BYD has introduced the Sealion 6 DM-i plug-in hybrid SUV to the South Korean market, marking the Chinese automaker’s first hybrid model launch in the country as it continues expanding its international presence.
The company unveiled the model at the 2026 Busan Mobility Show at BEXCO in Busan on June 26 and opened pre-sales with a starting price of 37.5 million won (US$24,430).
First Hybrid Model for South Korea
The Sealion 6 DM-i, sold in China as the Sealion 06 DM-i, becomes BYD’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) offered in South Korea.
The model is one of BYD’s core global SUVs, with cumulative worldwide sales exceeding 1.1 million units.
Since introducing the world’s first mass-produced plug-in hybrid passenger vehicle in 2008, BYD says it has sold more than 8 million hybrid vehicles globally.
DM-i Hybrid Technology
The Sealion 6 DM-i features BYD’s DM-i (Dual Mode-intelligent) hybrid system, which prioritizes electric driving while using the gasoline engine primarily to improve efficiency.
The system can automatically switch between pure electric, series, parallel, series-parallel and engine-only driving modes depending on operating conditions.
Power comes from a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 96 kW (129 hp) and 220 Nm of torque, paired with an electric motor delivering 150 kW and 300 Nm of torque.
The vehicle is equipped with BYD’s lithium iron phosphate Blade Battery with a capacity of 18.3 kWh, providing up to 70 kilometers of all-electric driving range.
Technology and Convenience
The Sealion 6 DM-i supports vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality with power output of up to 3.3 kW, allowing users to power external electrical devices.
It also supports DC fast charging at up to 18 kW, enabling the battery to charge from 30% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes.
Inside, the SUV features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch infotainment display supporting 4G connectivity, cloud services, over-the-air software updates, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Expanding South Korean Operations
The hybrid SUV forms part of BYD’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in South Korea’s competitive passenger vehicle market.
The company has set a target of selling more than 10,000 vehicles in South Korea during 2026, representing a 64% increase from the 6,107 passenger cars it sold in 2025, its first full year in the country’s passenger vehicle market.
BYD Korea previously described 2025 as a foundation-building year with its dealer network, while positioning 2026 as the beginning of its next growth phase.
The company plans to launch three additional models in South Korea this year, including the rear-wheel-drive Seal sedan, the Dolphin compact hatchback and additional vehicles equipped with its DM-i hybrid technology.
BYD is seeking to gain market share in South Korea, where domestic manufacturers led by Hyundai Motor Group dominate the automotive market alongside established operations from General Motors and Renault.
