Exterior view of the 2026 BYD Sealion 06 DM-i. Credit: BYD
- The 2026 Sealion 06 DM-i SUV starts at 129,900 yuan ($19,140), featuring a combined range of up to 1,845 kilometers.
- The model’s launch further expands BYD’s plug-in hybrid lineup and features an advanced smart driving system.
BYD (HKEX: 1211) officially launched the 2026 Sealion 06 DM-i on Tuesday, accelerating the lineup renewal of its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models.
The compact hybrid sport utility vehicle (SUV) comes in four variants, with official guide price ranging from 129,900 yuan ($19,140) to 159,900 yuan.
The 2026 Sealion 06 DM-i features multiple major upgrades in power, range, and smart driving. The powertrain is a core highlight of this annual revamp.
The new car is equipped with BYD’s latest fifth-generation Dual Mode (DM) hybrid technology. Adopting a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout, the drive motor’s maximum power has increased to 175 kilowatts (235 hp), up from its predecessor’s 160 kW.
The new model is powered by a 38-kilowatt-hour lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade Battery pack. Under CLTC conditions, its pure electric range can reach up to 310 kilometers.
Benefiting from the low energy consumption of the fifth-generation DM technology, the vehicle’s fuel consumption with a depleted battery is just 3.3 liters per 100 kilometers under NEDC conditions. With a full tank and full charge, its combined range reaches up to 1,845 kilometers.
Smart features are another highlight of the 2026 Sealion 06 DM-i. Consumers can opt to pay 12,000 yuan to install the LiDAR-equipped God’s Eye B assisted driving system.
This system uses sensor fusion, including LiDAR, to provide all-scenario driving functions such as City Navigation on Autopilot and Highway Navigation on Autopilot.
Inside the cabin, the new car features a 15.6-inch floating rotating center screen. It is equipped with a high-end smart cockpit system and deeply integrates Amap, a navigation app popular among local consumers.
To enhance ride comfort, the new model adds front seat massage functions and a power leg rest for the front passenger. A smart fragrance system is also introduced to the cabin for the first time.
In terms of exterior design, the 2026 Sealion 06 DM-i continues BYD’s family design language.
The new car comes standard with the DiSus-C intelligent damping body control system. This system adds a road preview function that can actively adjust the chassis suspension damping.
The vehicle also introduces an anti-motion sickness mode to alleviate passenger discomfort.
In terms of passive safety, the SUV is equipped with a high-speed tire blowout stabilization system.
When a tire blowout occurs at speeds up to 140 kilometers per hour, the system can achieve a millisecond-level response to maintain body stability, BYD said.
The launch of the 2026 Sealion 06 DM-i marks BYD’s continued push amid fierce competition. Following closely, the Song Ultra DM-i hybrid SUV will also hit the market on May 28.
The intensive release of these two plug-in hybrid models serves as a strong supplement to the company’s recent pure electric lineup updates.
BYD is attempting to maintain its competitive edge by trickling down advanced technologies to more models. The application of LiDAR and high-end smart driving systems shows its accelerated layout in vehicle intelligence.
The company will hold an intelligence strategy conference on May 28, where it is expected to announce new breakthroughs in the smart driving field.
BYD’s fleet of vehicles equipped with assisted driving has surpassed 2.99 million, generating over 190 million kilometers of driving data daily.
($1 = 6.7863 yuan)
