Although the Sealion 06 was launched in July 2025, BYD has recently confirmed it will replace the best-selling Sealion 6, known as the BYD Song Plus in China, which has sold over 1.57 million units globally. Positioned in the competitive 150,000 yuan (22,100 USD) class, it targets families seeking a larger vehicle with modern design, advanced technology, and accessible pricing.

During our test, the Sealion 06 revealed a well-executed update in design, driving feel, and smart features. It clearly defines the next step in BYD’s mid-range SUV strategy and reflects how the company is spreading its top-tier technologies across both EV and PHEV variants.

Exterior

At first glance, the Sealion 06 presents a distinctive and somewhat polarising design. Its “double-eyelid” headlamp arrangement has drawn attention online due to its resemblance to the Genesis GV60, with opinions divided between innovative and unconventional. In daylight, the split DRL pattern reflects light in a way that enhances the vehicle’s perceived presence on the road.

The closed front grille identifies it as an authentic EV architecture, complemented by sculpted corner inlets and a domed hood that conceals a 142-litre front trunk, large enough for a small suitcase. The body measures 4,810 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,675 mm high, with a 2,820 mm wheelbase. This gives the SUV slightly larger proportions than a Tesla Model Y or Volkswagen Tiguan L.

Along the sides, flush door handles improve aerodynamics and visual cleanliness. Higher trims include a blue-lit retractable step beneath the passenger door, mainly for aesthetic effect rather than utility. At the rear, the wave-pattern light bar and high tailgate angle complete the look, providing easy access to luggage space. Overall, the exterior design gives the Sealion 06 a premium impression that surpasses expectations for its price bracket.

Interior

The cabin marks a significant improvement over the Sealion 6, both in material quality and layout. Soft-touch surfaces, leather panels, and woven fabrics cover nearly every area within reach. The result is an interior that feels more refined than the SUV’s price suggests.

The front seats are reshaped with stronger side bolsters and better shoulder support. Long-distance testers noted reduced fatigue after extended highway drives. Rear passengers enjoy generous cushioning with long base padding, providing notable thigh support. A 1.80-meter, 200-kilogram occupant can sit comfortably with more than two fists of legroom and around one fist of headroom. The completely flat floor improves the middle seat’s usability for three adults.

Storage versatility also stands out. The rear trunk offers over 700 litres of capacity, supported by a hidden lower compartment for smaller items or valuables. Together with the front trunk, the total usable cargo space easily accommodates family travel needs.

Driving Experience

The test car, a top-trim Pilot Plus FWD version, features a 26.6 kWh battery and a 180 kW rear motor and 74 kW engine output with a combined range of 1,670 km CLTC. Power response is immediate yet progressive, ideal for confident highway merging or urban driving without abrupt acceleration.

One of the key upgrades is the DiSus-C variable-damping suspension, fitted as standard across all trims. Drivers can choose between “Sport” and “Comfort” settings to adjust damper stiffness and control body pitch during acceleration or braking. During testing, the system effectively minimised vertical movement on uneven roads, maintaining composure over speed bumps and expansion joints.

Steering feel is linear and well-weighted, with precise responses around the centre. This gives the vehicle a level of control that is rare among SUVs in this segment. Cabin insulation also deserves recognition, as both tyre and wind noise remain minimal even beyond 100 km/h. With its low centre of gravity, the Sealion 06 delivers confident stability while maintaining a calm and refined driving character.

Smart Systems

The Sealion 06’s technological package is one of its strongest areas. A 15.6-inch floating central display dominates the dashboard, accompanied by a 1.5-inch instrument cluster and an optional 20-inch head-up display. The latest BYD intelligent assistant supports continuous voice interaction without repeated wake words. Commands such as “open half the window” or “lower the temperature” are executed instantly.

System performance remains fluid, with clear menus and fast navigation. Smartphone-like gestures make the operation intuitive even for new users. Features include NFC key access, OTA updates, and a remote vehicle control interface. The top trim features a built-in refrigerator under the centre armrest. It uses the central A/C compressor, avoiding additional vibration or noise and making it one of the few integrated cooling units found below 300,000 yuan (42,100 USD).

Intelligent Driving

All Sealion 06 variants include BYD’s “God’s Eye C” (DiPilot 100) intelligent driving suite. It supports highway NOA (navigation-assisted driving), automatic lane changes, emergency braking with horn activation, and multi-mode automatic parking.

In testing, the parking assistant completed a complex reverse-in manoeuvre within a tight space, requiring only minor correction. BYD also provides a manufacturer’s guarantee covering minor body contact during automated parking, showing its confidence in the system’s precision.

The interface presents surrounding vehicles in real time. When a large truck cut in during testing, the system triggered an emergency stop while automatically activating the horn to warn nearby traffic. This integration of proactive alerts demonstrates BYD’s step toward more intelligent safety behaviour.

Verdict

From our evaluation, the BYD Sealion 06 consistently delivered performance that exceeded expectations for its price category. Although the exterior styling remains a point of discussion, the overall engineering depth behind the Sealion 06 shows BYD’s focus on substance. The model successfully transfers high-end technology from premium series into the 150,000 yuan (21,050 USD) class, bridging the gap between affordability and sophistication.

For families seeking a capable and refined SUV under 160,000 yuan (22,450 USD), the Sealion 06 offers a balanced and intelligent package. As some in China may describe the car as hiding genuine capability beneath an unassuming exterior, “meat hidden in the rice,” reflecting the quiet confidence of BYD’s latest generation of SUVs.