BYD Sealion 6 PHEV Hybrid SUV With DM i Tech Launching On 9th June
The Chinese automaker BYD will soon become the first automaker in India to offer a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle in the country. It has been reported that the company is gearing up for the launch of the all-new Sealion 6 DM-i in the Indian market on June 9, 2026. The Sealion 6 will come with BYD's globally popular DM-i Super Plug-in Hybrid technology. In the last few days, the company has started sharing teasers of this upcoming plug-in hybrid SUV.
It has to be noted that BYD, at the moment, has not officially mentioned the Sealion 6 in the teaser. However, recent spy shots, Auto Expo appearances, and market positioning suggest that it will most likely be the Sealion 6 DM-i. Over the last few months, the Sealion 6 PHEV has already been spotted testing undisguised on Indian roads multiple times.
BYD had also showcased the SUV at Auto Expo 2025 to gauge customer response. The Sealion 6 shares its design language with its sibling, the Sealion 7 EV, which is currently an established electric SUV in the premium EV segment in India. Coming back to the Sealion 6, internationally, it is also sold as the Song Plus and Seal U in some markets.
The biggest highlight of the soon-to-be-launched Sealion 6 is BYD’s DM-i hybrid technology. DM-i stands for “Dual Mode - intelligent”. It has been designed to offer an EV-first driving experience, but it still retains the convenience of a petrol engine. The system combines BYD’s Blade Battery and the highly efficient petrol engine, which is called Xiaoyn.
It also consists of an advanced electric hybrid setup of electric motors, controller, electronics, and intelligent energy management systems. Under normal driving conditions, the battery powers the electric motor, and the SUV functions similarly to a pure EV. This helps in reducing fuel consumption and delivers smooth and silent performance.
After which, once the battery charge drops, the petrol engine automatically starts generating electricity. Meanwhile, the electric motor continues driving the wheels. At higher speeds, the petrol engine can directly power the wheels as well, with the electric motor offering additional assistance whenever needed.
This setup allows the Sealion 6 to deliver impressive efficiency and extremely long driving range figures. Internationally, BYD already uses its DM-i technology across many other vehicles, which include the Seal, Song Plus, Qin Plus, Han, Tang, Destroyer 05, and Seal 06.
Now, coming to the powertrain specifications of the BYD Sealion 6, in the global markets, it is offered with both naturally aspirated and turbo-petrol engine options. The SUV gets a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and a more powerful 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. As for the battery pack options, it is offered with 18.3kWh and 26.6kWh units.
The naturally aspirated PHEV setup comes with a front-wheel-drive layout and produces a combined output of 218 bhp. And this version offers a pure-electric driving range of up to 140km. Meanwhile, the turbo-petrol version comes offered with an all-wheel-drive system and makes up to 344 bhp. This variant offers an electric-only driving range of up to 128km. One of the biggest highlights of the Sealion 6 DM-i is its claimed combined driving range of 1,092km.
The Sealion 6 DM-i is expected to come loaded with premium features and advanced technology. These will include a rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, fully digital instrument cluster, connected car technology, ADAS suite, and premium cabin materials.
BYD is expected to price the Sealion 6 DM-i in the Rs 45 to 50 lakh range. At this price point, the SUV will be taking on rivals including the Toyota Fortuner, Volkswagen Tayron, MG Majestor, Skoda Kodiaq, and others. As for the plug-in hybrid rivals, soon it will be facing the upcoming MG 520 and the JSW Motors Jetour T2 plug-in hybrid SUV.