All New BYD Seal 6 DM-i (2025 - )

The Seal 6 DM-i offers a roomy and comfy cabin infused with BYD's signature innovative technologies, writes motoring journalist Tim Barnes-Clay.

With an impressive real-world electric range and a combined range from its state-of-the-art super hybrid powertrain, it stands as an ideal option for motorists seeking a versatile EV driving experience. 

This model is available as both a saloon and a touring wagon - which is an estate car to you and me - and boasts a boot capacity of up to 1535 litres when the seats are folded down.

As the second super hybrid vehicle to make its debut in Europe, following the successful Seal U DM-i SUV - which has already exceeded one million sales globally - the 6 DM-i is built on a refined version of that model's powertrain. The saloon and wagon configurations not only contribute to their sleek profiles but also enhance overall efficiency. 

We drove the new BYD in estate (sorry, touring wagon) guise in and around Uxbridge - a perfect location for experiencing the UK's pothole-ridden roads.

The Seal 6 DM-i is built on BYD's innovative super hybrid technology and includes dual high-speed electric motors with an integrated controller, a Blade battery, and a Xiaoyun 1.5-litre petrol mill.
The powertrain functions in two modes - EV, where the wheels are propelled by the electric motor, and HEV, which typically operates on similar principles. In HEV mode, the petrol lump charges the battery and electric motor, delivering the driving characteristics of a purely electric vehicle. When extra poke is necessary, the HEV mode can seamlessly harness the capabilities of both the petrol engine and the electric motor. 
The result is that all versions of the Seal 6 DM-i, saloon or touring, can accelerate from 0-62 mph in under nine seconds and reach a top speed of 111mph. The solidly-built touring we drove sped to 62mph in 8.5 seconds, delivering a lively performance. While the estate car is peppy, it isn't exactly exciting to drive; however, since it's a family-focused vehicle, that's cool with us. 
What’s more, although the ride is a bit lumpy at times, it handles imperfections in the tarmac quite well, providing a comfortable drive overall. The Seal 6 DM-i certainly offers a stable drive on the straights and through corners, but reducing wind din at pace would further enhance the overall experience.
 

Drawing inspiration from the ocean, the saloon's front-end design combines flowing shapes with sharper lines at the lower bumper, offering a dynamic aesthetic while enhancing aerodynamics.

The front grille has a clean, minimalist look and features an active air intake system that further optimises aerodynamics. The bold inverted trapezoidal lower grille, accented with chrome details and body-coloured surrounds, gives the car a distinctive and refined presence. Completing the Seal 6 DM-i's 'face' are the crystal-inspired headlights, which sport full-LED technology across all versions.

At the sides, dual waistlines enhance the Seal 6 DM-i's profile, complemented by 18-inch 'flying axe' alloys. At the rear, the taillights boast smoked finishes and layered LED-matrix sequences, creating a flowing visual effect.

The estate version of the car is the same length and width as the saloon but stands slightly taller. The front design is identical too, while the side profile marries the double waistline with a sloping rear roofline. A contrasting finish on the D-pillar creates a 'floating' appearance, blending roof rails with a sporty look. The rear features the sophisticated LED-matrix taillights and an integrated washer/wiper to maintain visibility during journeys.

Tech-wise, the Seal 6 DM-i is tailored for urban environments, winding country lanes and motorway trips, possessing a comprehensive array of safety features. Every model houses seven airbags, double pre-tensioned front seatbelts with height adjustment, Isofix and i-Size connectors on the outer rear seats as well as the front passenger seat, child presence detection, and a speed-sensing automatic locking system.

Driver-assistance technologies include front and rear parking sensors, rear-view and 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control and intelligent cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, direct driver fatigue management, rear cross-traffic alert with braking, lane departure assistance, forward and rear collision warnings, and a door-opening alert.
 

The Seal 6 DM-i offers ample space for five adults, featuring excellent legroom and headroom up front – and genuinely decent room for three adults in the rear. 
At the centre of the well-built dashboard is a high-resolution infotainment display, available in 12.8 or 15.6 inches, depending on the trim level. We had 12.8 inches on our Comfort Lite car. Speaking of which, there are three grades – Boost, Comfort Lite and the top Comfort trim.
Staying connected is effortless for everyone, with two USB ports in the front cabin - and an additional two sockets located in the rear. Most versions also include a 50W wireless charging pad for smartphones.
The car we drove - BYD’s first estate model in Europe - unsurprisingly enjoys a generous and adaptable boot area. There are 500 litres of storage capacity available behind the rear seats, reaching up to the level of the parcel shelf, and this expands to 675 litres when loading over it. 
Additionally, folding the rear seats down in a 40:60 split configuration increases the total boot capacity to an impressive 1535 litres. Accessing this versatile load space is also a breeze, courtesy of a powered tailgate, which is a standard feature.
 

The Seal 6 DM-i’s powertrain predominantly functions like an electric vehicle, boasting an all-electric range of up to 65 miles from the larger of the two Blade batteries. The system's intelligent controls (the 'i' in DM-i) raise efficiency, achieving a weighted combined fuel consumption of up to 188.3mpg.

When fully charged and filled with petrol, the car offers a combined range of up to 935 miles. This makes the 6 DM-i an outstanding alternative not just to mild hybrids, but also to conventional purely combustion-engine models, owing to its long-distance capabilities and the ability to complete numerous journeys without consuming any petrol.

The car comes in two super hybrid configurations. The Boost features a Blade battery with a capacity of 10.08kWh and offers a maximum power output of 135kW. This variant boasts the most extensive WLTP combined range, achieving the 935 miles mentioned above for the saloon and 839 miles for the touring model.

In contrast, the Comfort editions deliver 156kW of power and are equipped with a larger 19kWh battery. This allows the saloon and touring versions to cover greater distances on electric power alone, reaching 65 miles and 62 miles, respectively. Their WLTP combined ranges stand at 904 miles for the saloon and 839 miles for the touring. Incidentally, the touring version boasts an exceptionally low drag coefficient of merely 0.280, which is remarkable for an estate vehicle and plays a significant role in its efficiency.

We didn't drive our Comfort Lite wagon long enough to run out of juice, but the 839-mile potential didn't look unrealistically out of reach. Put it this way, we easily had enough real-world range to feasibly drive the 500-odd miles from Uxbridge to Aberdeen - and then halfway back again. That's reassuring - especially when you have a family - and want to get to your destination and tuck the kids in without hassle.
 

Starting from £33,990 for the saloon and £34,990 for the touring version, the Seal 6 DM-i offers excellent value for money.

This latest BYD model should be on your shopping list for its spacious, comfortable cabin and technology - and its electric and combined range ensures flexibility for all driving needs.  

What's more, the touring wagon's practicality raises the game - it isn't just a smart choice for everyday commuting, it's also a real-world, safe companion for the family.

Whether you prioritise range, technology, safety or roominess, BYD's Seal 6 DM-i delivers on many fronts.