The Chinese automotive giant BYD is expanding its model range in Australia, with the mid-size sedan and wagon, Seal 6, set to join the lineup. The Seal 6 has appeared in Australian Government approval documents, indicating its imminent launch. The vehicle will be available in four variants, including two sedans and two Touring wagons, all featuring plug-in hybrid power. The entry-level models will have a 70kW 1.5-litre engine and a 120kW electric motor, producing a total system output of 130kW, while the top-spec versions will have a more powerful 160kW electric motor and a larger battery, boosting total output to 163kW.
The Seal 6 will have a braked towing capacity of 750kg and will be available with either 17- or 18-inch wheels. While battery capacity is not specified in the documents, the UK version of the Seal 6 offers a choice of 10.08kWh and 19kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, with the latter supporting 26kW DC fast-charging. The Seal 6 sedan measures 4840mm long, 1875mm wide, and 1495mm tall, while the Seal 6 Touring wagon has the same length and width but is 10mm taller.
Inside, the Seal 6 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, and available features such as heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, and wireless phone charger. The Seal 6 will have essentially no direct competition in Australia, positioning itself between smaller and larger vehicles in the market.
BYD already has a presence in the Australian market with its all-electric Seal sedan, but the Seal 6 will offer a wagon option and plug-in hybrid power. The brand is aggressively expanding its range in Australia, with the goal of becoming one of the top three automotive brands in the country this year, up from eighth place last year. The Seal 6 is part of a broader rollout of new vehicles, including the Atto 1 small EV and the plug-in hybrid Sealion 8 large SUV. With its growing range and competitive offerings, BYD is poised to make a significant impact in the Australian market.