Once upon a time, the three-box saloon was the undisputed choice for family buyers. No nonsense, boot out the back, honest-to-goodness motoring. These days, of course, it’s all coupe-SUV-this and cross-something-that.

But every now and then, a carmaker decides to swim against the current. That’s what BYD did with its new Seal 6.

Looks May Not Thrill, But the Price Will

The Seal 6 isn’t going to set Instagram alight. It’s not going to draw iPhones at the valet line. Its silhouette blends into traffic like a polite commuter in the MRT.

But then you look at the price tag.

Priced around SGD$171,388, it undercuts most, if not all rivals in the market. Even the JMEV Elight is marginally more expensive. If you want a set of wheels with a decent monthly instalment plan, this is it.

Composed, Capable… But Not Quite Charming

Like most new EVs that are being launched, the BYD Seal 6 slots into the Category A COE bracket thanks to a detuned 97kW motor with 220Nm of torque.

Realistically, you won’t win any drag races at the traffic light grand prix, but for the average driver, it’s brisk enough. We found that keeping it in Sport mode is the sweet spot for this car.

Being shorter, the Seal 6’s turning radius is tighter; 5.5 metres versus the Seal’s 5.7. Whether it’s making a U-turn on a narrow road or reversing into a multi-storey parking spot on the first go, the Seal 6’s agility is genuinely refreshing.

Throw in a 360-degree camera, and you’ve got a car that makes urban driving far less stressful than you’d expect from a full-sized electric saloon. At 1,780kg, the Seal 6 is 142kg lighter than the Seal. That should translate into greater efficiency. It also rides on smaller 17-inch wheels, which helps both range and ride comfort.

In our real-world test, the Seal 6 clocked 15.1kWh/100km. And with a smaller battery on board, it’s impressive that the Seal 6 can still muster up a real-world 350km of range. For most Singaporeans, that’s a full week of commuting without the anxiety of finding a charger.

With smaller wheels and a lighter body, it’s noticeably more forgiving over uneven roads. Nasty stretches of tarmac will still catch it off guard, but the overall ride is far more settled and family-friendly. It feels less tightly wound, less eager to pounce, and that’s a compliment.

Practical and planted

Inside, BYD has dialled down the glitter. Despite being pitched as the more affordable sibling, the Seal 6 doesn’t feel like a budget version. In fact, its cabin build quality is right up there with the regular Seal. Perhaps even better, depending on what you value.

The rotating screen is gone, replaced with a more conventional (and more usable) fixed 12.8-inch unit. Tech nerds will appreciate the 50W wireless phone charger with active cooling.

Rear legroom is decent, and the flat floor means even the middle seat is bearable. The 460-litre boot has a low aperture, making it easier for cargo to be loaded.

Should You Buy One?

The BYD Seal 6 is well-priced and engineered for efficiency. If your commute involves expressways, school runs, and the occasional Malaysia trip, this car starts to make an awful lot of sense.

But, if you live for the joy of driving and think a good car should dance through corners, you might still gravitate toward the BYD Seal instead.

Technical Specifications

BYD Seal 6

Engine: Single Electric Motor
Powertrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
Power: 95 kW (127 bhp)
Torque: 220 Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0100km/h: 10.9 Seconds
Top Speed: 160 km/h
Battery Capacity: 56.64 kWh
Drive Range: 425 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 6.6 km/kWh (claimed)
Price: S$171,388 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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If you only have time for one paragraph: Range anxiety is gone. There is space. It is quiet, comfortable, and reasonably priced. It is the kind of car that makes life easier, not more complicated.

Plug-in Hybrid Freedom, No Anxiety

This is what makes the Sealion 6 so easy to live with. It is a plug-in hybrid, not a full EV. Which means:

• Daily drives can be powered by electricity.
• When the battery runs low, the petrol engine takes over smoothly.
• You never need to stress about charging queues or road trips up to Malaysia.

It still feels punchy when you step on the accelerator, and the way it blends electric and petrol power is smooth and natural.

Comfortable, Spacious and Quiet

Inside, the Sealion 6 is spacious and relaxed. That means there is generous room for both front and rear passengers, and the seats are soft and supportive.

A nice touch is the double-glazed windows. They help block out wind and road noise, making the cabin feel calm and refined. Combined with the hybrid drivetrain, this makes it a very comfortable SUV to drive on a daily basis.

So, for a typical Singaporean family, this might actually be more practical than a fully electric SUV.

Pricing That Makes Sense

At $224,000, the Sealion 6 is well-positioned. You get low running costs, electric driving when you want it, and no need to deal with full EV road taxes or constant charging schedules.

It feels like good value, especially when compared to some fully electric SUVs that cost more but may not offer greater utility.

But Here Is the Catch: It Feels a Bit Dated

This model was first launched in China in 2020. We are only getting it now. And it shows in some areas:

• The exterior styling appears dated, especially when compared to the newer Sealion 7.
• The infotainment interface is functional, but it looks plain and outdated.
• The interior design has a bit too much going on, with various shapes and materials that feel slightly overdone.

Ok, so it’s not terrible. But it does not feel modern either. All you need to do is park it beside a Sealion 7 and you’ll be able to see the difference.

Will Most Buyers Care? Probably Not

Because when you look past the dated styling, the Sealion 6 still delivers on what families really need:

• Comfortable to sit in
• Quiet on the move
• Spacious for passengers and luggage
• No range anxiety at all
• Real electric driving when you want it
• Sensible pricing

For many Singaporean drivers, the practical benefits outweigh the dated looks.

The BYD Sealion 6 is not attempting to make a design statement or a tech showcase. This is one of those cars built to make daily life easier. It drives smoothly, is quiet, saves fuel, and eliminates the stress of charging.

So, while it may not be the newest or most stylish SUV on the market, it is honest, practical and easy to like. The Sealion 6 will definitely be a hit for those who plan to drive, holiday and do their regular shopping in Malaysia and beyond.

As most Singaporean households look to maximise their dollar, that is exactly what a family car should serve to be.

Technical Specifications

BYD Sealion 6 Plug-In Hybrid 1.5 DM-i (A)
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder in-line 16-valve
Battery Type: BYD Blade Battery
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel-Drive
Power: 215 bhp
(combined)
Torque: 300 Nm
Gearbox: Single-speed (A)
0-100km/h: 8.5 Seconds

Top Speed: 170 km/h

Fuel Consumption: 17.5km/L
CO2 Emission: 95 g/km
Price: S$224,999 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

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The new BYD Atto 2 is a purpose-built city car that understands our geography and our car parks. With a tight 5.25-metre turning radius, threading through multi-storey ramps and HDB driveways becomes child’s play.

Despite the footprint, there’s sensible space inside and a 380-litre boot, which means the weekly shop, a pram, or a weekend bag slips in without debate.

Under the skin sits BYD’s calling card: the Blade Battery. The headline numbers are tidy for Singaporean realities: 51.13 kWh, up to 345 km WLTP on a charge, and DC fast-charging in roughly 1.2 hours.

On the move, 290 Nm and 0–100 km/h in 9.0 seconds won’t scare the neighbours, but they will make gaps in traffic feel manageable rather than ambitious.

The 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen handles the brainwork, while ventilated front seats, 50 W wireless charging and a smart voice assistant take the edge off daily grind.

The BYD Digital Key and Bluetooth Key mean your phone plays butler. As for peace of mind, the ATTO 2 comes stacked with ADAS – Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Assist, and a 360-degree camera, among others.

“The BYD brand today stands for more than just electric vehicles; we stand for smart, sustainable and user-centric mobility. Our growth in Singapore reflects more than market share; it reflects trust. With every new model we introduce, we’re redefining what it means to own an EV — and who it’s for. The launch of the BYD ATTO 2 is a clear example of this evolution. As we continue to grow with our Singaporean customers, we remain committed to building vehicles that are forward-thinking yet deeply relevant to their daily lives.”

Mr James Ng, Managing Director of BYD Singapore and Philippines

“In a city like Singapore, where space is limited, traffic is constant and lifestyle needs are ever evolving, the BYD ATTO 2 delivers exactly what modern drivers are looking for. It’s compact and easy to manoeuvre, yet surprisingly spacious and well-equipped. From its tight turning radius to advanced safety systems, every feature is designed with urban life in mind.”

Mr Anthony Teo, Managing Director of Vantage Automotive

Because a launch should also be a little fun, BYD collaborated with Singapore artist Aeropalmics on two expressive wraps, one for the ATTO 2 (“Blue Haze”) and one for the Dolphin (“Springtime!”).

They’re not for sale, but they do make a point: mobility and creativity can be good company. Or in the artist’s words: “Part robot, part sea creature, these manta rays are inspired by the pulse of city life and the sleekness of tech” and “Inspired by dolphins, whales, and the spirit of spring, this piece imagines smiling flowers blooming behind swimming whales.”

Ownership, crucially, is set up to be painless: 10-year battery warranty, 10-year free servicing, and a 6-year vehicle warranty—a trio that takes the sting out of first-time EV nerves.

Pricing is pitched to tempt, too: $159,388, inclusive of guaranteed COE, with test drives and bookings available immediately at authorised BYD showrooms.

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This isn’t BYD’s first SUV splash. In fact, they launched the fully electric Sealion 7 earlier this year, which makes the arrival of the Sealion 6 feel a bit like a prequel. But BYD does things a little differently. The Atto 2, for example, will only make its debut in August, after the Atto 3. Model numbers aside, what matters is that the cars work, and in that department, BYD has been delivering.

What the Sealion 6 Is All About
The Sealion 6 DM-i runs on BYD’s DM-i Super Hybrid system, which pairs an 18.3 kWh Blade Battery with a 1.5-litre high-efficiency petrol engine. On a full charge, it’ll give you up to 80 kilometres of pure electric driving. That’s more than enough for the average Singaporean weekday. And when you do need to go further, the system switches seamlessly to hybrid mode, offering up to 1,100 kilometres of combined range. The total system output stands at 217 kW and 300 Nm, which is sufficient for a respectable 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds.

It’s not chasing records, but it doesn’t feel slow either. Think comfort, composure, and quiet confidence.

Initial Impressions
When the car was unveiled to the media, the Sealion 6 came across as modern, sleek, and grown-up. It’s got presence without being over the top. With a price of S$212,888 (COE included), it’s clear BYD is serious about offering value.

Inside, it’s fully loaded with thoughtful touches. A 15.6-inch rotating infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual wireless charging pads, and a 10-speaker Infinity audio system are all standard features. The panoramic sunroof, vegan leather seats, and spacious cabin add to its family-friendly appeal.

Who’s It For?
If you’ve been sitting on the fence about going fully electric, this is the sort of car that makes that leap feel less daunting. The Sealion 6 lets you experience the calm, clean drive of an EV without worrying about where your next charge is coming from.

It suits both the school run and the weekend escape. The 5.5 metre turning radius makes it a breeze in tight car parks, and the 425-litre boot has room for the usual family chaos. Safety is also well covered, with a full suite of ADAS features, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, 360-degree cameras, and more.

The Verdict
The Sealion 6 offers a smart, measured step into electrification for people who want both flexibility and peace of mind. In a market where going fully electric still raises a few eyebrows and questions about range, a plug-in hybrid like this one addresses many of those concerns.

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This is a full-on software enhancement designed to elevate the Seal experience, from intelligent navigation tweaks to in-car gaming and even voice assistant upgrades for Southeast Asia’s multi-lingual charm.

Navigation System That Thinks Ahead

Long-distance EV drivers, rejoice. The OTA brings a new EV Trip Charging Planner to your navigation system. It estimates your remaining charge, plots dynamic charging stops, and ensures you’re never caught short, especially helpful if you’re crossing borders or heading into less urban areas.

You can even customise how conservative or adventurous it gets with your remaining battery margin.

New Features

• A customisable bottom navigation bar now lets you arrange your most-used controls like your personal desktop.
• Lane Departure Assist and Auto Power On/Off can now be toggled directly from the convenience bar.
• You can now adjust your vehicle’s prompt tone across three levels of volume.
• The Hi BYD voice assistant has learned a few new languages, including Malaysian, Indonesian, Vietnamese, and Indian-English, for drivers across the region.
• New apps can now be accessed – YouTube, Zoom, Calm Radio.

BYD Arcade

The BYD Arcade app brings a suite of mini-games right to your infotainment screen. From puzzles like Black Hole to casual time-wasters like Packa Bunchas, it’s the kind of thoughtful addition to keep you entertained while you charge.

Auto Power Modes

Imagine a car that powers on the moment you open the door and starts rolling the minute you brake and shift to drive. That’s what the new Auto Power On/Off feature does. And when you leave? Just lock it, and it shuts down for you. No buttons, no fuss.

So if you’re a BYD Seal owner, consider this your digital pit stop.

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The important model of the bunch is the BYD Ocean-S Concept. It’s a glimpse into BYD’s future design direction: long, elegant lines, fluidic curves, and a futuristic front fascia.

The interior is a wraparound cocoon of innovation, with seats that echo sea creatures, ambient lighting reminiscent of oceanic bioluminescence.

Moving into deeper waters, the SEALION 06 swims into view as a mid-size SUV with big ambitions. It comes in two flavours, the DM-i (hybrid) and EV (fully electric), and both are built on BYD’s latest e-Platform 3.0 Evo and fifth-generation DM technology.

Then comes the SEAL 06 EV, a pure electric mid-size sedan designed for younger, tech-savvy drivers who want both brains and beauty. Built atop the same e-Platform 3.0 Evo, this one packs the latest DiPilot 100 and DiSus-C systems for a drive that’s both intelligent and intuitive.

For those who crave flexibility, the SEAL 06 DM-i Travel Edition offers the best of both worlds. It’s the world’s first super-hybrid wagon, combining sedan agility with SUV utility.

You get the long-distance prowess of BYD’s fifth-gen DM system, paired with a body style that actually makes sense for families, adventurers, and anyone who doesn’t want to compromise on either boot space or fuel economy. This one’s very nice.

Beyond the new debuts, BYD brought along a few returning champions. The D9 MPV remains a sales juggernaut in China; over 300,000 units moved and counting. The refreshed 2025 N7, now decked out with a carbon-fibre styling package, is gunning for the younger premium crowd.

Expect to see these models sometime in the near future on our roads.

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With significant expansion across Asia, including a robust presence in Singapore, BYD is transforming urban mobility and sustainability.

To gain insights on BYD’s rapid ascent, upcoming technologies, and its vision for electric vehicles (EVs), we sat down with Mr Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD’s Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division to learn more about what the electric giant has in store for the future.

Navigating Rapid Success in Singapore

Kicking off our conversation, Mr Liu addressed BYD’s rapid growth in Singapore, attributing it firstly to governmental backing and proactive policies designed to encourage green technology adoption.

“Singapore’s government support is a primary driver. Ten years ago, we were already engaging closely with various Singaporean departments, aligned by a common vision: utilising advanced technology to foster environmental sustainability,” he added.

Government support aside, Liu emphasised the integral role of BYD’s local dealer partners. Their dedication, particularly in nurturing direct and close relationships with customers, has significantly boosted consumer engagement. One notable example Liu shared is the annual BYD Car Owner’s Day held every October 9th in Singapore, describing it enthusiastically as “a festival eagerly anticipated by every BYD owner.”

BYD’s own dedicated Singapore team completes this synergy, actively bringing cutting-edge technologies and vehicles to local consumers. Liu also highlighted the importance of media partners, appreciating their pivotal role in enhancing public awareness of BYD through strategic storytelling and effective social media engagement.

Liu optimistically noted that similar momentum is emerging in other regional markets, such as Brunei, with ambitions to achieve leadership positions soon.

The Misconception With New Energy Vehicles (NEVs)

Clarifying a common misconception, Mr Liu Xueliang shared that New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) encompass both pure electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Plus, BYD’s approach to PHEVs uniquely prioritises an electric-dominant architecture.

“Our PHEV technology is designed so customers experience it virtually like pure electric vehicles,” Liu explained. “With exceptionally long electric-only ranges, many customers rarely switch to petrol mode, especially for urban daily commutes.”

He humorously recounted anecdotes from Australia and Thailand, where some BYD drivers discovered for the first time that petrol actually has an expiration date, simply because they seldom need to refuel. 

“Singapore is already making significant strides in electrification,” Liu remarked. Although he acknowledged Singapore’s challenging charging infrastructure, Liu sees BYD’s PHEV solutions as perfectly suited for bridging this gap, facilitating a smooth transition toward full electrification.

On the Horizon

Looking ahead, we asked Liu about upcoming technologies from BYD. While specific details remain under wraps pending extensive testing and regulatory approvals, Liu confirmed that advanced self-driving systems are certainly on the agenda.

“We’re already undertaking rigorous validation processes,” he shared, hinting at imminent plans to introduce self-driving technology in Singapore after thorough testing and adherence to local regulatory standards.

These innovations, Liu assures, will be carefully integrated with local regulations, government policies, and international standards. “We are committed to closely collaborating with authorities to ensure smooth adoption, ensuring the safest and most reliable deployment of these groundbreaking technologies,” he affirmed, promising further details during upcoming model launches.

Balancing Affordability with Sustainability

Discussing BYD’s strategy for balancing affordability and sustainability, Mr Liu Xueliang emphasized BYD’s signature strength: vertical integration. “From design and engineering to production, all core components are developed internally,” Liu said confidently. This extensive vertical integration allows BYD to achieve greater economies of scale, directly benefiting consumers through more competitively priced vehicles without compromising on innovation or quality.

He elaborated further, “BYD being able to produce components at volumes of hundreds of thousands significantly reduces costs, enabling more affordable, sustainable mobility for a broader spectrum of consumers.”

Liu also expressed BYD’s deep sense of corporate social responsibility: “We believe in using innovation to continuously deliver the best solutions to society. This philosophy is fundamental to everything we do.”

“Technology, for us, is always meant to benefit everyone, not just a privileged few,” Liu reiterated, adding passionately, “BYD’s mission transcends profit. It’s about serving humanity, enhancing life quality through technological advancement.”

Words for the EV-Curious

Closing our insightful dialogue, we asked Mr Liu Xueliang what advice he has for individuals still hesitant about transitioning to electric vehicles. His response was clear and direct: “Don’t hesitate. The sooner you make the switch, the sooner you’ll enhance your personal happiness and quality of life.” Liu highlighted how today’s EVs have become platforms enabling entirely new lifestyle experiences.

He warmly encouraged prospective buyers: “Visit a BYD showroom. Speak with our knowledgeable sales advisors and, most importantly, experience our vehicles firsthand through test drives. EVs aren’t the future; they’re our present reality. Embrace this change now to fully enjoy all the benefits it brings.”

For BYD, the road ahead is about inspiring a transformative shift towards a more sustainable, fulfilling lifestyle accessible to all.

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BYD has had a stoic past, coming from a modest battery manufacturer established in 1995 to a leading global innovator in electric mobility and sustainable technology.

This museum occupies BYD’s original headquarters, which served as the company’s operational base from 1995 to 2000. Comprising two restored eight-story buildings spanning more than 9,400 square metres, the facility reflects the early spirit of the enterprise while embracing a modern and immersive approach to storytelling.

Its location and architecture symbolically represent BYD’s journey, one rooted in humble beginnings yet resolutely focused on the future.

Building 6 presents a detailed account of the company’s formative years, including its early research and development breakthroughs in the Tongle Industrial Park. Visitors are introduced to a company driven by technical mastery and relentless self-reliance.

The displays highlight BYD’s early decision to vertically integrate operations, giving the company strategic control over key technologies such as microchips, electric drivetrains, and battery systems, an approach that continues to set BYD apart in a competitive global landscape.

Building 7 offers a broader perspective of the brand’s industrial growth. It charts BYD’s evolution through periods of challenge and reinvention, leading to the development of its signature “three green dreams”: the electrification of public transportation, the widespread adoption of solar energy, and the advancement in energy storage technologies.

Once viewed as aspirational, these pillars now form the basis of BYD’s global sustainability strategy.

Throughout the museum, visitors encounter several significant milestones—among them, the introduction of the F3DM, recognised as the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle capable of charging from a standard household outlet. While understated in appearance, the F3DM remains a symbol of BYD’s pioneering role in mainstream electric vehicle development.

The museum also conveys a broader narrative: that the history of BYD is inextricably linked to the momentum of the electric mobility revolution. It serves not merely as a retrospective but as a living document of innovation, resilience, and vision. The guiding message is clear—time realises ambition, and a well-documented past can illuminate the future.

In preserving its institutional memory through this museum, BYD not only honours its heritage but reinforces its commitment to innovation and sustainable progress.

The BYD History Museum is thus not solely a tribute to past accomplishments but a reflection of a forward-thinking enterprise that continues to shape the mobility landscape on a global scale.

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We were recently invited by BYD to Shenzhen, China, to attend their annual Tech Day. The Pingshan Bay Area Intelligent Test Drive Centre staged an immersive showcase of its latest technologies and provided us a glimpse of what new models will potentially be arriving in Singapore down the road.

This wasn’t your run-of-the-mill media day with brochures and polite nods. This was an all-out automotive boot camp BYD style, where rubber met tarmac and technology met imagination.

The Chinese titan laid out a meticulously choreographed experience, split into two distinctive yet complementary segments: the Intelligent Driving Experience Zone and the Functional Test Drive Zone.

Each segment was designed not only to flex BYD’s technological muscle, but to give guests like engineers, journalists, or car enthusiasts the kind of hands-on experience that leaves you equal parts enlightened and exhilarated.

Intelligent Driving

Let’s start with the Intelligent Driving Experience Zone, which felt like entering a simulation, except the cars were real and the scenarios eerily familiar.

Here, BYD constructed user-focused driving environments to demonstrate some of their most cutting-edge features.

The stars of this zone included the Denza Z9GT, BYD Seal, Denza D9, and the Yangwang U8, vehicles loaded with Level 2+ and Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities.

Instructors demonstrated how effortless it was to manoeuvre these vehicles into or through tricky scenarios. One of the standouts was the Z9’s ability to pivot into a parallel space all on its own. It does so by clevely rotating each rear wheel independently, allowing the car to yaw and squeeze into a space typically impossible for a regular car.

If you are stuck on a dead-end street, the Yangwang U8 demonstrated it can perform a tank turn, allowing it to rotate on its own axis and spin freely in any direction.

Worn tyres aside, the technology is immesingly fascinating, and offers an introductory glance into how this technology can be useful in everyday life.

Essentially, these are real-world-ready cars, programmed to deal with the unpredictabilities of urban life in a measured, near-human way.

Circuit Shakedown

The second half of the BYD Tech Day experience had a more visceral flavour. It was here, on the proving grounds of the Functional Test Drive Zone, that BYD’s breadth of engineering prowess came to the fore.

From straight-line acceleration runs to SUV off-road escapades, the lineup was diverse. Participants were asked to put these machines through their paces in a series of tasks – slalom courses, emergency braking, speed bump tests, and gymkhana corners. These obstacles test everything from agility and suspension damping to brake modulation and throttle response.

There was even an off-road section, where models like the B5, B8 and Shark showed they could tackle more than just urban terrain, with clever technology like auto hill descent that ensures you won’t get tossed off the side of a cliff should your brakes fail.

When Cars Walk on Water

Just when you thought the day had offered up enough driving marvels to last a decade, BYD saved a showstopper for last, and it came in the form of the Yangwang U8.

Now, the U8 is pretty much famous for doing one thing – being able to float on water. It sounds ludicrous on paper, considering it’s a four-motor electric behemoth. But, on this particular afternoon, I got to witness something I never thought I’d write about without irony: being inside a car that is floating… on purpose.

The U8 sat poised at the edge of a water tank large enough to swallow a small boat. It looked no different from any other rugged 4×4, until it dashed into the water with the calm confidence of a labrador leaping into a lake.

Moments after submersion, the emergency floating mode was activated. The entire cabin felt sealed and stable, as though the U8 had transformed into a mini amphibious vehicle. The wheels disengaged, and the car drifted, not chaotically, but in a controlled, calculated way. 

Inside, it was all calm, air-conditioned quiet. No gurgling sounds. No frantic splashes. Just the surreal sensation of gliding on water in a 3,460kg luxury SUV.

The U8 uses its four electric motors (one for each wheel) to generate torque vectoring and balance, even while afloat. And just when we thought things couldn’t get more dramatic, it performed a controlled spin in the water. Yes, you read that right. We could steer on water, using nothing more than the already-included steering wheel. 

Throughout this experience, we were safely in our plush leather seats, dry and in awe. And frankly, slightly disoriented by the absurd coolness of it all.

BYD has effectively pulled off a bold engineering flex, a literal life-saving feature designed for flash floods, emergencies, and worst-case scenarios.

It’s hard not to be impressed by a machine that looks like it belongs in a Bond film but is very much rooted in present-day, production-ready reality. As we stepped out of the U8, back onto dry ground, there was a collective pause among the participants.

Half laughter, half disbelief. I mean, who expects to go swimming in an SUV and emerge with a dry shirt? 

This additional section rounds out the day with a truly unforgettable experience, aligning with BYD’s greater narrative: pushing the boundaries of what cars can do, not just on land, but wherever life might take them.

If you’re still not impressed, you better be

While many carmakers are still struggling to marry the promise of intelligent driving with real-world functionality, BYD appears to be well past the honeymoon phase. BYD Tech Day 2025 was about redefining expectations, and offered a glimpse into a broader strategy.

By integrating proprietary battery tech, electric drive systems, and intelligent software across a diverse vehicle range, BYD is not simply competing with traditional OEMs. It’s rewriting the rules.

As one BYD engineer remarked casually during the event, “We’re not just making cars. We’re designing intelligent mobility ecosystems.” Hyperbole? Maybe. But after a day like this, it’s hard to disagree.

Whether you’re someone who geeks out over torque vectoring or simply wants your car to park itself in tight HDB lots, BYD’s Tech Day left little doubt that the brand’s tech game is dominant.

And if the rest of the industry isn’t paying attention yet, they should be.

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If the world of new energy vehicles ever needed a cathedral, a sanctum where science, sustainability, and storytelling converge, BYD’s Di-Space in Zhengzhou might just be it.

Tucked in the heart of Erqi District, this sprawling 15,000-square-metre complex is a hefty investment of nearly 200 million yuan, and it’s less about selling cars and more about reimagining how we connect with them. It’s a place where you walk through BYD’s past, present, and future.

Step into the first floor and you’re greeted not with the sterile scent of fresh paint or sales brochures, but with a narrative. BYD has built a brand culture zone that traces the journey of human mobility.

Here, energy evolution comes to life through vintage murals and tactile exhibits. It’s the sort of place where a six-year-old and a sixty-year-old could both stand wide-eyed, pondering how far we’ve come from steam engines to solid-state batteries.

Climb to the second and third floors, and the tone shifts. This is where BYD opens the hood (literally and figuratively) on its design philosophy and engineering prowess. The exhibits are tactile, immersive, and strikingly transparent.

Want to see how a single line morphs into a fully functional car? You can. Keen to understand what makes the blade battery tick, or how the fifth-generation DM hybrid system outpaces yesterday’s benchmarks? You’ll find answers here.

And then there’s the “Patent Waterfall”, a staggering visual cascade of over 35,000 patents BYD has filed over the years. It’s as if the walls themselves whisper tales of tenacity, innovation, and that peculiar blend of obsession and genius that fuels true pioneers.

But BYD doesn’t stop at static displays. The fourth floor is dubbed the Science and Technology Discovery Space.

This is a flexible, open-ended environment equipped for workshops, educational sessions, and live demonstrations.

Outside, a 260-square-metre naked-eye 3D corner screen dares to blur the lines between virtual and reality. It’s a mesmerising mix of light, motion, and message.

Art shows, tech contests, community events – Di-Space plans to host them all, ensuring that innovation doesn’t just stay inside the building.

“We hope that through Di-Space, we can make science and technology within our reach and make the concept of green mobility deeply rooted in people’s hearts.”

Wang Chuanfu, BYD Chairman

Zhengzhou Di-Space is a national museum, an innovation centre, and a cultural landmark all rolled into one.

BYD has quietly built something extraordinary: a future that you can walk through, touch, and perhaps even believe in.

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