BYD is preparing to expand its attack on the Australian market by introducing the Seal 6, a new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model that is expected to be a serious challenger to the Toyota Camry Hybrid. This car is said to be able to launch as early as the end of this year.
Seal 6 has bagged a sales approval from the Australian government regulator. In the document, BYD prepared two body style options, namely Sedan and Touring wagons, as well as different battery capacities.
Although BYD Australia has not officially confirmed the sales plan, a number of reports say the model will likely be available at local showrooms in the second half of 2026. As reported by Drive, Thursday, January 15.
The Seal 6 sedan model has also been seen undergoing trials on Australian roads. Interestingly, the Seal 6 Touring variant has the potential to be an important step for BYD as it could make it the first Chinese brand to sell station wagons in Australia, a market that has been synonymous with European brands.
Currently, there are only six manufacturers offering new station wagons under 100,000 Australian dollars, namely Audi, BMW, Cupra, Genesis, Skoda, and Subaru. BYD positions the Seal 6 as a mid-size car to challenge Toyota Camry's dominance.
In addition, to challenge other models such as the Skoda Octavia, Hyundai Sonata, as well as several remaining family sedans and wagons in the market. For the sedan body style, the dimensions are recorded at 4,840 mm long, 1,875 mm wide, 1,495 mm high, and 2,790 mm wheelbase.
This size makes the Seal 6 a little shorter and the wheelbase more compact than the Camry, but wider and taller. In terms of technology, this car combines a 1.5-liter non-turbo gasoline engine with an electric motor, and offers two battery options.
Its capacity is recorded in Australian government documents as 37.5Ah and 54Ah, which is estimated to be equivalent to 10.1 kWh and 19 kWh. The small battery version produces a combined power of 130 kW, while the larger battery pack increases the output of the electric motor so that the total power becomes 163 kW.
In the sedan model marketed in Europe, the 10.1 kWh battery is capable of traveling 55 km in pure electric mode based on the WLTP standard. The distance increases to 105 km on a 19 kWh battery. Choosing the Touring wagon version will slightly reduce the electric range to 50 km and 100 km due to the heavier weight and different body shape.
BYD also claims that the hybrid mode mileage can reach 1,505 km in WLTP testing in Europe. If this figure can be replicated in Australia, the Seal 6 has the potential to set a new record in its class. For charging, fast DC charging is only available on the 19 kWh battery with a charging claim of 30 to 80 percent in 23 minutes at a peak power of 26 kW.
Meanwhile, AC charging is limited to 3.3 kW for small batteries and 6.6 kW for large batteries. Referring to specifications circulating in the European market, the Seal 6 has the potential to be equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, imitation leather seats, electric front seats with heating and ventilation, a 15.6-inch touchscreen, eight-speaker audio, wireless phone charging, up to an electric tailgate.
As for the price, the Seal 6 in the UK is priced from £33,990 to £37,990. However, the tax structure in the UK tends to make the car more expensive than Australia, so the local price is expected to be more competitive.
Using the price difference of other BYD products as a benchmark, the Seal 6 is predicted to be in the range of 39,000 to 49,000 Australian dollars before additional costs. If the projection is accurate, the Seal 6 will compete directly with the Toyota Camry, the best-selling sedan in Australia which is currently sold at a price of 39,990 to 52,990 Australian dollars excluding paperwork costs.
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