BUSAN — BYD Korea made a significant move in the domestic automotive market on June 26, unveiling its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model, the ‘Sealion 6 DM-i,’ at the 2026 Busan Mobility Show held at BEXCO. As the brand expands its local portfolio beyond electric commercial vehicles, this mid-size SUV aims to bridge the gap between pure electric mobility and the practical convenience of internal combustion engines, signaling a strategic effort to penetrate the South Korean green vehicle sector.
The Sealion 6 DM-i is positioned as a competitive option for local consumers, with a retail price set at 37.5 million won. During the press event, Jo In-cheol, President of Passenger Vehicles at BYD Korea, introduced the vehicle under the banner of "Power of Duality," emphasizing that the model provides the freedom of movement without the trade-offs often associated with choosing between electrification and traditional fuel sources. "The goal is to provide a vehicle that operates like an electric car during weekday commutes and offers the long-distance capability of a gasoline engine for weekend trips," Jo explained.
At the core of the Sealion 6 DM-i is BYD’s proprietary DM-i (Dual Mode-intelligent) system. This architecture prioritizes electric motor performance, with the internal combustion engine acting as a generator or providing direct drive only when necessary. The powertrain features a 1.5-liter Xiaoyun gasoline turbo engine paired with a high-efficiency electric motor, delivering a maximum engine output of 96kW and a motor output of 150kW.
Efficiency and reliability are further bolstered by an 18.3kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade Battery. This battery enables a maximum driving range of 70km in pure electric (EV) mode, facilitating quiet and smooth urban travel. Furthermore, the vehicle supports DC fast charging, allowing the battery to charge from 30% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes, and includes a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function capable of supplying up to 3.3kW of power to external devices.
The vehicle’s design reflects a futuristic aesthetic, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch rotatable touchscreen that acts as a central control hub for infotainment and connectivity. Standard safety and convenience features include a 360-degree surround-view monitor, an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS), and support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With dimensions of 4,775mm in length and a wheelbase of 2,765mm, the interior provides ample space, including a trunk capacity that expands up to 1,440 liters when the rear seats are folded.
BYD, which launched the world’s first mass-produced PHEV in 2008, has accumulated over 18 years of expertise in hybrid technology, with global sales exceeding 8 million units. The Sealion 6 DM-i has already proven its popularity internationally, with over 1.1 million units sold worldwide. As BYD Korea begins official pre-orders, industry observers are closely monitoring whether this aggressive pricing and hybrid strategy will disrupt the local market, currently dominated by domestic manufacturers.
"BYD Korea remains committed to contributing to the qualitative growth of the Korean eco-friendly vehicle market through a diverse portfolio that encompasses both EVs and PHEVs, as well as passenger and commercial segments," Jo stated. With 34 showrooms and 20 service centers already in operation nationwide, the brand is laying the groundwork for a long-term presence in South Korea.
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