First we had the EV, and now the Seal 6 DM-i plug-in hybrid variant will soon be arriving on Singapore shores.
BYD is very much on the ascent globally, and if momentum were a currency, the brand would be trading comfortably in the green. One of its latest offerings, the Seal 6 DM-i Touring plug-in hybrid, feels like a strategic move aimed squarely at buyers who might not necessarily crave an EV just yet.
This is a Skoda Superb-sized estate, and when it goes on sale in Singapore alongside a saloon variant, it will become BYD’s first station wagon model on our shores. And if first impressions are anything to go by, it arrives with a well-judged mix of practicality and sensibility that should appeal to buyers looking for something quietly competent rather than overtly flashy.
Practicality First, But Not Only
With the wagon, you get 500 litres of boot space with the rear seats and parcel shelf in place, expanding to 1,535 litres when the 60:40 split seats are folded.
There is a slight step in the load floor when the rear seats are folded flat, which means it is not entirely level, but the low boot lip and powered tailgate make loading easy. In daily use, it feels thoughtfully engineered rather than obsessively maximised.
Passenger space is generous throughout. Up front, there is ample room to stretch out, but it is in the rear where the Seal 6 really impresses. Legroom and kneeroom are abundant, the sort of space that encourages long journeys rather than merely tolerating them.
Material quality is solid if not quite class-leading. One notable change is the removal of BYD’s signature rotating touchscreen. In its place sits a fixed display integrated neatly into the dashboard, lending the cabin a more cohesive and mature design.
It feels less gimmicky, more grown-up. A sensible evolution.
A Different Kind of Plug-In Hybrid
Under the bonnet sits BYD’s so-called “Super Hybrid” system. While it contains the familiar components of a plug-in hybrid, it behaves more like a range-extender setup. The petrol engine often acts as a generator, supplying electricity to the motor that drives the wheels, rather than directly powering them in the traditional sense.
Charging speeds depend on trim. Some variants accept up to 3.3kW AC charging, taking roughly three hours to replenish the battery from 15 per cent. Comfort and Comfort Lite models support 6.6kW AC charging and up to 26kW DC charging, allowing a 30 to 80 per cent top-up in about 23 minutes.
Calm and Composed
I sampled the Touring model briefly during my tour of BYD’s new Zhengzhou all-terrain proving ground, and performance proved perfectly adequate. Power delivery is smooth, and the transition between electric and petrol propulsion is almost imperceptible. The overall refinement is commendable.
Ride quality is another highlight. The Seal 6 glides over loose surfaces with reassuring composure, delivering comfort without tipping into wallow. It is not an engaging driver’s car in the traditional sense, but that is hardly its mission. Most buyers will find its handling secure and predictable, which is exactly what they want.
There is a touch of wind noise around the door mirrors at speed, but this is perhaps more noticeable because the rest of the cabin is so well insulated. Some of the driver assistance systems can also feel a little overzealous, but these are minor irritations rather than dealbreakers.
Value Proposition
In a market increasingly dominated by SUVs, the Seal 6 DM-i Touring offers something refreshingly sensible: a spacious, efficient estate with a strong value proposition and a quietly competent driving experience.
It may not set pulses racing, but it makes a convincing case for itself. Keep a lookout when it finally reaches Singapore; this might be the model that wins you over.
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