The BYD Seal 6 DM-i plug-in hybrid sedan and the China-made Tesla Model Y L scored five stars in the ANCAP crash and safety evaluation test. The Seal 6 DM-i became the leading performer in the latest batch of cars tested by the ANCAP, demonstrating good protection across most scenarios.
The BYD Seal 6 DM-i got 92% in the Adult Occupant Protection category. It handled the full-width frontal collision, oblique pole collision, and side impact with a perfect score. The driver’s dummy experienced the impact load during the frontal offset collision, indicating adequate lower legs and chest protection. However, the passenger compartment remained stable.
The Seal 6 DM-i scored 90% in the Child Occupant Protection segment. All critical body areas of 6 and 10-year-old child dummies were well-protected. However, ANCAP experts highlighted that one of the selected booster seats couldn’t be correctly installed in the centre rear position. The Vulnerable Road User Protection received 84%, as some areas around pillars and a windshield could hurt pedestrians.
The Safety Assist category scored 84%. The Seal 6 DM-i performed well in most Autonomous Emergency Braking tests. However, it was more difficult for the BYD-branded sedan to activate the AEB function during the scenario of crossing the path of another vehicle (T-bone).
The BYD Seal 6 DM-i sells in China under the Seal 06 name. It is a sizeable mass-market car with dimensions of 4840/1875/1495 mm. The wheelbase is 2,790 mm. It is powered by a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine for 70 kW (94 hp), mated with a 130 kW (174 hp) electric motor. The car can drive up to 55 km on EV range under WLTP conditions. The car is available for purchase at 34,990 AUD (25,370 USD).
It’s worth noting that the Seal 6 DM-i was previously one of the sales drivers of BYD in China. However, its sales volume declined 39.7% Year-Over-Year in Q1 2026 to just 26,650 units due to the gradual phasing out of governmental subsidies, according to China EV DataTracker.
Tesla Model Y L result
The China-made Tesla Model Y L was awarded five stars based on the related five-seat Model Y. However, ANCAP experts undertake some additional testing and assessments. The three-row SUV assembled at the Tesla Shanghai plant scored 91% in the Adult Occupant Protection segment.
Difficulties were identified with child restraint installation in second row seating positions, where many restraints could not be correctly installed due to limitations with top tether routing. In the third row, rearward-facing and forward-facing convertible child restraints could not be easily installed using the ISOFix anchorages. As a result, the Model Y L got 84% in the Child Occupant Protection category. The Vulnerable Road User Protection segment scored 86% while the Safety Assist functions got 92%.
The Model Y L is available for order in Australia within a price range of 74,900 – 89,400 AUD (54,275 – 69,145 USD). It is a large crossover with dimensions of 4976/1920/1668 mm. The wheelbase reaches 3,040 mm. The car adopts a dual-motor AWD for 340 kW (456 hp). It can run up to 751 km on a single 82 kWh battery charge under CLTC conditions.
