BYD Unveils Sealion 6 DM-i and Opens Pre-Orders… 37.5 Million Won

BYD Korea unveiled its first hybrid model, the BYD SEALION 6 DM-i, at the 2026 Busan Mobility Show Media Day held at BEXCO in Busan on the 26th, and began official pre-orders.

Since unveiling its first mass-produced PHEV model in 2008, BYD has verified the maturity of its hybrid technology over the past 18 years through sales of over 8 million units and cumulative driving distance exceeding 30 billion km. The newly unveiled BYD SEALION 6 DM-i is a core model in BYD’s global SUV lineup, with over 1.1 million units sold worldwide.

Key Specifications of DM-i, Built on the Philosophy of an Electric Vehicle-Based Hybrid

DM-i (Dual Mode-intelligent) is based on a differentiated philosophy of an ‘Electric-First Hybrid.’ While conventional hybrid vehicles focused on assisting the efficiency of the internal combustion engine, the BYD SEALION 6 DM-i delivers the performance and refinement of an electric vehicle while the internal combustion engine serves as a supplementary means focused on improving efficiency. It offers the freedom of mobility, operating like an EV for weekday commutes and enabling worry-free long-distance driving on weekends without the need for charging.

At the core are the self-designed Electric Hybrid System (EHS) dedicated to hybrids, the Xiaoyun high-efficiency engine, and the Blade Battery. The EHS, which serves as the brain of DM-i, features an electronically controlled e-CVT structure that delivers power smoothly without shift shock and minimizes drive loss. Depending on driving conditions, it enables pure electric motor drive, series hybrid, parallel hybrid, series-parallel hybrid, and engine-only drive, seamlessly transitioning between each driving mode.

The Xiaoyun 1.5-liter gasoline turbo engine in the BYD SEALION 6 DM-i is equipped with control software developed to meet domestic certification standards and driving environments. Based on this, it delivers maximum output of 96kW (130PS) and maximum torque of 220Nm. The motor, featuring hairpin winding technology and an oil cooling system, achieves efficiency of over 97% with high power density comparable to that of pure electric vehicles. This enables maximum output of 150kW (204PS) and maximum motor torque of 300Nm.

BYD’s core technology, the LFP-based Blade Battery, is also applied. Equipped with an 18.3kWh battery, it can travel up to 70km (single-charge driving distance, combined standard) in EV mode alone. It not only features V2L functionality, typically known as an EV-exclusive feature, but also supports power output of up to 3.3kW, ensuring convenience on par with electric vehicles. Additionally, DC fast charging at 18kW is supported, allowing charging from 30% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes.

Ocean Aesthetics and Space Designed for Families

The exterior of the BYD SEALION 6 DM-i, created by the design team led by Wolfgang Egger, BYD’s Global Design Director, was completed by reinterpreting ‘Ocean Aesthetics’ to suit the proportions and volume of an SUV. By harmoniously combining flowing lines with solid surface treatments, it emphasizes the future-oriented image unique to electrified SUVs while achieving a stable presence befitting a mid-size SUV.

The interior, based on space design that maximizes the advantages of the electrified platform, delivers the practicality and premium feel required of a family SUV. Both driver and passenger seats feature power adjustment, ventilation, and heating functions, while the rear seats also come with stitching finishes, heating, and seatback reclining functionality. The panoramic glass roof, with an area of 1.085m², provides occupants with an open, airy feel and a comfortable driving experience. Additionally, a power sunshade allows occupants to control the amount of sunlight as desired. Trunk capacity is 425 liters, expandable to 1,440 liters when the 60:40 split rear seats are folded down.

Convenience and Safety Features for Everyone

Convenience features tailored to domestic consumer preferences are also standard. Vehicle information can be intuitively checked through a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch intelligent cockpit system. Wireless software updates (OTA) are available via 4G connectivity and the cloud, and connectivity is enhanced with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A surround view monitor using a 360-degree camera is also included as standard.

The BYD SEALION 6 DM-i comes standard with safety features and driver assistance functions across all trims. Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), utilizing advanced radar sensors and cameras, provide a comfortable long-distance driving experience. Additional safety features include Blind Spot Assistance (BSA) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW). Furthermore, a total of seven airbags, from the driver’s seat to the rear seats, protect occupants in the event of a collision. Based on these features, the BYD SEALION 6 DM-i achieved top ratings in EURO NCAP safety tests, scoring 90% for adult occupant protection and 86% for child occupant protection.

The recommended retail price for the BYD SEALION 6 DM-i FWD is 37.5 million KRW. Through the SEALION 6 DM-i, BYD aims to allow domestic consumers to experience superior electrification technology and realize the brand’s vision of ‘popularizing electrification technology.’

More details on pre-orders for the BYD SEALION 6 DM-i can be found on the BYD Korea website and at official BYD showrooms nationwide.

Meanwhile, at the 2026 Busan Mobility Show, BYD Korea presented the future direction of its rapidly growing passenger vehicle division and its commercial division, which marks its 10th anniversary, under the concept of ‘The Power of Duality.’ In addition, events for visitors include ▲BYD passenger vehicle test drives ▲SNS follow events ▲on-site quiz events, and more.