The BYD Sealion 6 PHEV is the most affordable plug-in hybrid electric family car (medium SUV) currently available in South Africa’s new-vehicle market. We review it.
In this in-depth video review, Ciro De Siena gets behind the wheel of the BYD Sealion 6 to find out if its combination of price and performance truly makes it the local market’s best-value plug-in hybrid SUV.
See also: BYD Dolphin review – Is this SA’s Best-Value EV?
BYD’s ‘Ocean’ Strategy & NEV Jargon
BYD is rapidly becoming a global titan. Since the Chinese new-energy vehicle brand arrived in Mzansi, it has rolled out a comprehensive product line-up based on its “Ocean” nomenclature – the BYD Sealion 6 was one of its first launches. BYD is set to introduce up to 14 new products over the next 2 years.
For local buyers, the arrival of these vehicles necessitates a brief primer on the jargon:
- ICE (Internal Combustion Engine): The traditional petrol- or diesel-engined car.
- HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle): A self-charging hybrid with a small battery (e.g., Toyota Corolla Cross). These systems excel in low-speed urban environments.
- PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle): The focus of this review. It features a larger battery and electric motor, allowing for a significantly longer electric-only driving range (BYD Sealion 6).
- BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle): A fully electric car (such as the BYD Sealion 7 coupe-styled medium SUV, Dolphin small crossover, and Dolphin Surf city car).
See also: BYD Dolphin Surf (2025) Launch Review
The BYD Sealion 6, as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), is designed to offer the best of both worlds: zero-emission commuting combined with the peace of mind of a petrol engine for long journeys.
See also: Jaecoo J7 PHEV review
Disruptive Pricing & Blade Battery Advantage
The most significant factor positioning the BYD Sealion 6 as a market contender is its price. Starting at R639 000 (November 2025), it immediately undercuts key rivals and remains, critically, the most affordable (new) PHEV currently available in South Africa. This aggressive positioning is no accident.
BYD’s ability to achieve this price is rooted in its unique structure. The company manufactures its own batteries, most notably the advanced Blade Battery, which is integrated into the BYD Sealion 6’s structure, enhancing safety and rigidity. This vertical integration significantly reduces production costs.
The BYD Sealion 6 is equipped with an 18 kWh battery, which allows for an electric-only driving range of up to 80 km. For many South African commuters whose daily travel falls within this range, the vehicle has the potential to function as a pure EV for most of the week without consuming a drop of petrol.
See also: Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV review
Powertrain & Real-World Efficiency
Unlike HEVs, which can struggle with fuel consumption on the open road, the PHEV system is designed to perform efficiently across all driving conditions. The BYD Sealion 6 is powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine working in conjunction with its electric motor.
The front-wheel-drive version, which Ciro tests, produces a healthy 160 kW and 300 Nm of torque. A more powerful all-wheel-drive Premium version is also available. During real-world mixed urban and highway driving, the test car averaged a consumption figure of 5.2 L/100 km.
When the battery is consistently charged, which can be done in under an hour with a 22 kW AC home charger, that figure can drop to effectively zero for short to medium trips.
See also: Omoda C9 PHEV (2025) Review
Interior Excellence and Practical Tech
Stepping into the BYD Sealion 6, the interior is arguably one of the most surprising elements of the car. The cabin quality feels exceptionally premium, challenging the fit and finish of many legacy European brands in this price bracket.
The centrepiece is the sizeable (15.6-inch) touchscreen infotainment system, which can famously be rotated between portrait and landscape modes – it’s a party trick of several BYD models. Ciro notes that the software interface and large, responsive icons make the BYD system quite intuitive to use.
Practical features abound:
- An NFC key reader allows for unlocking the car via a smartphone app.
- The centre console includes 2 wireless charging pads.
- The automatic transmission’s selector features a crystal-like “Wilson toffee” knob.
- The cabin is packed with a full suite of modern safety systems, including active cruise control and lane-keeping assistance.
Is the BYD Sealion 6 practical?
A high point in the practicality assessment of the BYD Sealion 6 is the rear seat comfort. Ciro describes the plush, supportive rear bench as among the most comfortable he’s experienced in the segment, complemented by adjustable backrest angles and generous head and legroom for adults.
For family use, the BYD Sealion 6 offers 425 litres of luggage space with the rear seats up. Local buyers should note the absence of a full-size spare wheel, replaced by a tyre compressor and repair sealant.
How much does the BYD Sealion 6 cost in South Africa?
| DERIVATIVE | PRICE |
| Sealion 6 Comfort | R639 900 |
| Sealion 6 Dynamic | R689 900 |
| Sealion 6 Premium AWD | R789 900 |
Prices (correct in November 2025) include a 5-year/100 000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/150 000 km battery warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan (the latter includes wear-and-tear items).
New BYD Sealion 6 Specs & Prices in South Africa
Find a new/used BYD Sealion 6 listed for sale on Cars.co.za
Some dealerships regularly offer great deals. See our New Car Specials!
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Summary
When the Sealion 6 arrived with a R639 900 price tag, it was a reset for the local NEV segment. The BYD delivers a premium experience, excellent efficiency, and impressive tech at an undeniably aggressive price point that no other current plug-in hybrid electric family car (in November 2025) can match.
The question for the segment is not whether the Sealion 6 is good, but how its rivals can raise their game in response. Watch the full video below to see Ciro’s final thoughts, comparisons against its rivals, and determine if the BYD Sealion 6 truly is South Africa’s best value plug-in hybrid SUV.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the primary selling point of the BYD Sealion 6 in the South African market?
A: The Sealion 6 is currently the most affordable (new) plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) available in South Africa, starting at R639 900 (November 2025).
Q: What is the electric-only driving range of the Sealion 6 PHEV?
A: The vehicle is equipped with an 18 kWh Blade Battery, which allows for an electric-only driving range of up to 80 km.
Q: What are the combined power and torque outputs of the front-wheel-drive version?
A: The front-wheel-drive version produces a healthy 160 kW of power and 300 Nm of torque from its hybrid system.
Q: What is the warranty package included with the BYD Sealion 6?
A: The price includes a 5-year/100 000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/150 000 km battery warranty, and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan (which includes wear-and-tear items).
