- Growing Popularity of Hybrid Wagons in the Chinese Market
- Exterior Design and Dimensions
- Storage Capacity and Practicality
- Powertrain and Performance
- Interior Features and Technology
- Pricing and Availability
Chinese automaker BYD has announced the launch of a new version of its popular Seal 06 model — the plug-in hybrid (DM-i) station wagon variant. This model stands out with a hybrid electric range of up to 2,000 kilometers and a starting price of 109,800 yuan (approximately $15,320 USD). The new wagon targets families seeking a practical and economical vehicle that combines performance, efficiency, spacious storage, and advanced features.
Growing Popularity of Hybrid Wagons in the Chinese Market
Unlike Europe, where wagons are widely popular, this segment was previously less common in China, where consumers favored higher-riding SUVs. However, with rapid advancements in new energy vehicles, hybrid and electric wagons have gained increasing attention due to their superior aerodynamic efficiency and practicality compared to crossovers, while offering similar comfort and utility.
In the past five years, several Chinese manufacturers introduced new clean-energy wagons such as the Zeekr 001, Zeekr 007 GT, Nio ET5 Touring, Denza Z9 GT, and Neta S. Many of these models are entering or preparing to enter European markets. BYD also plans to bring the Seal 06 DM-i to overseas markets, including Europe.
Exterior Design and Dimensions
The BYD Seal 06 DM-i Wagon shares a similar exterior design language with its sedan sibling, featuring the "Marine Aesthetics" design philosophy that highlights sleek body lines. The car sports an elegant front fascia with slim LED headlights and an inverted trapezoidal grille. Hidden door handles and black pillars complement a unified rear light bar.
The vehicle measures 4850 mm in length, 1890 mm in width, and 1505 mm in height, with a 2790 mm wheelbase. It boasts a low drag coefficient of 0.284 Cd, enhancing fuel efficiency and electric range.
Storage Capacity and Practicality
BYD emphasizes practicality in the Seal 06 DM-i Wagon, offering a 670-liter trunk capacity that expands to 1535 liters with the rear seats folded. The car also includes a built-in refrigerator with heating functionality, ideal for family trips and outings.
Additionally, it supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, allowing the car to serve as an external power source for electrical devices, increasing its versatility.
Powertrain and Performance
The Seal 06 DM-i Wagon is equipped with a fifth-generation hybrid system available in two powertrain versions:
The base version features a 1.5-liter gasoline engine producing 74 kW (99 hp) paired with a 120 kW (161 hp) electric motor. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds, with a fuel consumption of 3.15 liters per 100 km. The 10.08 kWh battery provides an electric-only range of up to 80 km (CLTC cycle).
The higher-spec version uses the same gasoline engine combined with a more powerful 160 kW (215 hp) electric motor, reducing 0-100 km/h acceleration to 7.7 seconds. The 18.71 kWh battery offers an electric range of up to 150 km and supports fast charging from 30% to 80% in 25 minutes. Fuel consumption is 4.25 liters per 100 km due to the added weight.
With a 65-liter fuel tank, the vehicle can cover up to 2,000 km in hybrid mode, making it suitable for long trips without frequent refueling.
Interior Features and Technology
The car comes with a 12.8-inch central touchscreen, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, and a six-speaker audio system in the base version. Safety features include six airbags, LED headlights, and ventilated and heated front seats.
The base model also includes the DiPilot 100 driver-assistance system, known as "God’s Eye C," featuring 12 cameras, millimeter-wave radars, ultrasonic sensors, and a computing power of 100 trillion operations per second, enabling autonomous highway driving.
The higher trim offers a larger 15.6-inch screen, an eight-speaker audio system, seven airbags, and an advanced DiSus-C suspension system for improved ride comfort.
Pricing and Availability
Prices for the BYD Seal 06 DM-i Wagon in China start at:
Base 80 km Noble version: 109,800 yuan (~$15,320 USD)
Mid-level 150 km Exclusive version: 119,800 yuan (~$16,720 USD)
Top 150 km Flagship version: 129,800 yuan (~$18,115 USD)
These prices are highly competitive in the hybrid family car segment, offering an excellent balance of performance, economy, and comfort.
The 2025 BYD Seal 06 DM-i Wagon offers a practical and economical choice for families seeking a plug-in hybrid vehicle that combines long electric range, strong performance, spacious interiors, and advanced features. Its sleek design and high efficiency make it a strong contender in the Chinese market and potentially in global markets soon.
With advanced technologies like the DiPilot driver-assistance system and V2L capability, the car delivers a safe and comfortable driving experience suited for modern lifestyles and family trips.
