BYD Unveils First Plug-in Hybrid Model 'Sea Lion 6' in South Korea

Photo by Oh Joo-seok — Join Cheol, head of BYD Korea's passenger vehicle division, introduces the Sea Lion 6 DM-i, the first plug-in hybrid model in South Korea, at the 2026 Busan Mobility Show on June 26.

BYD Korea has unveiled its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model, the Sea Lion 6 DM-i. The company, which has primarily focused on electric vehicles in the South Korean market, is expanding its lineup to include hybrid models, providing consumers with more options.

The Sea Lion 6 DM-i made its debut at the 2026 Busan Mobility Show, held at BEXCO in Busan.

The vehicle features BYD's dual-mode intelligent 'DM-i' plug-in hybrid technology. Unlike traditional hybrid vehicles that rely primarily on internal combustion engines with electric motors for efficiency, the DM-i prioritizes electric vehicle performance and quietness, using the engine mainly to enhance efficiency.

Key technologies include an electric hybrid system (EHS), a 1.5-liter gasoline turbo engine, and a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) blade battery. The Sea Lion 6 DM-i is equipped with an 18.3 kWh blade battery, allowing for a maximum electric-only range of 70 km under combined conditions. It supports 18 kW DC fast charging, enabling the battery to charge from 30% to 80% in about 30 minutes.

Join Cheol, head of BYD Korea's passenger vehicle division, described the model as one that allows users to drive like an electric vehicle during the week and travel long distances like a traditional vehicle on weekends.

The electric hybrid system (EHS) employs an electronically controlled e-CVT structure to minimize shifting shocks and drive losses. It automatically switches between various driving modes, including electric motor only, series hybrid, parallel hybrid, and engine only, depending on driving conditions.

The newly adapted 1.5-liter gasoline turbo engine, compliant with domestic certification standards, delivers a maximum output of 96 kW (130 horsepower) and a peak torque of 220 Nm. The electric motor, featuring hairpin winding technology and a liquid cooling system, provides a maximum output of 150 kW (204 horsepower) and a peak torque of 300 Nm. Like its electric counterparts, it also supports Vehicle to Load (V2L) functionality, allowing for external power usage of up to 3.3 kW.

The design team, led by BYD's global design chief Wolfgang Egger, reinterpreted the concept of 'Ocean Aesthetics' for the SUV, maintaining a futuristic image while emphasizing the stability characteristic of mid-size SUVs.

The interior is designed to enhance space utilization based on an electrified platform. It features a large 15.6-inch display, a panoramic glass roof, and a 3D surround-view monitor, catering to the preferences of South Korean consumers.

The front seats are equipped with power adjustment and ventilation and heating functions, while the rear seats also feature heating and reclining capabilities. The panoramic glass roof, measuring 1.085 square meters, includes an electric sunshade for added openness. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 425 liters, expandable to a maximum of 1,440 liters with the rear seats folded down.

The Sea Lion 6 DM-i is a key model in BYD's SUV lineup, which has sold over 1.1 million units globally. Since introducing the world's first mass-produced PHEV in 2008, BYD has sold more than 8 million hybrid vehicles, accumulating over 30 billion kilometers in total driving distance. The domestic selling price is set at approximately 37.5 million won.

Join Cheol stated, "We aim to lower the barriers to electrification and expand mobility freedom so that more people can easily and conveniently enjoy the benefits of electrification. We will continue to contribute to the qualitative growth of the eco-friendly vehicle market in South Korea through a diverse product portfolio that includes electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, as well as passenger and commercial vehicles."

* This article has been translated by AI.