BYD Cars PH launches Sealion 6 DM-i, priced at P1.548 million

BYD Cars Philippines has launched its latest entry into the new-energy compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment, the Sealion 6 DM-i.

Per the local wing of the Chinese car brand, the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i is aimed at “image-driven and premium-seeking individuals,” as well as car buyers in the market for a “tech-savvy C-SUV.” The nameplate is also targeting hybrid electric vehicle intenders, and is expected to cater to those looking to make the first step into electric mobility.

Hybrid powertrain

The BYD Sealion 6 DM-i is built on the marque’s Super Dual Mode-intelligent (DM-i) platform and uses a hybrid powertrain comprised of a permanent magnet synchronous motor that sends power to the front wheels, the company’s Blade battery with 13.8-kilowatt-hour capacity, and a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that acts as the system’s “range extender” or the battery’s generator.

It is able to put out some 214 horsepower with 325 Newton-meters of torque. Acceleration from a standstill to 100 kilometers per hour (kph) happens in about 8.3 seconds. Speed peaks at 170 kph.

The BYD Sealion 6 DM-i offers up to 105 kilometers (km) of emissions-free driving. With the range extender involved, the hybrid crossover can deliver a maximum range of 1,100 km.

Available are three drive modes (Economy, Normal, Sports) to help the compact SUV adapt to the needs of its would-be owners. It also has a terrain mode adjuster, which allows the person sitting behind the wheel to choose between Snowfield, Grit, and Grass.

Exterior

Outside, the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i wears the carmaker’s Ocean X Face Design. Notable are its double U-shaped suspension headlights with LED technology and a built-in crystal texture light belt, its 19-inch wheels (said to be inspired by surging waves), and its Ocean Starlight full-width taillamps.

BYD also fitted the hybrid compact SUV with acoustic front window panels and privacy-type rear windows as standard.

Exterior finishes customers can choose from include Azure Blue and Arctic White with Navy Blue and Gray interior as well as Harbor Gray with a Tan and Black-colored cabin, which offers a more premium look and feel.

Interior

Speaking of which, the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i gets a leather-wrapped multi-functional steering wheel, leather seats with ventilation and cooling functionalities, and leather interior trims with soft-touch panels.

Past the aforementioned steering wheel is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster complemented by a state-of-the-art rotating 15.6-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. For the added convenience of both the driver and the front passenger, the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i offers dual wireless charging docks that can deliver 15 watts of power.

Other notable interior features include its dual-zone automatic air conditioning system, its Infinity 10-speaker sound system, and its panoramic sunroof.

Safety

When it comes to safety, the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i gets a robust list of amenities, which include a slew of airbags and seatbelts, a traction control system, electronic stability control, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, and hill descent control, among others.

It also comes with the DiPilot advanced driver assist system, which adds technologies like a 360-degree view camera with “See-through” mode, a six-sensor radar system, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, lane departure assist, automatic emergency braking, front collision warning, traffic congestion assistance, and traffic sign recognition, to name a few.

To note, the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i also has an Near Field Communication feature, which allows its would-be owners to open the vehicle simply by tapping a card onto the side mirror.

Variants, pricing

The BYD Sealion 6 DM-i is launched in a single Advanced variant. It is priced at P1.548 million.

Not too long ago, the Ayala-led brand began accepting pre-orders for the compact SUV. It even shared photos of the preliminary volume of BYD Sealion 6 DM-i units that have already arrived in the country.

BYD Cars Philippines already delivered initial batches to its dealerships in Quezon Avenue, Makati, Bonifacio Global City, Cebu, and Davao, as well as to the other authorized BYD dealerships in the country.

“The BYD Sealion 6 with Super DM-i technology will change the local automotive landscape,” BYD Cars Philippines Managing Director Bob Palanca said in a press release.

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