High-miler Hybrid hits the BYD Highway
Published on 27th February 2026 at 06:33
Having sold some one thousand units in January, the presence of BYD in our
nation’s car park is ever-growing, this Chinese brand, distributed here through
Motor Distributors Limited, through fourteen dealers, winning the hearts and
driveways of Irish drivers with its easy-going persona.
The latest addition to the BYD family is their Seal 6 Super Hybrid in saloon and
Touring variants. This is a plug-in hybrid with intelligent BYD Super DM, (Dual
Mode), technology.
The BYD Seal 6 is available in two trim choices, ‘Boost’ and ‘Comfort,’ and comes
equipped with an abundance of standard specifications, with pricing starting at
€37,490 for the Saloon body style and €38,999 for the Touring model.
This new Seal 6 Super Hybrid is the second BYD to come to Ireland equipped with
their DM-i dual mode technology and is the first of six new models to arrive here this
year.
BYD Super Dual Mode Technology
With an inherent ability to make progress, this powerful, efficient, 1.5litre, four-
cylinder petrol Hybrid, works by prioritising electric power with minimal reliance on
fuel, achieved by the voodoo of their Super, Dual Mode Technology, that has been
developed exclusively by BYD. When the battery is fully charged and switched to EV
mode, the vehicle becomes pure-electric and when state of charge is low, it
transforms into an ultra-low fuel consumption
hybrid vehicle, all the while delivering a quiet and comfortable drive.
Range anxiety is effectively eliminated via this marriage of super-efficiency, the
combination of battery and motorised power translating into over 100kms of pure-
electric driving, and a combined range that extends to 1,505kms, on the saloon
‘Boost’ variant, with a full charge and full tank of fuel, with 65litre capacity.
BYD warranty cover on this cobalt-free, lithium-ion phosphate Blade Battery is now
extended to 250,000kms, or 8-years.
The Boost models have a 10.08kWh battery capacity with an electric range of 55km,
figures that increase to 19kWh in Comfort models with an electric range of 105km.
DC swift charging capability from 30% to 80% is just 23 minutes. Hybrid fuel
consumption is quoted at 4.4 - 4.8litres/100km for Saloon models and 4.8 -
5.0litres/100km for the Touring models.
Weighing 1,665kg (Saloon) and 1,710kg (Touring), with all models have electric
motor peak torque of 300Nm and are equipped with electronic continuously variable
Front-Wheel-Drive transmission.
Five adults will find space, comfort and oodles of tech once on board. It measures:
4840mm long
1,875mm wide
1.495mm/1,505mm high (Saloon/Touring)
2,790mm wheelbase
The Saloon model boot space is 491litres increasing to 1,370litres with rear seatbacks
folded. In the Touring model, my favourite, has a load capacity with all seats
occupied is greater at 675-litres, extendable to 1,535litres. Other features include a
load area power point, pop-up hanger points, and an access flap for long-handled
implements.
Inside, the driver looks onto an 8.8-inch info screen, while the centre screen is a
12.8-inch unit that provides access to the car’s driver assistance, comfort,
communications, and entertainment.
You also get multi-speaker sound, 4G connectivity, USB sockets, and the ever-
friendly ‘Hi BYD’ intelligent voice command system, which will take you to many of
the cars features.
The 2026 BYD Seal has attained a full five-star Euro NCAP rating. Safety fitments
include numerous advanced driver assistance systems such as front parking sensors,
rear radar, 360-degree camera, sensors and reversing camera.
On the Road
Knowing that I had a range approaching 1,500kms, tempered my launch drive to one
of easy contentment, the electrical propulsion via the automatic transmission
delivering a serenity to my North Kildare drive that belied the attempts of the
sideways rain and swirling wind to permeate my sanctuary.
A short but informative drive, the Seal 6 should be on your test drive list in either of
its formats, albeit, as stated earlier, my preference would be the Touring. Once more
this Chinese company has delivered a car that will satisfy the demands of many, its
presence going to be ever-more visible and its sheer quality one that others must
match.
For more information visit: www.bydauto.ie
