BYD Seal 06 DM-i: Plug-in Hybrid Saloon & Estate Coming to UK in 2025

Published On: May 19, 2025

BYD Seal 06 DM-i: The UK plug-in hybrid market is heating up, and BYD, one of the fastest-growing Chinese EV brands, is expanding its footprint with the arrival of the BYD Seal 06 DM-i. Positioned as a direct rival to the BMW 330e and Skoda Superb iV, this all-new plug-in hybrid is set to shake up the executive saloon and estate car segments with impressive electric-only range, premium styling, and high-tech features at a competitive price point.

Slated to become the seventh model in BYD’s UK line-up, the Seal 06 DM-i is a pivotal part of the brand’s strategy to dominate the EV and PHEV segments. Already offering models like the BYD Atto 3, Dolphin, Seal, and Sea Lion 7, BYD is clearly focused on giving UK consumers a wide variety of electrified vehicles. The upcoming Dolphin Surf will add further diversity to its small car range, while the Seal 06 DM-i fills the niche for those seeking both practicality and sustainability in an executive package.

What sets the BYD Seal 06 DM-i apart is its exceptional electric-only range of over 50 miles (80 km), placing it well above many plug-in hybrid rivals. Built on BYD’s advanced DM-i platform, the vehicle combines a petrol engine with a highly efficient electric motor and a long-range battery pack. This PHEV will offer drivers low emissions, reduced fuel consumption, and the freedom to travel longer distances in pure EV mode, especially useful for urban commuters and eco-conscious professionals.

BYD Seal 06 DM-i Specifications

Specification	Details
Powertrain	DM-i Plug-in Hybrid (Petrol + EV)
EV-only Range	50+ miles (approx. 80+ km)
Battery Capacity	~18-20 kWh (estimated)
Engine	1.5L Petrol (Exact specs TBC)
Transmission	E-CVT
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Charging Time (AC)	Approx. 6-7 hours (est. 7kW charger)
Acceleration (0-62 mph)	Under 8 seconds (estimated)
Top Speed	110+ mph

Features of the BYD Seal 06 DM-i

Dual Power Modes: Choose between pure electric and hybrid driving.
BYD Blade Battery: Industry-leading safety and thermal stability.
Large Infotainment Screen: Rotating touchscreen (expected 12.8” or larger).
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Includes adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking.
Digital Cockpit: Sleek, tech-filled dashboard with customizable displays.
Voice Control: Natural voice recognition for in-car commands.
Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates: Continual software improvements post-purchase.

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Performance & Driving Experience

Built on BYD’s DM-i platform, the Seal 06 prioritizes efficiency and smooth driving dynamics. The EV-only range exceeding 50 miles means daily commutes can be done entirely on electric power, especially with home or workplace charging. When extra range is needed, the petrol engine kicks in seamlessly, ensuring a total combined range of over 600 miles.

The vehicle is tuned for both comfort and responsiveness, making it ideal for city traffic and motorway cruising alike. Expect instant torque in EV mode, quick throttle response, and refined cabin acoustics. With regenerative braking, energy is recaptured to extend battery life and enhance braking performance.

Design: Sleek Saloon and Spacious Estate

Exterior Design

The BYD Seal 06 DM-i borrows design cues from the larger Seal EV, featuring:

A sleek silhouette with coupe-like lines
Slim LED headlamps
Aerodynamic alloy wheels
A smooth front fascia with minimal grille, emphasizing its electrified nature

Both the saloon and estate versions will likely offer dynamic styling elements, with the estate appealing to families and professionals needing more cargo space.

Interior Layout

Inside, the Seal 06 offers:

Premium materials with soft-touch plastics, ambient lighting, and leather options
Flat-bottom steering wheel and minimalist center console
Smart infotainment with rotating touchscreen (landscape to portrait mode)
Ample rear legroom and boot capacity in both variants

BYD Seal 06 DM-i Price in the UK

While the official pricing has not been confirmed, industry experts expect the Seal 06 DM-i to undercut key competitors.

Model Variant	Expected Starting Price (UK)
Seal 06 Saloon	£31,000 – £34,000
Seal 06 Estate	£33,000 – £36,000

This makes it a cost-effective alternative to BMW 330e, Mercedes C300e, and Skoda Superb iV, especially considering the longer electric range and BYD’s generous tech features.

Launch Date and Availability in the UK

The BYD Seal 06 DM-i is expected to arrive in UK showrooms in late 2025, with pre-orders possibly opening in Q3 2025. Initially, the saloon variant will be introduced, followed shortly by the estate version.

BYD aims to expand its dealership network in the UK, ensuring wider accessibility, improved servicing, and customer support across major cities.

BYD Seal 06 DM-i Conclusion

The BYD Seal 06 DM-i is set to become a game-changer in the UK plug-in hybrid market. With its impressive EV-only range, stylish design, cutting-edge technology, and affordable pricing, it’s poised to attract buyers who previously leaned toward European brands like BMW and Skoda. Whether in its saloon or estate form, the Seal 06 DM-i offers the flexibility and performance that modern car buyers crave.

As BYD continues its aggressive expansion in Europe and the UK, the Seal 06 DM-i stands as a symbol of how far Chinese automakers have come — not just competing, but leading in EV innovation. Stay tuned for official UK specs and test drives as the launch date approaches.