BYD has announced a new model in their Ocean Series and is aiming to have arrive in time for viewing at the National Fieldays event in June.

Known as a ā€œSuper Hybridā€ the BYD SEALION 6 is built on BYDā€™s pioneering DM-i (Dual Mode Intelligence) platform setting a whole new benchmark for plug-in hybrid vehicles achieving lower fuel consumption, energy saving, and higher energy efficiency, says the company.

ā€œWeā€™re proud to be growing the BYD brand in New Zealand with the addition of the first plug-in super hybrid. This new platform offers New Zealanders the best of both worlds, with the ability to drive on full electric for those daily commutes and the opportunity to supplement electric with the 1.5L engine for those longer-range trips.ā€ Says Warren Willmot, BYD Auto NZā€™s Manager. ā€œI drove the BYD SEALION 6 to Wellington from Auckland and was genuinely blown away by how quiet and comfortable it was. Like driving on a cloud.ā€

The BYD SEALION 6 is available in two model variants, distinguished by their powertrain, high efficiency engine and performance. The Dynamic front-wheel drive variant features a Xiaoyun plug-in hybrid 1.5 litre high-efficiency engine with an all-electric range of 92kms and an estimated combined driving range of 1,100km.

The Premium all-wheel drive model features the Xiaoyun plug-in hybrid turbo-charged 1.5Ti high-efficiency engine with an all-electric range of 81kms and an estimated combined driving range of up to 970km.

The BYD Super Hybrid DM-i Technology differs from other PHEV technologies, claims BYDs. At the heart of the Super Hybrid DM-i Technology is an electric-based hybrid system. This hybrid architecture uses a high-power motor drive and large-capacity battery as its primary power source, only using the engine for assistance. This innovative system focuses on efficiency, effortlessly adapting to different driving scenarios.

The three core components of the Super Hybrid DM-i Technology are the Electric Hybrid System, which is a highly integrated powertrain that incorporates high-speed dual motors, dual controllers, and advanced oil-cooling technology to increase motor power density and efficiency. The Xiaoyun 1.5L/1.5T Hybrid Engine with world-leading thermal efficiency, has a simplified compact structure, boosting power with high peak power and torque, the company says. And the large capacity Blade Battery, tailor-made for the hybrid platform.

2024 BYD Sealion: Performance

With a system total power of up to 238kW, buyers can expect acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds for the Dynamic FWD variant, and 5.9 seconds for the Premium model.

2024 BYD Sealion: Blade Battery

The BYD Super Hybrid DM-i Technology uses a tailor-made version of the BYD Blade Battery. These bespoke Blade Batteries for the hybrid platform have power capacities ranging from 18.3kWh, achieving a pure-electric range up to 92km. It offers multiple benefits like enhanced safety, by safely passing the stringent Nail Penetration Test without emitting fire or smoke. Optimised strength, each cell serves as a structural beam to help withstand force. Space utilisation is increased by 50% with the Blade Battery. This produces enhanced energy density for a longer range and a longer lifecycle, of over 5000 charge and discharge cycles.

2024 BYD Sealion: Styling and design

The X-shaped front end and balanced proportions give the vehicle a strong sense of style and reliable presence, BYD suggests. The ā€˜Ocean heartā€™ centre console, high-tech cockpit with a 15.6ā€ rotatable full LCD touchscreen for connected experiences, is complemented by comfortable, ergonomically designed seating are among the many eye-catching features of the BYD SEALION 6.

In addition to a feeling of aesthetic appeal, the BYD SEALION 6 focuses on practicality, such as and the possibility of wirelessly charging two mobile phones simultaneously.

BYD is claiming that comfort, practicality, safety and wellbeing are key features of the BYD SEALION 6. BYD positions the SEALION 6 as a richly equipped spacious family car with a strong and sturdy appearance. The generous exterior dimensions (measuring 4,775 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width 1,670 mm in height and a wheelbase of 2,765 mm) are optimised for space and comfort, they say.

2024 BYD Sealion: Pricing

Priced from $57,990+ orc for the Dynamic FWD variant and $64,990+ orc for the Premium AWD variant, the BYD SEALION 6 range comes in five vibrant colours: Azure Blue, Harbour Grey, Stone Grey, Delan Black and Arctic White, and two-colour theme for the interior: Black + Brown, and Blue + Grey (optional for the Premium model).

BYD SEALION 6 will be available to view and test drive at your local BYD dealer from the first week of June 2024.

All BYD models are also comprehensively covered by a 6-year / 150,000km new vehicle warranty with 8-year roadside assistance package and the Blade Battery is covered by an 8 year /160,000km (whichever comes first) warranty.

More infomation: www.bydauto.co.nz

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Fred Alvrez
How on earth to start this? I've been car/bike/truck crazy since I was a teen. Like John, I had the obligatory Countach poster on the wall. I guess I'm more officially into classic and muscle cars than anything else - I currently have a '65 Sunbeam Tiger that left the factory the same day as I left the hospital as a newborn with my mother. How could I not buy that car? In 2016 my wife and I drove across the USA in a brand-new Dodge Challenger, and then shipped it home. You can read more on www.usa2nz.co.nz. We did this again in 2019 in a 1990 Chev Corvette - you can read about that trip on DriveLife. I'm a driving instructor and an Observer for the Institute of Advanced Motorists - trying to do my bit to make our roads safer.

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