit of feel.

Verdict, Price & Warranty.

The BYD SEAL 6 DM-i Saloon is one of the best plug-in hybrid saloons on the market presently – especially if affordability, comfort and everyday usability tops your priority list. With a spacious cabin, generous equipment levels, impressive range and excellent refinement, it feels every bit as modern as more established rivals. With BYD’s 6-year/150,000km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/250,000km battery warranty, a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty, and a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, the SEAL 6 DM-i is a very compelling option in the growing PHEV segment. Pricing starts from just €37,490 (ex-delivery & related charges).

Visit www.bydauto.ie for further details.