BYD SEAL 6 DM-i Touring review

Driving position 

Getting comfortable in any BYD is a breeze, and the SEAL 6 Touring is no different. With electrically adjustable (plus heated and ventilated) vegan leather seats on high-spec models and plenty of fine-tuning for the steering wheel, it’s quick to get to your chosen position. 

Even drivers over six feet won’t struggle to get comfy. Because it’s not fully electric, there aren’t any batteries eating into foot space either, so the seat can go nice and low. 

Visibility is excellent too. Despite being a long car, you never feel like you’re driving a barge, and seeing all around at junctions is no trouble. 

Tech and features 

BYD SEAL 6 DM-i trims  

– Boost 

– Comfort Lite 

– Comfort 

BYD is a self-proclaimed technology company that just happens to have some incredible automotive engineers, so it’s safe to say the tech is in good hands. 

In the base 'Boost' spec, the SEAL 6 DM-i Touring has a 12.8-inch landscape infotainment screen (no longer rotating), which increases to 15.6 inches in the Comfort model. 

That crisp screen is complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, not to mention a clear 360-degree camera to make parking a doddle.

A 50W cooled wireless phone charger, and two USB-C ports (one 18W and the other 60W) will keep you topped up on the go. 

Top-spec Comfort models come with a panoramic sunroof for the luxury of more light and air in the cabin (it opens too).

Engines and power 

BYD SEAL 6 DM-i Touring performance stats  

– Power: 184hp or 212hp 

– 0-62mph: 8.5 to 8.9 seconds  

– Top speed: 111mph  

– Driven wheels: Front-wheel drive 

All versions are powered by the same 1.5-litre petrol engine coupled with the brand’s innovative Blade Battery technology – both made in-house. 

Boost models get a 10.08kWh battery, while the Comfort has a larger 19kWh battery. The SEAL 6 DM-i uses BYD’s clever Super Hybrid system (DM standing for ‘Dual Mode’), which makes sure to make the most of both the engine and electric power. 

The Boost produces 184hp, whereas the Comfort – with the larger battery – has 212hp. We’ve driven both versions of it and have to say they’re equally as punchy. 

It’s not going to come close to the urgency of a fully electric BYD, such as the SEALION 7, but it’s plenty of poke for the average driver. 

And with the quicker Comfort car being able to hit 62mph from a standstill in just 8.5 seconds, it’s got your back at junctions. 

Our one gripe is that the brakes didn’t feel as sharp as we’d have hoped (likewise with the Saloon). Perhaps BYD has dialled them back a bit so they’re not too grabby – something many new cars struggle with today. 

Handling and ride comfort 

This is one area of the SEAL 6 that BYD has nailed. We think it rides really rather well on UK roads, and for a brand that is fairly new to our... compromised tarmac, we’re impressed. 

It doesn’t feel unsettled on tight country roads or even on speed bumps. It feels comfortable but not over-cushioned, which is exactly what you want. 

However, the steering itself feels a little bit numb at times. You don't get the same feedback as in, say, a Volkswagen Passat Estate – although VW had a few decades' head start in fairness. 

This isn’t going to be a concern for most buyers. If you want something that handles really well, you should probably look towards a sportier car anyway. 

Boot space 

BYD SEAL 6 DM-i Touring boot space:  

– Boot space: 500 litres 

– Incl. Rear seats folded: 1,535 litres 

For a plug-in hybrid, we’re pleased to report it’s still got a big boot at 500 litres (with an extra 175 litres above the parcel shelf). Fold down the rear seats, and this goes up to 1,535 litres. 

It has a flat loading lip and a wide opening, so it’s really easy to get larger items in there without too much bother. 

There’s also a selection of clever hooks to help secure loose items from rattling around. 

Rear seats 

Switching between the SEAL 6 Touring and Saloon, we didn’t notice much of a difference in rear seat space. 

Of course, the Touring has a bigger boot, but overall headroom and legroom felt about the same. 

The real genius move BYD has made is giving the SEAL 6 a totally flat floor. This is very common in electric cars, but less so in plug-in hybrids, and means there’s much more space for middle-seat passengers. 

Storage solutions 

Storage for your odds and ends is decent in the SEAL 6, with most of it in the storage area beneath the wireless charging pad. Ideal for a small bag or jumper. 

Above are two cupholders that sit in front of the central armrest. 

Space in the back is good too. Not as much as you’d get in a BYD SUV like the Seal U DM-i, but still plenty. Plus, you have the massive boot for any more room you need. 

BYD SEAL 6 DM-i Touring dimensions  

– Height: 1,505mm  

– Width: 1,875mm  

– Length: 4,840mm  

– Gross weight: 2,145kg to 2,240kg 

Safety 

The BYD SEAL 6 has been independently safety tested by Euro NCAP and scored a full five stars. 

This is thanks to onboard safety features such as front and rear parking sensors, rear-view and 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, direct driver fatigue management, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure assistance, forward and rear collision warnings and a door-opening warning. 

Fuel economy 

BYD’s seriously proud of its achievements in the fuel economy department, and so it should be.  

The Touring has a total combined WLTP range of 839 miles when using petrol and electricity. The Boost can drive up to 31 miles in EV mode, and the Comfort can do a claimed 62 miles. 

This is slightly down on the lighter Saloon because the Touring is ever-so-slightly heavier, but only by a couple of miles. 

When you do need to top up the battery, you can do so via AC or DC charging.  

The AC (7kW) charging time from 15% to 100% can take as little as 2.7 hours, and DC (26kW) charging from 30% to 80% takes 23 minutes but is only available on Comfort models. 

Reliability

BYD's still relatively new to the UK, so long-term reliability is unknown, but the signs are promising. 

Every BYD comes with a six-year/93,750-mile warranty, which is far better than the standard three-year cover offered by most other brands. 

Plus, we have total faith in its battery technology. BYD made the first-ever mass-produced plug-in hybrid back in 2008, so they know a thing or two about them.