It has 1,505 kilometers of range, ZERO label, and for 37,000 euros it's the PHEV you need to buy
BYD has realized that it can sell more plug-in hybrids than electric cars. In fact, it already does. The Chinese are increasing their hybrid offering with a very interesting model that we have to recommend to you.
BYD is no longer that unknown brand from three years ago. In less than five years, the Chinese have managed to position themselves as one of the brands with the best projection in the demanding European market. Despite having an increasingly greater reputation today, the last 36 months have been filled with ups and downs. Their first option was to succeed with electric cars. Now they have realized that they also need plug-in hybrids. Europe is not very clear about what it wants, but BYD has solutions for everything.
BYD is the largest manufacturer of New Energy Vehicles (NEV). This means they are the largest manufacturers of plug-in cars, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles. Almost 6 out of 10 cars they sell worldwide have a plug, but also a combustion engine. The Seal U DM-i was the first of their PHEVs to be available in Europe. In just one year, it has become the brand's most popular model on the continent. European drivers demand more and more plug-in hybrids that do not make them depend on a plug.
The second has just arrived in Spain and on paper has many arguments to succeed. It is the BYD Seal 6 DM-i, and putting aside the jumble of names that the Chinese have, it is a very well-thought-out bet. The segment of European sedans is no longer what it used to be, but the data shows that they still have great potential in some specific segments. Company fleets and car rental companies still buy many sedans. Also private drivers, although in much lower volumes.
If we take a look at the segment of mid-size sedans (segment D), we will discover, not without some astonishment, that there are fewer and fewer options available. Most mainstream brands have fled from the category. It is a predominantly premium market, until now. BYD presents us with a very interesting formula with not one, but two Seal 6 plug-in hybrids. A classic three-volume sedan and a station wagon with great load capacity (Touring).
Both measure exactly the same: 4.84 meters long and 2.79 meters between axles. It is an ideal size to become the only car for a family of up to five members. It is not excessively large to be cumbersome in day-to-day life and is large enough to travel comfortably in it. Obviously, we do not forget about its load capacity. The Seal 6 Touring offers a minimum volume of 500 liters, the sedan has 491 liters, although its loading mouth is a bit narrow.
Upon opening its doors, the Seal 6 welcomes us with materials of pleasant perceived quality and excellent touch. It has nothing to envy the production quality of this BYD compared to any other mainstream product made in Europe. Its biggest rival is possibly the Volkswagen Passat, and believe me when I say that the Chinese has nothing to envy. Everything is well composed, solid, and shows no visual flaws. The Chinese, taught by Europeans, have quickly learned to make good cars.
The equipment is also not a drawback. BYD structures its range of finishes around three different versions: Boost, Comfort Lite, and Comfort. It offers a wide range of systems as standard, such as digital instrumentation and a 12.8-inch central touchscreen. In the higher trims, it adds elements like a 360-degree parking camera, heated front seats, panoramic roof, a 15.6-inch central screen, and the most complete safety and driving assistance package. Much more than the average person might need.
The other reason for its expected success can be found under the hood. The electric motor is replaced by a wide-range plug-in hybrid scheme. A gasoline engine combined with another electric one to offer between 184 and 212 horsepower. The electric range varies between 50 and 105 kilometers (WLTP cycle). Unlike pure electric vehicles, the Seal 6 DM-i does not depend on a plug to keep functioning, although its performance is indeed affected by the presence or absence of electrons in the battery.
When the battery runs out of energy, the 98-horsepower combustion engine is left alone to continue propelling this sedan weighing more than 1,700 kilograms. In no case are the performance dazzling. What does catch attention is its range. BYD claims it can achieve 1,505 kilometers without running out of gasoline and battery. Thanks in part to the up to 100 kilometers of electric range it claims, but mainly to a 65-liter gasoline tank. Actual consumption varies greatly depending on the type of driving, battery charge, and trunk load.
Despite the constraints, the BYD Seal 6 DM-i is capable of covering more than 1,100 real kilometers without any problem. An excellent measure and far superior to any electric vehicle. The added advantage is that it enjoys the same environmental label; ZERO. The best label granted by the DGT allows it to move freely through the increasingly common ZBE (Low Emission Zones). It also does not have to pay for surface parking in some large cities like Madrid, for example.
A little higher up, I mentioned that the Passat PHEV is possibly its biggest rival. If we look at the price list of the German, we will discover that the cheapest of all costs a whopping 54,995 euros, without offers or discounts. If we do the same in the BYD price list, we will find that the lowest figure is 37,000 euros (38,500 euros for the Touring body). This means that in the best case, the Seal 6 is 18,000 euros cheaper than the German. 16,500 euros less if we match the family bodies. Not counting the up to 5,000 euros in aid from the MOVES III Plan.
* This news is an AI translation of the original content. Motenic.com is part of Motor.es.