BYD has further strengthened its position in the Australian PHEV market by introducing a new, more affordable variant of its popular Sealion 6 SUV. The new Essential trim offers buyers an even lower entry point into plug-in hybrid technology.
- New Essential trim priced at $42,990 before on-road costs
- $3000 price reduction compared to outgoing Dynamic trim
- Premium trim remains at $52,990 before on-road costs
- Orders open immediately, with deliveries starting in March
Technical Specifications:
- 18.3kWh Blade LFP battery retained
- System outputs: 160kW and 300Nm
- Front-wheel drive configuration
- 0-100km/h acceleration in 8.5 seconds
- Claimed electric-only range of 92km (NEDC)
- Fuel consumption: 1.1L/100km (4.8L/100km if battery charge below 25%)
Feature Adjustments:
- BYD hasn't specified removed features from Dynamic trim
- All five-star ANCAP safety features retained
- Similar "Essential" treatments applied to Atto 3 and Dolphin models previously
BYD's introduction of the more affordable Essential trim for the Sealion 6 demonstrates the brand's commitment to making plug-in hybrid technology accessible to a wider range of Australian consumers.
By maintaining key performance and safety features while reducing the entry price, BYD aims to further solidify its position as a leader in the affordable PHEV segment. As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, this strategic pricing move could attract more buyers to consider hybrid technology as a stepping stone to full electrification.