BYD Sealion 6 plug‑in hybrid spied in India

Autocar India reported on May 17 that a BYD Sealion 6 plug-in hybrid test vehicle was photographed on Indian roads, adding to signs the Chinese automaker is studying a broader lineup for the market. The publication said the vehicle had previously been shown by BYD India at the 2025 Auto Expo to gauge customer interest. The sighting matters because BYD currently sells only battery-electric vehicles in India, according to Autocar India. If introduced, the Sealion 6 would give the company a plug-in hybrid entry in a market where manufacturers are widening powertrain options. ### Where does this spotted SUV fit in BYD’s India lineup? BYD’s India business now includes only EVs, Autocar India said, making the Sealion 6 a departure from the company’s current local strategy. The publication said the model would sit apart from the Sealion 7 already sold in India by using a plug-in hybrid setup rather than a full-electric powertrain. Autocar India also said the Sealion 6 has a more conventional SUV profile than the Sealion 7. (autocarindia.com) The 2025 Auto Expo appearance is part of that context. Autocar India reported that BYD India displayed the Sealion 6 there to assess interest, and the latest road test suggests the evaluation has moved beyond a static show display. BYD has not, in the material reviewed, announced an India launch date for the model. (autocarindia.com) ### What powertrain and range figures are attached to the Sealion 6 abroad? Autocar India reported that in markets such as Australia, the Sealion 6 is offered with 1.5-litre naturally aspirated and turbo-petrol engine options. The publication said those versions can be paired with either an 18.3 kWh or 26.6 kWh battery pack, depending on variant. It said the naturally aspirated hybrid produces 218 horsepower and sends power to the front wheels, while the turbo-hybrid is offered in 324 hp and 344 hp versions with all-wheel drive standard. (autocarindia.com) BYD’s Singapore specification sheet lists an 18.3 kWh Blade Battery, 80 km electric range and 1,100 km total range for one Sealion 6 DM-i configuration. The same document lists a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen, a 12.3-inch instrument display, six airbags, adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking among the features. Those figures come from an overseas-market specification sheet, and BYD has not published India-market specifications in the materials reviewed. (autocarindia.com) ### How big is the vehicle that was seen testing? Autocar India reported that the Sealion 6 measures 4,775 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width and 1,670 mm in height, with a 2,765 mm wheelbase. The publication said that makes it slightly smaller overall than the international-spec Jetour T2, which it listed at 4,785 mm long, 2,006 mm wide and 1,875 mm high, with a 2,800 mm wheelbase. (byd.com) The same report said the Sealion 6’s cabin includes a dual-tone interior, leatherette upholstery and a three-spoke steering wheel. Autocar India listed features including a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, ADAS functions and a 10-speaker Infinity sound system. (autocarindia.com) ### Which rival is already being lined up in India? JSW Motors’ Jetour T2 is expected to launch in India before Diwali 2026, according to Autocar India’s model page. The publication said JSW has confirmed its first product will be positioned in the 1.5 million to 3 million rupee ex-showroom bracket, and that the Jetour T2 is expected to use a 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid powertrain. Autocar India also said the vehicle would be JSW Motors’ first passenger vehicle for India. (autocarindia.com) Autocar India linked the spotted Sealion 6 directly to that upcoming rival, saying the BYD could “lock horns” with the Jetour T2-based SUV if launched. That comparison remains preliminary because BYD has not announced India pricing, variant details or launch timing for the Sealion 6 in the materials reviewed. (autocarindia.com) ### What still has to happen before this becomes a launch story? BYD has not issued, in the sources reviewed, an India-market launch statement for the Sealion 6. That leaves several open points, including which engine-battery combination would be offered locally, whether the vehicle would be front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and where it would be priced against other midsize and premium SUVs. (autocarindia.com) JSW Motors’ next visible milestone is the Jetour T2 launch targeted before Diwali 2026, according to Autocar India. Any BYD decision on the Sealion 6 would likely become clearer through a formal company announcement, homologation filings or an event appearance by BYD India after the May 17 road test reported by Autocar India. (autocarindia.com 1) (autocarindia.com 2)