BYD looks to be readying a new variant of the Sealion 6 SUV that could boost its electric driving range rating well beyond 100km.
Family Cars
A new ultra-long-range version of the 2025 BYD Sealion 6 plug-in hybrid family SUV appears to be around the corner, capable of more than 100km in electric power on one charge.
Australian government homologation documents list a new Sealion 6 'Extended Range Dynamic' variant, which is 53kg heavier than the existing front-wheel-drive model approved for sale locally.
It – and the name – suggest BYD is preparing to introduce a larger 26.6kWh battery pack to the Sealion 6 range, up from 18.3kWh in existing models, to travel further on electric and hybrid power.
Such a model is already on sale in the UK, with driving range ratings of 126km in electric mode and 1127km as a hybrid.
Those figures are up from 80km, and 1080km respectively from the existing 18.3kWh front-wheel-drive grade – lower than Australian metrics as they are derived from more stringent WLTP lab-test protocols than the NEDC standard used locally.
Under NEDC testing, it would suggest an electric range of more than 140km for the Sealion 6 Extended Range, which is expected to share the regular Essential's single front electric motor and 1.5-litre non-turbo petrol engine for 160kW/300Nm outputs.
It is close to, but not a match for, the 180km claim of Australia's longest electric-range plug-in hybrid vehicle, the GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV.
BYD is yet to formally confirm plans for the Sealion 6 Extended Range, but its presence on the government database on which it was spotted is a strong indicator it is close to showrooms.
Prices are yet to be confirmed. The current Sealion 6 Essential front-wheel drive starts from $42,990 plus on-road costs, rising to $52,990 plus on-roads for the all-wheel-drive Premium.
The new grade is listed under the 'Extended Range Dynamic' badge in the documents, even though the regular Dynamic variant introduced in 2024 was superseded by the Essential earlier this year.
It suggests the new, longer-range model could re-introduce the Dynamic badge, and slot between the Essential and Premium with a price to suit.
It could mean the addition of features removed to turn the front-drive Dynamic into the Premium, including a larger 15.6-inch touchscreen, premium audio, heated and ventilated seats, front parking sensors, and a wireless phone charger.
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Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
