BYD Sealion 6 2024: Can The BYD Sea Lion 6 Shake Up The Australian Market? | Drive.com.au

[@passby8070]

For those who have set their eyes on RAV 4, give this BYD a try, I think 95% of the case you will change your mind. I've tried this over the weekends and there's nothing in Toyota's line up would match the tech, quality and interior of this car. It's got mid level mercede/Audi/BMW interior and better ev/engine tech for a third of the price.

[@JIMMY-nz1ld]

I think BYD'S DMi in a better hybrid solution, you literally can drive it as an ev for city driving. Bcos it has a big battery range and it's main drivers are the motors not the engine.

[@dannyhong3195]

@@JIMMY-nz1ldalso, no gearbox in DMi, so much smooth and less for maintenance

[@zarbon700]

Toyota Rav4 has superior reliability and resale value.

[@JoshuaMcTackett]

@@zarbon700this comment is literally just parroted branding about Toyota. It doesn’t stand up to reality.

[@zarbon700]

@@JoshuaMcTackett The resale market is the best indicator of the quality and demand for a brand/product. The resale market proves you are 100% wrong.

[@stevenvalle7319]

Pick up my sealion 6 dynamic in stone grey on Monday, the interior leaves my Skoda for dead. Wife loves the comfy seats.

[@ksnjos001]

1100 km range and still uses petrol?

[@fatdoi003]

@@ksnjos001 what's that supposed to mean?

[@stevenvalle7319]

With full charge and full fuel tank (60 litres) the dynamic has max range of about 1080 km. This gen4 DM-i . When driving normally it uses the batteries only until it gets to 25% charge. It then uses the Atkinson cycle petrol engine to basically recharge the battery and provide energy to the electric motor. It is very simple engine that is designed to run at its most efficient rpm at all times. It can also engage and help drive the wheels but only when the car is at high speed and it's rpm basically means it engages at would be fifth gear. This is what allows these engines to be simpler more robust and more efficient. BYD gen 5 DM-i power trains revealed recently are getting over 2000km on 65 litres of fuel.

[@JIMMY-nz1ld]

​@@stevenvalle7319I do like BYD'S hybrid solution better. Suit me 99% of my use in city driving which I can just drive as an ev. Without using any fuel.

[@stevenvalle7319]

​@@JIMMY-nz1ldsimilar use case, all electric during the week and the occasional longer trip on the weekend

[@zimuli3549]

Just two years ago, Japanese cars of this type of SUV were so popular in the Chinese car market that customers were often forced to increase prices to buy them, but Japanese SUV has been forced to cut prices sharply since BYD launched the model, and still can not recover the sharp decline in sales. Today, sales of Japanese SUV have dropped to less than 1/5 of the original.

[@carol9255]

Totally sold 🎉 immediately ordered a sealion after test drive for occasional country drive! My Uni aged son who's only ever interested in Apple and Tesler was impressed after checking it out. We ordered a Seal too, such a good handling and control. We all fall in love with BYD now! Such a refreshment, doesn't look like we'll ever look back on Tesler and other hybrids!

[@moekyoame]

Toyota‘s reliability: Toyota admits to cheating engine tests for HiLux, Prado, LandCruiser, shipments halted🎉

[@stevenvalle7319]

Toyota subsidiaries (Hino, Daihatsu) caught cheating on emissions test and safety a few years back. Two weeks ago Toyota raided by police as the main company was also found to be falsifying data for over 20 years Toyota was supplying one version of the car for crash tests and the selling a different version to the public.

[@DarrylDeAbreu]

There is a temperature update to three finger swipe horizontal on the screen for adjusting the temperature and three finger swipe up and down for fan speed no matter what is on your screen plus voice commands are super easy. Tell it to adjust the fan and temperature with your voice. There are heaps of voice commands

[@Deandzzzzzz]

I know right!! It just shows how unprofessional these "professional" car reviewers are. Jump into the cabin and start recording straight away without doing some researches on the car at all!! I reckon a test drive by myself would probably gives me a deeper insight into the car than this 🥲

Thank you for the tip! In my Dolphin up and down is for temperature, sideways for fan speed.

[@abcdad1688]

they just cannot be bother to learn, every Chinese car will not be praised even they are miles better than the japs or koreans

[@roberttansley7048]

And how often do you adjust the temperature with climate control set it and leave it

[@JJBro-ij8ni]

This chubby white boy does not have any clues on how to drive a car.

[@VinJo-do4jw]

AC control is simple, Just use three fingers touch to control the temperature when you are on maps !! I found it easy.

Thank you very much! But it seems not always working. I sometimes have to try several times. I use voice control or swipe up to access the controls. Double tap on the temperature opens the full A/C menu. But I would prefer, if BYD would allow a customisable, all time visible control bar at the bottom of the screen.

[@xiebaiqin]

Voice comment is easier.

[@JJBro-ij8ni]

@@xiebaiqin exactly

[@ayambo3281]

Voice control is there for a reason. Strange that the car reviewer fails to mentioin it.

[@xiebaiqin]

@@ayambo3281 They either too lazy to do research of the vehicle or they don't want to show the new techs on purpose that only.the chinese vehicles have.

[@gunnu21]

Great value for money affordable luxury car

[@hermesliteratus882]

BYD is the Toyota in the world of EVs and plugin hybrid.

[@Clim326]

Our BYD should be ready for collection end of this week can't wait. Cancelled by Rav 4 order to get this one instead .

[@james_l4337]

What's max range of Rav4 hybrid? Is it similar km? Thks

[@tranilator]

@@james_l4337i get roughly 800km normal driving on my 2020 RAV4 AWD hybrid. Not too bad when it has to carry a towbar, roof racks, baby seats, sidesteps and my fat butt.

[@ianmcnicol6513]

"Are we blowing this out of proportion"? Yes because you have not reviewed the features correctly.....the Air Con/HVAC can be adjusted when using apple carplay or Android auto by swiping up from the bottom of the screen - can also be done by the other ways mentioned in this review....no need to exit out of these apps as explained by this reviewer..... in other words, HVAC can be adjusted by more than 3 ways....

[@good2freelance1]

In terms of technology, byd plugin is way better than rav 4 due to byd is using petrol for charging the battery Only and not for direct driving like rav 4 do

[@somerealrandomguy]

That is not correct, DM-i is both parallel and series hybrid. On highway cruising speed it will use the engine to cruise since it's more efficient that way. Most of the time the engine will charge the battery OR generate electricity for the motor.

[@sivabalan23]

Engines drives directly

[@xiebaiqin]

Most BYD phev models, the engine will engage at higher speeds, models from the premium sub brands will only generate. But all models don't have a transmition。

[@james_l4337]

U can use both, obviously direct charging BYD hybrid same u so much $$$ It's got two port, for petrol tank, the other side AC & DC port for charging. Recommend u charge u don't pay petrol fee for short trip. Save lots

[@yslee1401]

@@somerealrandomguy BYD copied Honda’s design

[@gunnu21]

Up can swipe up or swipe down for a quick ac control

[@SeaUrchin657]

How did the reviewer miss this? It's swipe left or right for fan speed if I recall correctly too?

[@fredfrond6148]

I would wait for the 2000 km version with the 150km 26kwh plug in battery pack.

[@james_l4337]

It may never arrive given After 2024 Nov US election 2025 March / April US will take developed naval powers to war Humongous fleets Extreme naval battles to China front door

[@stevenvalle7319]

Got the sealion 6 on a novated lease and can thus qualified for FBT exemption. This ends mar-april next year for PHEVs, saves additional $4700 per year

[@prasadvalappil6094]

Hi mate I am also planning to buy BYD through Novated lease , I work with NSW health. Is Novated lease a good idea ? Actually I don't know much about this , could you pls explain ? Thank you

[@Zacharyyyy89]

Is it per year? I thought it was just at purchase?

[@stevenvalle7319]

​@@Zacharyyyy89 FBT exemption lasts for length of original Novated lease as long as lease start before exemption period ends. See ATO site for their official position. For PHEVs exemption period ends around Mar-april 2025. No exemption for hybrids without a plug.

[@stevenvalle7319]

​@@Zacharyyyy89 in my case 3 year novated lease, thus get 3 years FBTax exemption worth about $4700 per year. Plus income tax reduction, plus do not pay GSTax on initial purchase. GST is payable on residual value of car if I choose to pay it out and keep the car

[@stevenvalle7319]

​@@Zacharyyyy89 for BEV FBT exemption period will be reviewed July 2027.

[@michaelginever732]

Any colour interior material that isn't black or dark grey is an improvement. So yeah, brown bits with orange /red stitching is good.

[@MisterX-er9si]

Test drove the AWD version and really liked the drive train. Very powerful and smooth power delivery and barely noticeable how the engine kicks in and starts helping with acceleration. It is a parallel hybrid BTW which means that electric motors and ICE work together at the same time. What I didn't like 1. The boot size is small and it is not enough for a family SUV. 2. A bit strange ergonomics of the armrest for driver from the right side on the door. It is narrow and lifted up.. 3. The control panel for power windows etc. is inclined so you need to dive your arm deeper to find buttons.. Really strange implementation.. 4. No memory seats which would be a nice option if it is going to be the only car in a family. 5. No spare wheel. Yeah I know most PHEV and EV cars don't have it but I had 3 tyre punctures for the last year when I needed to use the spare tyre.

[@Jason-kh9us]

yo where do you drive to get 3 punctures in a year ? lol

[@JoshuaMcTackett]

With the A/C control issue, you don’t need 5 clicks to change it during CarPlay. You can swipe up from the base of the screen to bring the controls up. I do agree though. If they’re going to do all HVAC though the screen, it has to be much smoother and easier, accessible anywhere and any time like how Tesla does it. You can change with one touch like a swipe alone in their cars

[@rodneyoneill75]

Just use voice control to adjust aircon. Easy. No need to get out of any apps.

[@andifebr]

can't you use voice recognition to activate A/C and other things?

[@gadgetgasspoll2923]

Yes you can

[@esaw7067]

my dad got an atto 3, you can use voice command to lower or increase airflow, its easier than using the touchscreen pad

[@jjian5]

That's probably the hybrid that Toyota wants to have.

[@tzeshenlim]

Or wish

[@somerealrandomguy]

Which they already sign up to buy. Reports say Toyota is adopting DM-i for the next hybrid in China and possibly a PHEV Hilux for global market.

[@zimuli3549]

Toyota has begun to buy and use BYD technology.

[@TiejunGao]

You have voice function for climate control, "Hey BYD, turn on the AC and adjust the temperature to 25°C"

[@Deandzzzzzz]

Obviously Alex finds it annoying to open up his mouth while driving 🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️

[@meteora8888]

the BYDs coming out in 5yrs time should be pretty amazing

[@max_dee]

This is the closest SUV to tempt me into an EV and giving up our beloved Jeep Grand Cherokee. I really like the tech and the ~70km pure electric range. I'll miss the Jeep's rear cargo space (780l seats up) and the driver seat memory (*a must for a 1 car family with huge height difference between me and wife). If we still think the Jeep GC's off road chops is something we'll continue to do (beach driving etc), then it would mean waiting to see if BYD bring out the BAO 5 ('Leopard'), but that would be Q4 2025 before it arrives I'm guessing. Oh man - that thing looks like the ducks nutz!~ Still has limited cargo compared to the jeep, but the rest of it would be enough to make the transition to EV.

[@hartoz]

4:48 A finger swipe up on the screen will show the climate functions.

[@justaguy6216]

Honestly I feel like the engine should have just been used as a range extender. Would reduce the complexity of the car quiet a bit, you can also make it far more fuel efficient as you need the engine to run at only 1 RPM, so you can tune it to maximize efficiency.

[@jayjames5839]

Sounds goodish, but promising

[@global_southerner]

The going back to AC from Apple Car play is just not true. You can use a shortcut at the bottom of the screen. This shows how little you know about the car. 😂 👎

[@zes3813]

wrr, say, can say x etc any nmw s perfx

[@MiriamW-sp4wp]

@drive which steering mode were you using? Comfort or sport? This made a difference to steering when we test drove.

[@DavidBoag-zy8ym]

The climate control can be adjusted by using 3 fingers, swipe horizontally and you can adjust fan speed, 3 fingers down swipe and temperature can be adjusted, voice command works well too.

[@mgrlabs]

If you need to adjust any of the cars HVAC or other functions whilst in CarPlay or android auto, you can swipe up from the bottom of the screen to get to home or down from the top to get access to quick functions.

[@ALWH1314]

Toyota PHEV drops power after EV battery exhausted and runs on hybrid, DMI works differently, no power drop.

[@mattpatton7822]

This looks like it borrows heavily from the Lexus NX450+ for which is impossible to get now, but it’s got a 1.5l engine instead of the 2.5l Lexus. Will have to check it out

[@cheynehoneyman]

I think climate controls have a shortcut from any app by swiping up from the bottom of thr screen. Edit: as many others have noted in the comments 😂

[@shomprince3630]

I love the interior. I agree it would be great to have a volume button and climate control buttons

[@jutawb]

why are you comparing a PHEV with a Hybrid, surely you should be comparing apples with apples like a Mitisbishi Outlander PHEV

[@Mububban23]

I'm keenly watching BYD to see what their reputation for service levels and wait times for parts are like

[@fvvf9569]

i am sure you don't need to wait for parts...cos china can produce anything in no time

[@星云-i1c]

Toyota has purchased DMI technology from BYD.

[@jameshjh8826]

Air con can be voice controlled, that's why no need for physical buttons

[@tzeshenlim]

RAV4lucky not axed by Toyota

[@anisshah4429]

A major portion of society rely on 2nd/3rd hand cars. Take example of older version of BMW/ Audi, due to high maintenance are cheaper in ICE. In my view, NEVs are still in evolution. It may be good as a 2nd car or as cheap as it in China.

[@JohnBradley-y9y]

This guy has no idea they are a death trap

[@JohnBradley-y9y]

I think you are crazy

[@KaisiirFlynn]

You know byd is the best in hybrid game when toyota will soon use byds hybrid system. Lol

[@michaelstenson1997]

This journalist complains about the auto safety tech in this car being too intrusive but i saw a video on byd and that journalist said that BYD had sent some software improvements to the car and it has changed his opinion dramatically.

[@dannyuber9154]

tell tesla to simplify and hv physical climate controls too.. whn tesla does its its premium. if others does it.. bleckkk

[@chefguil]

From Android auto or Apple car play you can swipe up from the bottom to get to main screen and change whatever you want, but aircon has a great 3 finger slide! Up and down for temperature and sideways for fan speed.

[@rosswalters3788]

To change A/C, you can always use voice control. Also, I believe there is an update coming for BYD that can change A/C while in Android Auto or Apple Car Play by just shipping on the screen.

[@Clim326]

Here's a air con tip I found the other day simply place 3 x fingers on the screen swipe up and down or vice versa , and the using 3 x fingers again place on touch screen and swipe left and right or vice versa to sort out air con .and no it's no tinder lol

[@ayambo3281]

You omitted to mention that voice control removes the need to dive into the screen for climate control.

[@OEBedTimeStory]

I am waiting for 5th gen DM I. China will release it with sane type of Sealion 6 later this year. (with a different name in China) I am sure it will blow your mind.

[@TheKkpop1]

5th generation DMI delivers 2,500km full tank hybrid is beyond my imagination. Huawei is working on its luxury model of 4,500km full tank hybrid.

[@stevenvalle7319]

Already released Qin L version already sold 5000 in first 3 days. No word when that tech will make to us

[@zes3813]

@@stevenvalle7319 wr

[@Jackie-fk6zc]

Sadly there are 2-3 years lag between China and overseas market, I hope they are in sync one day!

[@MrEdwib]

Did you guys know Widespread cheating in the huge Japanese car industry has been exposed by a government investigation, with Toyota, Mazda, Hino, Daihatsu, and Honda caught up and named for breaches of various rules and safety tests.😂 For Toyota, it was especially humbling, being the world’s biggest car maker.

[@Drivecomau]

We did know about this, and we've covered it at www.drive.com.au/news/toyota-mazda-honda-suzuki-scandal/ if you're interested in learning more.

[@yslee1401]

Chinese car manufacturers uses raw materials mined by Uighurs in conditions that violates that human rights

[@ddjchoi]

Great review! Great car at this price point.

[@vishavjitsingh4063]

Waiting for ANCAP rating

[@yslee1401]

They will be lucky to get 2 stars

[@Discovery2024-rn8kn]

​@@yslee1401you should go work at ANCAP and predict safety ratings without actual test results. Save them a bucket load of cash with your powers

[@koothrapalli9]

@@yslee1401 BYD Sealion 6 got 5 Star rating from ANCAP

[@trackbark]

Curious how tall is this guy

[@lucisleesion8824]

Good Enough To Challenge The Toyota RAV4? Of course, it's way better than my grandpa's old relic RAV4

[@VuthyVa]

That's why I don't use android audio. There should be a map on the system directly.

[@stevenvalle7319]

There is a built navigation app

[@louisliu6488]

139800 RMB in China, just 40% of your price.

[@vitolu6727]

出口怎么起个这名字，想啥呢

[@mattfong2231]

What about the depreciation? Just as good as the Rav4? Or 30% in 1 year?

[@xiebaiqin]

Sticker msrp for japan cars are 50% off in China.

[@yslee1401]

After one year, this car would have depreciated at least 50%. At the end of 3 years, you will be crying trying to sell it off

[@Rooboy-619]

Come back in a year, maybe two, and see if you still like this car. If it makes it that long.

[@Discovery2024-rn8kn]

There are happy BYD owners after five years so what's your point?

[@Rooboy-619]

​@@Discovery2024-rn8knI call your bluff.

[@bananabear009]

Under performance tyres are a deal breaker for me. Simply not good for emergency.

[@harrydinis6414]

Why not just change the tyres?

[@Brendo95]

Tesla still wins out on Entertainment. Netflix and KZbin is unmatched so far…

[@onetwothreefour-s1n]

Tesla makes garbage. Take that white pride crap to a Tesla pump site.

[@Dom-bn1ru]

My byd has wireless android and apple car play. Netflix, KZbin, Spotify, Amazon....etc

[@Brendo95]

@@Dom-bn1ru you have piqued my interest now. I went on a bit of a search and found that side loading is a thing!

[@Brendo95]

@@Dom-bn1ru what device did you decide on to add the wireless android auto and car play or is that native?

[@Dom-bn1ru]

@@Brendo95 native

[@itzzDizZY]

It's the warranty that holds me back off BYD. They really need to fix that mess.

[@bananabear009]

Heard a bunch of stories. Dare not to try until they really build a good after sales system.

[@glennpulford4860]

If the component isn't covered under manufacturers warranty, I'm sure BYD Australia will cover it under goodwill.

[@bananabear009]

@@glennpulford4860 Most stories are prolonged processes to fix relatively simple issues. They still have not fully established their after sales system.

[@itzzDizZY]

@@glennpulford4860 Nope, I have bitten by these car companies/dealers one too many times. Unless you are a big influencer who can make noise and get them to hear you, they won’t even fix a major fault under warranty, let’s forget about out of warranty. Remember they are in the business to make money, not goodwill or friends.

[@yslee1401]

A Canberra car owner had his BYD BeV dying off while travelling at 100km/h. BYD tried to dodge the warranty & did not replace the battery immediately until 60minutes came in

[@dointheokecoke5548]

it just looks like like $hit, that front ! so dated

[@Gdsamplify]

Vinyl seats. Horrible in Australian summers

[@SeaUrchin657]

Even with seat cooling? Shouldn't be a problem for the front passengers at least.

[@Gdsamplify]

@@SeaUrchin657 oh yeah use more battery on a PHEV. Cloth seats much more breathable

[@wsy987]

@@GdsamplifyCool seats use minimal battery

[@stevenvalle7319]

Vegan leather nowadays tend to use polyurethane substrate plus other materials. Cannot automatically assume it is vinyl. Maybe an Atto 3, dolphin driver can comment on how their long term experience has been with the BYD vegan leather

[@Fred-Jai]

So will the clear coat peel after a couple of years as will the plastic chrome? Still to early to rush in and buy give it 4 or 5 more years to see how Chinese cars hold up. Toyota is a known quantity.

[@almac9203]

You can't compare anything to the durability and reliability of Toyota or Lexus. I would imagine Chinese cars are probably as good as Tesla. Seems decent value.

[@robertceroli3512]

Perceived known quantity peeling paint on corollas and some R4s the dpf debacle (Hilux) and the latest hot v V6 in the latest LC300

[@stevenvalle7319]

Not a new model, already on sale as Byd Song plus in Russia, China, Central Asia, Latin America, South East Asia. Known as Seal U in Europe. In some markets has been available more than 3 years. Given Toyota wants to use BYd dm-i platform for some it's cars next year. It seems quality is not an issue. Was not long ago that similar negative remarks were aimed at Korean cars and before that Japanese cars...

[@almac9203]

@@robertceroli3512 you can nitpick any brand however Toyota are always at the top for reliability and have been for decades. Survey after survey has Toyota at the top hence why customers remain loyal. They aren't loyal because of the styling or technology.

[@Fred-Jai]

@@stevenvalle7319 I was thinking more in terms of Australian conditions as you may or may not be aware our average UV index is mostly higher than most places you mentioned. Prolonged exposure to high UV radiation and moisture can cause paint to degrade, leading to paint peel.

[@pastachannel1193]

It has a great interior, but rubbish tyres, poor handling, and being too bulky to drive make it average. After being kicked out of Europe, Australia has become the dumping ground for Chinese cars.

[@markuc]

Chinese EVs are feared because they will slaughter legacy auto with value and tech. People are not idiots. But western governments certainly are treating them as such, the above certainly is a brainwashed sheep.

[@wcrash9361]

We’re kicked out of Europe and we are lucky to have so much more choice than the U.S. without rip off prices. Continental tyres on most of byd models are not rubbish

[@Discovery2024-rn8kn]

Australian speed limits are more strict, no point in driving fast and hard. It's a suv, bulky comes with the package

[@Mike-d2m2u]

Based on BYD owner reviews, I would be concerned about customer service if there is an issue with your car

[@fairgo4156]

The overall look is bland with the detaining also a bit odd. The dynamics are not the best nor is the distribution arrangement with AP Eagers resulting in the worst new car warranty in the business as well as underdone parts and tech support. The long term reliability and longevity is also unknown. On the plus side it's reasonably spacious and the hybrid system is impressive. When BYD decides to set up factory distribution in Australia, improve its warranty, improve the vehicle's dynamics and sharpen pricing I would gladly take a closer look. For now, Toyota have nothing to worry about.

[@kirakira1981]

geez still living in the 90s I see. Toyota is Nokia in 2008, Kodak in 2000.

[@tzeshenlim]

Not just Toyota Japan is worry about byd

[@stevenvalle7319]

Fairgo is wrong these cars have been on the market for 2-3 years overseas. Only issue was the pouch battery which was unreliable. Changed last year to prismatic (blade) batteries. No issues with petrol engine or paint in more severe central Asian winters, or more humid Brazilian market. Have been watching the long term reviews with the help of KZbin auto translate

[@jasonsim6521]

​@@tzeshenlimwhy would they be worry?they just use byd hybrid system for their cars while they focus on the next gen tech. Tho no one knows how soon next gen tech is here

[@tzeshenlim]

@@jasonsim6521 true....yes arsenal in pipeline

[@RodneyW]

Thanks for the excellent and thorough review Alex. In addition to the below standard ADAS, handling and braking, there is too much tech for me - the infotainment and dashboard is too off-putting and distracting. At least it has a proper shroud around the instrument panel to reduce the effects of sun glare (unlike many modern cars). The worst thing about BYD reviews is that as soon as you publish , large numbers of (attempted) manipulative commenters start pumping up the brand (BYD rules China, it will soon rule the world!, the technology is fantastic, PHEV is better, Japan is losing etc). It almost makes you think that people are being paid to shill the brand...

[@Beebee_1984]

Shocking interior , not only no tactile climate control system but 5 clicks to get back to climate controls It’s a big deal for me and I wouldn’t buy it,

[@wcrash9361]

You got fooled by the illinformed reviewer, one swipe in screen to access ac controls or even easier than a physical button you just ask your car to turn on ac or adjust temperature

[@Beebee_1984]

@@wcrash9361 So where's the button. I want a button. I don’t want just Siri like voice control to control car temp

[@wcrash9361]

@@Beebee_1984 well buy another car if this is too hard for you, no one is forcing you to buy this car so why whinge about a car you won’t ever own

[@Beebee_1984]

@@wcrash9361 That’s a moron clown argument. Companies ask for feedback all the time and if the company ignores it the government will impose regulations as people messing around on screens while driving is causing accidents

[@AntihuaGoxiba]

Use voice commands instead of touch screen for aircon controls , voice control in this car is super smart

[@qimingw.4367]

Why don't you use voice control for AC? very easy and automatic

[@peterwoo2706]

Has Toyota's air bag problem been solved?