BYD India Confirms Sealion6 Plug-In Hybrid SUV: Launch Later This Year
The Chinese automotive giant BYD has now officially confirmed that its first plug-in hybrid SUV, the Seal U which is also called the Sealion 6, will be launched later this year in India. What makes this SUV special is that it features the globally popular DM-i hybrid technology and it has recently been showcased by the brand.
The biggest highlight of the upcoming BYD Seal U (It is called Sealion 6 in some markets) is its DM-i, or Dual Mode Intelligent, plug-in hybrid technology. Presently, most standard strong hybrid vehicles which are on sale in India have the petrol engine as the base, and it plays the primary role in the powertrain. However, the BYD DM-i system follows an electric-first philosophy.
Basically, the electric motor handles most of the driving duties, especially in city conditions. Meanwhile, the petrol engine mainly acts as a generator, which charges the battery whenever required. And when driving at higher speeds on highways, the petrol engine can also directly power the wheels. The engine also continues helping recharge the battery pack.
Another major highlight of the Sealion 6 is that it is a plug-in hybrid. This means that the owners can also charge the battery externally by using a wall box charger or commercial DC fast charger. So, for daily city commutes, many users can drive mostly on electric power. And they still have the flexibility of a petrol engine for long-distance journeys.
Now let's talk about the styling of the upcoming BYD Seal U. It will boast a very futuristic SUV design with a number of modern BYD styling elements. In terms of the dimensions, it will measure 4,775 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, and 1,670 mm in height. As for the wheelbase, it will be 2,765 mm.
At the front, the SUV will feature a set of sleek LED headlamps with integrated LED DRLs. The bumper will also offer a sporty design and house parking sensors and cameras. Moving to the side profile, BYD will offer the Seal U with standard pull-type door handles. It will also get 19-inch stylish diamond-cut alloy wheels.
As for the rear, the SUV will features conected LED tail lamps with a full-width LED light bar. There will also be an integrated roof spoiler, which adds a sporty touch to the overall design.
On the inside, the Seal U will boast a premium cabin with a dual-tone colour scheme. Buyers will be able to choose between tan and black or off-white and black interior themes. The dashboard and centre console get silver trim elements along with soft-touch materials.
The SUV will come equipped with leatherette upholstery and a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel. One of the biggest highlights will be the large 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system. It will also come equipped with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster.
Other notable highlights will include a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, a premium 10-speaker sound system, wireless connectivity features, and a 360-degree camera system. Front and rear parking sensors along with several connected car functions, seven airbags as standard and an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite will also be offered.
The BYD Seal U in India will be offered with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which will comes paired with the DM-i hybrid system including two electric motors and BYD's Blade battery pack. With this system, the SUV will offer a combined range of 1,200 km and an electric only range of 200 km. The SUV will be mainly powered by electric motors. However, once the battery reaches 25 percent, the engine will kick in.
The BYD Seal U in India will now be competing with premium SUVs, including the Toyota Fortuner, Jeep Meridian, Volkswagen Tayron, and Skoda Kodiaq. However, what makes the Sealion 6 unique is its plug-in hybrid technology, which combines the benefits of both electric and petrol-powered vehicles.