The BYD Sea Lion 06 DM-i 1.5L 26.6 kWh (218 Hp) Plug-in Hybrid E-CVT is a compact SUV introduced by the Chinese automaker BYD in July 2025. Positioned as a key model in BYD’s expanding lineup, the Sea Lion 06 represents a significant step in the company’s strategy to offer a diverse range of new energy vehicles. It’s built on BYD’s e-platform 3.0, designed specifically for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, and aims to compete in the increasingly popular compact SUV segment. The “DM-i” designation signifies BYD’s Dual Mode-i technology, a sophisticated plug-in hybrid system prioritizing electric driving while retaining the flexibility of a gasoline engine. This particular variant, with its 1.5-liter engine and 26.6 kWh battery pack, is intended to balance efficiency, performance, and affordability within the Sea Lion 06 range.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | BYD |
| Model | Sea Lion 06 |
| Type | DM-i 1.5L 26.6 kWh (218 Hp) Plug-in Hybrid E-CVT |
| Start of production | July, 2025 |
| Powertrain Architecture | PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg, 60.1 UK mpg, 21.3 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / electricity |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.4 sec |
| Emission standard | China VI |
| Gross battery capacity | 26.6 kWh |
| Battery technology | Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) |
| Battery location | Below the floor |
| All-electric range (CLTC) | 170 km (105.63 mi) |
| Electric motor power | 218 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque | 260 Nm (191.77 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor model/code | TZ210XYC |
| Electric motor location | Front, Transverse |
| Electric motor type | Synchronous |
| System power | 218 Hp |
| System torque | 260 Nm (191.77 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine Power | 101 Hp |
| Engine Torque | 126 Nm (92.93 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | BYD476QC |
| Engine displacement | 1498 cm3 (91.41 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, i-VVT |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4810 mm (189.37 in.) |
| Width | 1920 mm (75.59 in.) |
| Height | 1675 mm (65.94 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2820 mm (111.02 in.) |
| Front track | 1650 mm (64.96 in.) |
| Rear track | 1670 mm (65.75 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.1 m (36.42 ft.) |
| Gearbox | automatic transmission E-CVT |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tire size | 235/50 R19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Sea Lion 06 DM-i utilizes BYD’s DM-i (Dual Mode-i) hybrid system. This system centers around a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder gasoline engine (BYD476QC) producing 101 horsepower and 92.93 lb-ft of torque. The engine primarily functions as a generator to power the electric motor, although it can directly drive the wheels at higher speeds or under heavy load. The electric motor, a synchronous motor with a power output of 218 horsepower and 191.77 lb-ft of torque, is the primary source of propulsion. A 26.6 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery pack, located under the floor, provides a CLTC-rated all-electric range of 170 km (105.63 miles). The E-CVT (electronically controlled continuously variable transmission) doesn’t have traditional gears; instead, it intelligently manages the power flow between the engine, electric motor, and wheels, optimizing efficiency and responsiveness. The engine features a DOHC valvetrain with i-VVT (intelligent Variable Valve Timing) for improved efficiency and performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 218 hp combined output of the DM-i system delivers a 0-60 mph acceleration time of approximately 7.4 seconds. In typical driving scenarios, the Sea Lion 06 operates in electric mode, providing near-silent and emissions-free operation. The E-CVT transmission offers smooth and seamless acceleration, although it may lack the direct feel of a traditional automatic gearbox. Compared to other Sea Lion 06 variants, such as those with larger battery packs or more powerful engines, this 1.5L DM-i version prioritizes fuel efficiency and affordability over outright performance. The E-CVT is tuned for efficiency, meaning it doesn’t offer the sporty responsiveness of a dual-clutch transmission. The vehicle’s weight distribution, combined with the independent suspension, contributes to stable handling, but it’s not designed for aggressive cornering.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Sea Lion 06 DM-i 1.5L typically comes standard with features such as a large touchscreen infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Interior upholstery is generally cloth or synthetic leather, with higher trims offering genuine leather options. Optional extras may include a panoramic sunroof, premium sound system, and ventilated front seats. The specific trim levels and available options vary depending on the market.
Chassis & Braking
The Sea Lion 06 utilizes a front-wheel-drive layout. The front suspension employs an independent McPherson strut design, while the rear features an independent multi-link suspension. This setup aims to provide a comfortable ride and decent handling characteristics. The braking system consists of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and electronic brake-force distribution. The electric power steering provides light and precise steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The BYD Sea Lion 06 DM-i has been well-received in the Chinese market, where it competes with other popular plug-in hybrid SUVs. Critics have praised its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and spacious interior. Compared to other trims in the Sea Lion 06 lineup, the 1.5L DM-i version offers a more affordable entry point, making it accessible to a wider range of buyers. However, it sacrifices some performance and all-electric range compared to models with larger battery packs. Its fuel economy of 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg) is competitive within the plug-in hybrid segment.
Legacy
The BYD Sea Lion 06 DM-i 1.5L represents a significant step in BYD’s commitment to new energy vehicles. The DM-i technology, with its focus on electric driving and efficient gasoline engine operation, has proven to be popular with consumers. The long-term reliability of the powertrain remains to be fully assessed, but BYD has a growing reputation for building durable and reliable vehicles. As the used car market matures, this variant is expected to hold its value due to its fuel efficiency and practicality. The Sea Lion 06, and specifically this DM-i variant, is poised to become a common sight on roads as BYD expands its global presence.
