2024 BYD Sealion 6 Dynamic Review

It's an SUV, it's an electric, it has its own engine, it's the vibe?

First impression

As Melbourne baked under a sweltering 39-degree heatwave, I stepped into BYD's Sealion 6, the brand's best-selling SUV and a bold newcomer to Australia's electric vehicle market. With no prior experience driving a BYD, I didn't know what to expect—but the first impression was surprisingly refined.

The moment I shut the driver's door, its solid thunk exuded quality, momentarily silencing the chaotic buzz of Clayton's Princes Highway. Inside, the Sealion's cabin struck a balance between modern tech and subtle luxury. The sporty two-tone seats, upholstered in smooth, high-quality materials, wouldn't look out of place in a car twice its price. The rotating central touchscreen, BYD's centerpiece, immediately demanded attention—quirky yet intuitive, it felt like a blend of futuristic ambition and practical design.

The 4:34 PM clock on the dash reminded me that Melbourne's infamous suburban evening traffic wasn't going to wait. After locating the start button on the center console and pressing it, the Sealion's interior came to life. Customizable ambient lighting cast a soft glow, and a digital chime replaced the traditional combustion engine's growl. It was silent, smooth, and distinctly modern—a clear departure from the old-world charm of internal combustion engines.

Navigating the Sealion's touchscreen-based climate controls was my first challenge, a nod to how cars are increasingly becoming extensions of our smartphones. After a few taps and swipes, I dialed down the AC's eager blast and set off. The Sealion slid effortlessly into traffic, its electric motor delivering quiet confidence. First impressions? BYD has crafted an SUV that feels at home in a luxury showroom, yet remains approachable and grounded—a compelling introduction for Australian buyers.

How does BYD Sealion 6 feel to drive?

The BYD Sealion 6 delivers a surprisingly refined driving experience, blending comfort and capability in ways that exceed expectations for its price range. From the moment you press the accelerator, the Sealion's EV mode impresses with its quiet operation and ample torque. Whether darting off the line in city traffic or executing highway overtakes, the Sealion never feels underpowered—its drivetrain provides more than enough confidence for an SUV of this size.

Interestingly, the 1.5-liter gasoline engine stayed dormant throughout my test drives, a departure from conventional hybrids like the Toyota RAV4 or Camry, where the engine frequently kicks in to supplement battery power.

On Melbourne's notoriously 'Rough Surface' roads, the Sealion's suspension proves itself very capable. Despite the lack of adaptive dampers while having 19-inch wheels on the Dynamic trim, the ride quality is surprisingly composed, soaking up bumps without feeling overly stiff. The plush, two-tone sport seats add to the comfort, making longer drives a pleasure.

Noise isolation is another area where the Sealion shines. Road and traffic noise are kept at bay, and the Infinity audio system delivers respectable sound quality, further enhancing the serene cabin experience. This level of refinement positions the Sealion competitively against prestige brands costing significantly more.

If there's a downside, it's the steering feel. Like most SUVs in this price range, the Sealion prioritizes ease of use over engagement, resulting in a somewhat light and artificial feel. That said, the steering weights up appropriately at higher speeds, adding a sense of stability and control during highway driving.

The BYD Sealion 6 also falls short when it comes to one-pedal driving, a characteristic seen across much of BYD's lineup. Its less aggressive regenerative braking offers a more familiar feel for drivers transitioning from traditional automatic cars. However, even at its highest regen setting, the Sealion 6 doesn't fully deliver the true one-pedal driving experience EV enthusiasts might expect.

Overall, the Sealion 6 strikes an impressive balance of comfort, capability, and refinement. It may not cater to driving enthusiasts seeking razor-sharp feedback, but it excels in delivering a smooth and enjoyable ride—perfectly suited to its target audience.

BYD Sealion 6 Interior

The BYD Sealion 6 offers a refreshingly conventional interior design compared to its full EV siblings, the Atto 3 and Seal. Soft leatherette materials and piano-black accents dominate the dashboard, creating a cabin that feels both upscale and inviting. While the glossy surfaces enhance its premium appeal, they may require frequent upkeep to maintain their pristine look.

Practicality is another strong suit. The Sealion 6 provides ample storage options, from generously sized door pockets to a center console equipped with cup holders. A thoughtful touch is the hidden shelf beneath the transmission panel, complete with USB charging slots. For tech-savvy drivers, dual wireless charging pads sit conveniently under the air vents, ensuring both driver and passenger can keep their devices powered without any arguments.

Even in the base Dynamic trim, the Sealion 6 comes equipped with an expansive panoramic sunroof, a standout feature in this segment. The front panel operates like a traditional sunroof, while the rear extends fully to brighten the back seats—a rare inclusion at this price point. This commitment to value continues across the interior; there's little in terms of comfort or features that the Premium trim adds beyond a head-up display and an upgraded drivetrain with AWD. For most buyers, the Dynamic trim will feel like anything but “base.”

However, there are a few downsides worth noting. The rear hatch space is less accommodating than expected for an SUV, with intrusive pillars reducing storage capacity for larger luggage. Folding down the rear seats is also inconvenient—you'll need to open the passenger door and manually lower them, as the Sealion 6 lacks an automatic latch.

The infotainment system, while visually striking, could benefit from improved usability. Many options are buried within submenus, making it challenging to navigate. This becomes particularly frustrating when using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, as climate control settings are hidden, requiring users to exit their connected apps. For older or less tech-savvy users, this could be a significant drawback.

Adjusting the AC while driving presents another challenge. While the Sealion 6 offers gesture controls to tweak temperature and fan speed with a three-finger swipe, this feature is difficult to use safely when the vehicle is moving. A more intuitive and accessible solution would greatly enhance the overall experience. (Or BYD can also put physical dials!)

EV performance

The BYD Sealion 6 strikes a practical balance between electric efficiency and long-range capability, making it a versatile choice for drivers with varying needs. In EV mode, the Sealion 6 offers a range of 80-90 kilometers, which is more than sufficient for most daily commutes. On longer journeys, the 1.5-liter internal combustion engine (ICE) extends the car's range to an impressive 1,000 kilometers, ensuring that you can go the distance without frequent stops for refueling or charging.

Charging the Sealion 6 is hassle-free. Sealion 6 comes with EV charger that can be plugged straight into a standard powerpoint. With it you can expect up to 15km of range per hour (2.3kW) and you can fully recharge the battery overnight. This level of convenience makes it a great fit for those who live in apartment or unit where installing advanced chargers is more difficult if not impossible. Of course, higher level charging capability such as 7kw AC charger is also available.

However, the hybrid system does raise an important question: do you need a hybrid at all? For those eager to transition fully to EVs, the reliance on an ICE motor for extended range might feel somewhat redundant. On the other hand, for drivers skeptical about EVs or concerned about range anxiety, the hybrid setup offers a reassuring safety net. This duality could be seen as a downside or a selling point, depending on your perspective and ultimate needs.

From a practical standpoint, BYD has positioned the EV charging port on the driver's side and the petrol flap on the passenger's side. This is important to note if you're planning to install a charging port in your home, or even when you're just looking for charging station in your local shopping centre.

Verdict

The BYD Sealion 6 is a compelling option for those seeking a modern, versatile SUV that bridges the gap between traditional motoring and bleeding edge electric innovation. Its refined interior, quietness, equipped with thoughtful features like dual wireless chargers and a panoramic sunroof, offers a premium feel at a competitive price point.

On the road, the Sealion 6 impresses with its quiet and comfortable ride, particularly in EV mode, which provides enough range for daily commutes while maintaining the safety net of a 1.5-liter engine for longer journeys. Practical details, like ample storage and user-friendly charging options, enhance its everyday usability, although some design quirks, such as the limited cargo space and inconvenient rear seat folding, detract slightly from its family-friendly appeal and it's something that you have to judge in order to make decision.

That said, the Sealion 6 does come with a few compromises. The infotainment system, while striking, can be cumbersome to navigate, and the lack of a full one-pedal driving experience may disappoint EV enthusiasts. Additionally, its hybrid setup raises questions for buyers weighing the necessity of an ICE engine in an increasingly EV-focused market. Still, for those transitioning to electric vehicles or hesitant about range limitations, the Sealion 6 offers a reassuring middle ground with strong performance, a comfortable ride, and standout value in its class.