The BYD Seal 6 is a plug-in hybrid car designed for families who want an alternative to fully electric vehicles or traditional SUVs. Offered as a saloon or a more practical estate (Touring), it provides decent efficiency and a well-equipped interior at a competitive price point. However, its driving experience is unremarkable, and some of its technology is frustratingly overcomplicated.
What is the Seal 6?
The Seal 6 expands BYD’s lineup, offering a plug-in hybrid option alongside their fully electric Seal model. Available in Boost and Comfort trims, it combines a 1.5-liter petrol engine with an electric motor and battery, providing flexibility for both short electric-only trips and longer journeys when the battery is depleted.
The Touring estate version adds £1,000 to the base price, offering increased luggage space for families who need it. Both versions use a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to manage power delivery from the engine and motor.
Performance and Driving Experience: Efficiency Over Enjoyment
While the powertrain delivers adequate performance—0-62mph in 8.5-8.9 seconds depending on trim—the Seal 6 is not an engaging car to drive. The electric motor provides smooth acceleration when charged, but the petrol engine becomes noisy and unrefined when it takes over.
The handling is vague, and the ride is unsettled at all speeds. Bumps transmit harshly into the cabin, and the steering lacks feedback. The Sport mode adds some weight to the steering but doesn’t improve the overall experience.
Key Performance Figures:
- Boost Trim: 181bhp, 0-62mph in 8.9s
- Comfort Trim: 209bhp, 0-62mph in 8.5s
- Top Speed: 112mph (both trims)
Interior, Technology, and Practicality: Functional but Flawed
The interior is functional but lacks visual flair. Material quality is decent, though some plastics feel low-rent. The spacious cabin offers ample room for passengers, and the Touring estate provides a generous boot with a high-opening tailgate.
The infotainment system features a large touchscreen (12.8-inch in Boost, 15.6-inch in Comfort), but the menu structure is overly complex, requiring excessive digging for simple functions. The driver monitoring system is overly sensitive, frequently issuing false warnings.
Pros:
- Decent boot space (especially in Touring)
- Generous equipment levels
- Competitive pricing
Cons:
- Unintuitive infotainment system
- Fidgety ride quality
- Overly aggressive driver assistance tech
Running Costs and Tax: The Comfort Trim Wins
The Seal 6’s fuel economy is impressive when the battery is charged (up to 166.2mpg in Comfort trim). Once the battery depletes, the hybrid system still delivers around 53.3mpg. The Comfort trim is more tax-efficient for company car drivers due to its longer electric range, potentially saving taxpayers money.
However, insurance groups are relatively high (33-36), and depreciation is moderate, retaining around 50% of its value after three years.
The Verdict: A Sensible Choice with Trade-Offs
The BYD Seal 6 offers a practical, well-equipped plug-in hybrid option for families. It excels in efficiency and practicality but falls short in driving enjoyment and refinement. If your priorities are value, space, and low running costs over an engaging driving experience, the Seal 6 is worth considering. However, be prepared to tolerate a firm ride and a frustratingly complex infotainment system.
