BYD launches a wagon variant of its PHEV sedan Seal 06 DM-i

The Chinese new energy vehicle giant has officially launched in China the Seal 06 DM-i Touring Edition, a station wagon variant of its plug-in hybrid sedan Seal 06 DM-i, available in three variants with starting prices of 109,800 yuan ($15,200) and the potential to become a model for overseas markets 

BYD has officially launched in China the Seal 06 DM-i Touring Edition, a station wagon variant of its plug-in hybrid sedan, further expanding its popular Seal family product lineup. In China, wagon-type vehicles are a niche market, as local consumers prefer conventional sedans and SUVs. Station wagons became interesting with the active development of the new energy vehicle segment in China. Thanks to a lower body and a sleek outline, NEV wagons are seemingly more efficient than crossovers, offering the same level of practicality. 

In the last five years, Chinese automakers launched a bunch of new energy station wagons. This list includes cars like Zeekr 001, Zeekr 007 GT, Nio ET5 Touring, Denza Z9 GT, Neta S, and other models. Interestingly, most of these cars reached European soil or are about to enter the European market. According to a source close to the Chinese company, BYD plans to bring the BYD Seal 06 DM-i wagon to European buyers, too. The Seal 06 DM-i wagon variant measures 4,850 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, and 1,505 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,790 mm, slightly larger than the regular Seal 06 DM-i sedan, which measures 4,830 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,495 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,790 mm. 

This wagon offers a 670-liter trunk. With the rear seats folded flat, this number increases to 1,535 L. The car also has a built-in refrigerator with a heating function. Moreover, the Seal 06 DM-i wagon supports the V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) function, acting like a power source. Its entry-level variant is powered by a 1.5L gasoline engine with an output of 74 kW (99 hp) paired with a 120-kW (161 hp) electric motor. This variant speeds up to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds. Its fuel consumption rate is 3.15 liters per 100 km. A FinDreams-made LFP 10.08-kWh battery powers this system, providing up to 80 km of EV range under CLTC conditions. 

The second powertrain variant has the same engine and a more powerful e-motor for 160 kW (215 hp). This power boost shortened the car’s zero-to-hundred acceleration to 7.7 seconds. It also adopts an LFP pack with a capacity of 18.71 kWh, suitable for 150 km of electric range (CLTC).  The battery could be charged from 30% to 80% in 25 minutes. However, the car’s fuel consumption is 4.25 liters per 100 km due to increased weight. Thanks to a 65-liter fuel tank, this PHEV can drive up to 2,000 km. 

The new station wagon comes standard with a 12.8-inch screen, an 8.8-inch LCD instrument cluster, six speakers, six airbags, LED headlights, and heated & ventilated front seats. The entry-level car also offers a DiPilot 100 (“God’s Eye C”) driver’s assistance system. It includes 12 cameras, 5 mm-wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic radars. The “100” number indicates the system’s computing power in trillion operations per second (TOPS). This system is capable of navigating on autopilot on highways. The top-trim BYD Seal 06 DM-i station wagon adopts a larger 15.6-inch screen, eight speakers, and seven airbags. Its biggest highlight is the DiSus-C damping body control system that enhances riding comfort with solenoid valves. The Seal 06 DM-i Touring Edition is available in three variants. Prices are as follows:

BYD Seal 06 DM-i wagon 80km Noble – 109,800 yuan ($15,320)

BYD Seal 06 DM-i wagon 150km Exclusive – 119,800 yuan ($16,720)

BYD Seal 06 DM-i wagon 150km Flagship – 129,800 yuan ($18,115)