BYD Sealion 6 DM-i launched in Thailand; Will it come to Malaysia?

KUALA LUMPUR: BYD has expanded its lineup in Thailand with the launch of an all-new plug-in hybrid SUV, the Sealion 6 DM-i. This is BYD’s first PHEV model in the ASEAN region, sold as the Song Plus DM-i in China.

As the title suggests, the vehicle is powered by BYD DM-i Super Hybrid Technology which promises to “deliver exceptional performance and a superior driving experience to Thai consumers. It offers seamless switching between all-electric and hybrid modes resulting in ultra-low fuel consumption as well as a more comfortable driving experience.

The setup combines a front-wheel drive electric motor and a Xiao Yun 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine. The motor generates a maximum power of 197 PS and a peak torque of 300 Nm while the engine is tuned to make 98 PS and 122 Nm. Together, the setup delivers a total system output of 218 PS and 300 Nm, enabling the SUV to hit the century sprint in 8.5 seconds.

Also part of the plug-in system is an 18.3 kWh BYD Blade battery that offers an all-electric range of 92 km on a single charge. The latter is taken care of by an 18 kW DC fast charging, juicing up the battery from 30 to 80% in just 35 minutes. 

Based on BYD e-Platform 3.0 architecture, the 5-seater BYD Sealion 6 DM-i measures 4,775 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, and 1,670 mm in height. The wheelbase is measured at 2,765 mm.

The Sealion 6 DM-i belongs to the BYD Ocean series and features a sleek front grille, LED headlights, LED DRLs, LED tail lights, and tear-drop-shaped turn signals. Accentuating the side profile are aluminium sill decoration and 19-inch alloy wheels featuring a premium sport design.

The two-tone cabin of the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i boasts black-brown faux leather upholstery, a multifunctional steering wheel, a unique air-vent design and a crystal shifter. Equipment kit includes - a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 12.8-inch rotating infotainment unit mated to nine speakers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable seats, dual Qi wireless charging pads, and panoramic glass sunroof.

The new BYD plug-in hybrid is also packed with several safety bits such as six airbags, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, front and rear cross traffic alert, lane centring assist, traffic sign recognition, automatic high beam, and a 360-degree camera system.

The all-new BYD Sealion 6 DM-i is priced at THB 939,900 (approx RM 119k). It comes with an 8-year or 160,000 km (whichever comes first) battery warranty. 

Will the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i come to Malaysia?

The BYD Sealion 6 DM-i is likely to come to Malaysia given the fact that it is an exclusive plug-in hybrid model for right-hand-drive markets.

Also read: 2025 BYD Seal debuts in China, check out what’s new