The BYD SEALION 6 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) has been awarded a five-star safety rating from ANCAP. This rating applies to all PHEV variants sold in Australia and New Zealand. The SEALION 6's safety rating is based on the battery-electric SEAL-U variant available in Europe, with additional tests performed on the SEALION 6 PHEV model.

The SEALION 6 demonstrated strong crash protection. It provided Good protection for critical body areas in the frontal offset test, with Adequate protection for the driver's lower legs. A 3.82-point penalty was applied due to moderate risk posed to oncoming vehicles in vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility tests.

In the full-width frontal test, the rear passenger received maximum protection points, while Adequate chest protection was noted for the driver. In the oblique pole test, the driver’s head, abdomen, and pelvis were well-protected, though chest protection was rated as Adequate.

The SEALION 6 is available in two models: Dynamic and Premium. The Dynamic model, priced at $48,990 before on-road costs, features a 1.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine and a single electric motor producing 160kW/300Nm.

The Premium model, priced at $52,990, adds all-wheel drive and features a turbocharged engine with a second electric motor, delivering 238kW/550Nm. Both variants come with an 18.3kWh battery, providing an electric-only range of 92km for the Dynamic and 81km for the Premium, according to NEDC testing.

Fuel consumption is reported at 1.1L/100km for the Dynamic and 1.4L/100km for the Premium. Both models are fitted with vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities, allowing external devices to be powered by the vehicle’s battery. In terms of acceleration, the Dynamic model achieves 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds, while the Premium model does it in 5.9 seconds.

Safety features include seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view monitor. The SEALION 6's AEB system demonstrated Good performance in detecting pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists in forward scenarios, though its performance in reverse was rated as Marginal.

Standard equipment across both variants includes 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, heated and ventilated front seats, and a 15.6-inch rotating infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Premium model also features all-wheel drive, a head-up display, and additional terrain modes for mud and sand. The SEALION 6 is available in five colours, including Arctic White and Azure Blue.

“The BYD stable continues to offer high levels of safety to its customers, with the SEALION 6 now joining the DOLPHIN, SEAL, and ATTO 3 as five-star vehicles,” said ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg.