[Test Drive] "Electric Commute Only"... Sealion 6 DM-i Handles Long Distances with Ease

Capable of Over 70km on Electric Mode Alone
Easily Exceeds 1,000km with Engine Use
Supports V2L Feature and Fast Charging
At 37.5 Million Won, An Attractive Choice in the Premium PHEV Market

I had the opportunity to test drive BYD's plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV), the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i, which became a hot topic after its price was released at the Busan Motor Show in June. Typically, PHEVs are equipped with larger-capacity batteries than standard hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), resulting in higher launch prices. However, this vehicle was introduced at a reasonable price of 37.5 million won, which is quite competitive for a PHEV and a mid-sized sports utility vehicle (SUV).

The most pressing question for me was how many kilometers it could drive solely on electric mode. The official range certified by the Ministry of Environment is 70 km. On August 14, I tested the actual driving range in electric mode while driving around central Seoul.

Before starting the drive, the battery charge was at 83%, and the fuel tank was nearly full. The dashboard displayed an estimated range of 986 km. After driving about 56 km in electric mode, the battery level dropped to 38%, and the total driving distance became 944 km. Over the course of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, I consistently used the ventilated seats and air conditioning, so if the battery were used to its full limit, it is likely that the car could easily surpass 70 km on a single electric charge. If both the engine and battery are used, the total available driving distance would comfortably exceed 1,000 km.

For consumers who want to handle their daily commute using only electric power, charging convenience is also important. Although I did not personally test the charging, it is reported that the 18.3 kWh battery can be charged from 30% to 80% in about 30 minutes. This is made possible because, unlike most PHEVs, it supports 18 kW fast charging.

In addition, BYD's DM-i system is somewhat different from other HEV systems. DM-i stands for "Dual Mode intelligent," representing BYD's proprietary PHEV technology centered on electric driving. Whereas conventional hybrid systems rely on the engine as the main power source, DM-i puts the electric motor at the heart of driving, and the engine efficiently intervenes only when necessary.

After driving approximately 56 km in electric mode, the battery capacity decreased from 83% to 38%, with a total driving distance of 944 km. Photo by Choi Youngchan

When the battery level drops below 25%, the system switches to a series hybrid (EREV) mode, in which the engine drives the generator. This approach maintains the battery charge above a certain level and ensures an optimized driving range with minimal fuel consumption. Additionally, the car comes with a V2L (vehicle-to-load) function that provides up to 3.3 kW of external power, making it handy for camping and outdoor activities.

The Sealion 6 DM-i is equipped with a 1.5-liter gasoline turbocharged engine and two electric motors, delivering a maximum engine output of 130 horsepower and 220 Nm of peak torque. The electric motors offer 204 horsepower and 300 Nm of peak torque. However, these outputs are not simply additive, so the total system power is not over 300 horsepower. Nevertheless, thanks to the distinctive instant torque of electric vehicles, the car never feels sluggish during actual driving.

BYD Sealion 6 DM-i. BYD Korea

The interior and convenience features, while not as upscale as the higher-trim Sealion 7 from the same brand, are still very adequate. While it may be expecting too much at this price point, the lack of a head-up display is nevertheless a minor disappointment. That said, the vehicle is well-equipped with frequently used features such as a 15.6-inch intelligent cockpit system, a smartphone wireless charger with its own air vent, as well as ventilated and heated seats.

With PHEV vehicle prices remaining relatively high in Korea, there is considerable interest in whether the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i can attract the attention of consumers deciding between an electric vehicle and a hybrid.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.