BYD’s new Sea Lion 6, an innovative PHEV SUV, will arrive in Japan in December 2025!

Chinese automaker BYD plans to release the SEALION 6, a plug-in hybrid SUV equipped with the latest technology, in Japan in December 2025. This model is the younger brother of the EV model SEALION 7, and is attracting attention as a breath of fresh air in the plug-in hybrid vehicle market, where sales are growing worldwide.

Features of BYD SEALION 6

A fusion of advanced technology and sophisticated design

The SEALION 6 incorporates BYD’s latest design philosophy, “Ocean Design,” which combines maritime aesthetics with futuristic touches to create an attractive, eco-friendly PHEV SUV for families.

The exterior features a front fascia with slit-shaped air intakes, a powerfully styled bumper, and continuous taillights with a sophisticated water droplet matrix pattern. Stylish 19-inch wheels enhance the aesthetics of the SEALION 6 while reducing air resistance.

Compared to the EV model SEALION 7 , the SEALION 6 has a shorter overall length and an increased overall height, resulting in a more user-friendly interior space.

Related reading

BYD’s new EV “Sea Lion 7” mid-size SUV arrives in Japan! Unveiled at Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is accelerating its expansion into the Japanese market. BYD Auto Japan, the Japanese subsidiary of BYD, will unveil the Sea Lion 7, its fourth electric vehicle, on January 10, 2025.

Spacious and comfortable interior space

The interior is renowned for its attention to detail, including a floating centre console with dual-tiered storage compartment that combines practicality and elegance, a large 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen that acts as the central control hub for connectivity and infotainment, and a captivating crystal gear lever inspired by the beauty of the sea.

The front seats are equipped with ventilation and heating functions, the driver’s seat has eight-way power adjustment, and the passenger seat has four-way power adjustment. The rear seats have a flat floor and ample legroom, providing passengers with a comfortable and relaxing feeling even on long journeys. In addition, the large panoramic glass roof creates a sense of openness inside the vehicle.

Powerful and highly efficient plug-in hybrid system

The SEALION 6 uses a new generation plug-in hybrid powertrain called BYD Super DM Technology.

The car is available in a FWD model with a 1.5L naturally aspirated gasoline engine and a single motor, and an AWD model with a 1.5L turbo engine and dual motors. By increasing the engine’s thermal efficiency to 43.04% for the naturally aspirated engine and 40.12% for the turbo engine, it achieves excellent fuel economy.

The AWD model delivers a system output of 324hp and accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.9 seconds, allowing for powerful driving.

The battery uses BYD’s proprietary “Blade Battery,” a lithium phosphate battery that will not ignite or burst into flames even when subjected to a strong impact, such as a puncture, and has high energy density, making it both safe and highly functional.

Excellent fuel economy

The SEALION 6 achieves excellent fuel economy thanks to its latest plug-in hybrid system.

The FWD model achieves a fuel efficiency of approximately 91km/L when the battery level is between 25% and 100%, and approximately 20.8km/L even when the battery level is below 25%. Daily driving can be covered by the charged power, making for economical driving.

Advanced safety features

The SEALION 6 is equipped with BYD’s latest safety features, including the Navigation Pilot system that assists driving within the same lane, the Blind Spot Information system that supports blind spots, and the Automatic Emergency Braking System, all of which come as standard, ensuring a high level of safety.

In addition, advanced driver assistance systems such as Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Rear Cross Traffic Brake (RCTB) support the driver in driving safely.

Attractive pricing

The SEALION 6 is priced from approximately 4.5 million yen in Australia, which is more than 1 million yen cheaper than rival PHEV models with a similar body size, making it easier to compare with regular hybrid vehicles.

Extensive connectivity

The SEALION 6 features a large 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen with standard navigation and a variety of apps, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 4G connectivity system combines advanced infotainment with intelligent voice control for an incredibly smart driving experience. Over-the-Air (OTA) updates ensure you always have access to the latest technological advancements.

V2L function enhances your outdoor life

The SEALION 6 utilizes Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, transforming it into a mobile power source for even more enjoyment in your outdoor adventures. Simply plug it directly into your vehicle to easily power your household appliances, making it ideal for a variety of uses, including powering an electric barbecue, setting up an outdoor movie theater, or even running a computer or game console.

A word from the editorial department

Have we been able to fully convey the appeal of the BYD SEALION 6? With its stylish design, spacious interior, powerful driving, and environmental friendliness, the SEALION 6 is truly a vehicle that embodies the next generation of mobility.

The Japanese release date is still a little ways off, in December 2025, but expectations are already building! We will continue to bring you the latest information on SEALION 6 as soon as it becomes available, so please look forward to it.

Experience the future of driving with the BYD SEALION 6!

BYD SEALION 6

https://www.byd.com/au/car/sealion6