Say hello to…
…the BYD Seal 6 a mid-sized PHEV saloon and estate not to be confused with the all-electric Seal or the Seal U SUV. While the Seal 6 sits in the same sector as the Seal EV, it looks different from the front, it’s a different length and, more significantly, it sits on a different wheelbase. Two powertrains are available which also marry up to the two trim levels. The entry level Boost has a 184hp combined total output, while the Comfort’s maximum power is 212hp. Battery capacity and range also varies by trim, sitting at 10kWh giving 34 miles and 19kWh giving 65 miles. Both use a 1.5-litre petrol engine.
Trim levels:
- Boost
- Comfort
Boost includes 17-inch alloys, auto headlights, auto high beam, auto wipers, metallic paint, 8.8-inch dashboard display, powered front seats, dual zone climate control, heat pump, surround camera, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise, front cross traffic alert, keyless entry and start, 12.8-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Comfort adds: 18-inch alloys, driver’s seat with memory, heated and cooled front passenger seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, uprated stereo, 15.6-inch infotainment screen, wireless charging, front parking sensors and 360degree camera.
Is The BYD Seal 6 Suitable For My Fleet
In theory, the Seal 6 should be a fleet winner for those business users not going fully electric. And the fact you can have the Seal 6 as a roomy (491 litres) estate, for only a small increase in list price, is a very good thing. Equipment levels are impressive too, particularly if you opt for the Comfort trim. On top of all this, a 65-mile EV-only range means it’s in the 9% BIK band.
However, the lease rates are not particularly competitive against traditional brands, suggesting the lease companies are yet to be convinced about the BYD’s residual values.
Leasing A BYD Seal 6
Gateway2lease is offering the BYD Seal 6 saloon in Comfort trim for £566 a month on a 9+36 contract with 10,000 miles a year. On the sale basis a BMW 330e Sport saloon is £327 a month and a 530e Sport saloon is £382 a month.
Driving A BYD Seal 6
Of the two powertrains, the slightly more powerful Comfort version is the one to choose as it not only falls into a lower BIK tax band (9% plays 13%) but the additional power makes for a more relaxed journey as its not only quicker, but the engine also doesn’t need to be worked as hard, so sounds more refined.
Unfortunately, while the PHEV is efficient, it’s not particularly pleasant to drive. The ride comfort on typical British roads, with plenty of potholes and undulations, is both harsh and jarring while also being a bit wallowy. It’s an odd combination, especially as it’s on 18-inch alloys, which are not large by current standards.
The steering is also on the light side which is fine round town, but on open roads it just serves to make you feel detached from what’s going on between the tyres and the road.
The brakes too are tricky to judge which means progress is less than smooth.
On the positive side, the interior styling is clean and some of the design elements, such as cloth dash inserts, make a welcome change from piano black surfaces.
There’s also good rear-seat legroom even if the high floor means your knees are higher than you’d like.
Overall, the BYD Seal 6 isn’t quite up to traditional brand rivals in too many areas to wholeheartedly recommend and it doesn’t have the lease-rate advantage you’d hope from a low list price.
FleetandLeasing.com Verdict On The BYD Seal 6
Strong headline promise, doesn’t quite stack-up on fleet costs.
BYD Seal 6
- Model: Seal 6 DMi Comfort
- Power: 212hp
- Torque: 300Nm
- Max speed: 112mph
- 0-62mph: 8.5s
- Official mpg: 58.9mpg
- CO2 emissions: 34g/km
- BIK tax band 2025/26: 9%
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