BYD SEALION 06

Model Overview

The SEALION 06 is a mid-size SUV introduced by the BYD Ocean Series in July 2025, serving as the successor to the SONG PLUS. On 26 May 2026, the refreshed 2026 SEALION 06 DM-i was officially launched in four variants: 205 Pilot Edition, 205 Pilot Pro Edition, 310 Long Range Edition, and 310 Flagship Edition, with official pricing ranging between RM129,900 and RM159,900. As an annual model update, the 2026 SEALION 06 DM-i leverages BYD's 5th-generation DM technology to deliver notable gains in pure electric range and fuel efficiency, alongside comprehensive upgrades across intelligent tech, styling, cabin comfort, and driving dynamics. Positioned as a premium high-efficiency SUV that delivers "zero-fuel daily commutes on pure electric power and zero-anxiety long-distance touring", it primarily rivals plug-in hybrid SUVs within the same price bracket.

Design Language

The SEALION 06 carries over the signature family design language of the BYD Ocean Series. Up front, it features split-type LED headlamps paired with a closed front grille, complemented by polygonal air curtains and a lower trapezoidal intake for an athletic road stance. Down the sides, a floating roofline is paired with semi-flush door handles, creating sleek and rounded contours that balance modern styling with family-friendly practicality. The rear is dominated by full-width "interstellar loop" taillights with smoked lenses and a distinctive wave-like light signature that is instantly recognisable at night. For 2026, a new Glaze Silver (also known as Flowing Light Silver) exterior paint option has been added, alongside a new Twilight Blue interior colourway. In terms of dimensions, the SUV measures 4,810 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,675 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,820 mm. Inside, the cabin adopts a wrap-around layout with clean dashboard lines, continuous ambient lighting, and extensive soft-touch upholstery.

Powertrain and Performance

The entire 2026 SEALION 06 DM-i line-up is powered by BYD's 5th-generation DM plug-in hybrid system. The powertrain comprises a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 74 kW (approx. 101 PS) and 126 Nm of torque, paired with a front-mounted electric motor. Motor output is rated at 160 kW on the 205 km variants and raised to 175 kW on the 310 km variants. The 0-100 km/h sprint is dispatched in 7.5 to 7.9 seconds.

In terms of pure electric range, the SUV offers two CLTC-rated options: 205 km and 310 km. The 310 km variant is equipped with a 38 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade Battery, raising the pure electric benchmark for PHEV SUVs from the typical 100 km bracket straight into the 300 km territory. With a full tank of petrol and a full charge, total CLTC combined range reaches up to an impressive 1,845 km. Fuel consumption in depleted-battery mode is rated as low as 3.3 L/100 km under NEDC testing, and down to 4.65 L/100 km on the WLTC cycle. DC fast charging is supported at up to 74 kW, with a 6 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L / VTOL) reverse power supply feature fitted as standard.

Chassis and Handling

Chassis enhancements represent the headline upgrade for the 2026 SEALION 06 DM-i. The SUV comes equipped with the DiSus-C Intelligent Damping Body Control System, now featuring road-preview capability. Using forward-facing cameras, the system detects road irregularities like manhole covers and speed humps in advance, actively adjusting suspension damping within milliseconds. Suspension duties are handled by a front MacPherson strut and rear four-link independent setup. DiSus-C automatically switches to high-frequency, low-damping mode over uneven roads to filter vibrations, while stiffening up during high-speed cornering to deliver greater body support. Real-world testing shows that DiSus-C reduces emergency braking distances by 1.8 metres compared to conventional passive suspension setups. An anti-motion-sickness mode has also been added, harmonising chassis damping, power delivery, and cabin climate to alleviate passenger fatigue on long journeys.

Cabin and Equipment

On the infotainment front, the 2026 SEALION 06 DM-i is equipped with the upgraded DiLink 150 smart cockpit system, anchored by a 15.6-inch rotatable floating central touchscreen featuring an all-new UI and deeply customised AutoNavi navigation. Standard equipment across the range includes four-zone voice command recognition, 50W wireless smartphone charging, a panoramic glass roof, and a powered tailgate.

In terms of comfort features, the new model introduces front seat memory and massage functions, an electric leg rest for the front passenger, and an active smart fragrance system. Boot capacity is rated at 695 litres in standard configuration. Over 130 comfort and convenience features are fitted as standard across the entire range.

Safety and Driver Assistance

In terms of safety, the 2026 SEALION 06 DM-i is built with a high-strength body structure containing 76.6% high-tensile steel and comes equipped with seven airbags. It also features a High-Speed Tyre Blowout Stability Control (TSC) system, which provides millisecond-level intervention to maintain vehicle stability in the event of a blowout at speeds of up to 140 km/h.

For advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the vehicle offers the optional "God's Eye B" DiPilot 300 LiDAR-based driving assistance suite. This suite supports City Navigation On Autopilot (CNOA), Highway Navigation On Autopilot (HNOA), traffic light recognition with live countdown, interactive gap negotiation, and roundabout navigation. It is worth noting that God's Eye B is an optional extra rather than a standard feature. Meanwhile, the God's Eye C (DiPilot 100) tri-focal camera system fitted as standard on 2025 models continues to support Highway Navigation On Autopilot and full-scenario automated parking.

Market Performance and Reception

Since its launch in mid-2025, the SEALION 06 has rapidly grown into a core sales pillar for the BYD Ocean Series. The model achieved its 100,000th production roll-out in just 100 days, setting a new industry record as the fastest vehicle across all segments to reach the 100,000-unit milestone. By November 2025, the SEALION 06 recorded monthly sales of over 30,000 units for four consecutive months, taking cumulative deliveries past 130,000 units. In May 2026, monthly sales stood at 19,200 units—a 10.43% month-on-month increase—following an April 2026 delivery volume of 19,649 units that ranked it third overall on the national new energy vehicle sales leaderboard. Internationally, the SUV made its premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2025 and entered the Japanese market under the SEALION 6 nameplate, securing over 900 orders by April 2026.

Motoring media reviews highlight that by bringing flagship-tier tech—such as a 310 km electric range, DiSus-C adaptive damping, and the DiLink 150 cockpit—down to a starting price of RM129,900, BYD's "well-equipped from base" product strategy has raised the value benchmark in its segment. In the fiercely contested RM120,000 to RM160,000 PHEV SUV segment, the SEALION 06 delivers a compelling, high-quality family hybrid option backed by a well-rounded balance of electric range, low fuel consumption, smart tech, and refined ride comfort.