- BYD has rolled out the Sealion 6 in Japan, marking its fifth model in the country.
- BYD plans to offer 7-8 models in Japan by 2027.
BYD (HKG: 1211, OTCMKTS: BYDDY) has launched its first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in Japan, intensifying competition with local automotive giants including Toyota, Honda, and Nissan.
The Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) maker officially launched the Sealion 6 in Japan today. The plug-in SUV (sport utility vehicle) is known as the Sealion 06 DM-i in China.
The Sealion 6 offers two options in Japan: a front-wheel-drive version and an all-wheel-drive version, priced starting at 3,982,000 Japanese yen ($25,620) and 4,488,000 Japanese yen respectively.
The hybrid SUV was first launched in China on July 24, offering both the Sealion 06 DM-i and the all-electric Sealion 06 EV.
The Chinese Sealion 06 DM-i comes in three variants, priced starting at RMB 139,800 ($19,540), RMB 146,800, and RMB 156,800.
The Sealion 6 launched in Japan measures 4,775 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, and 1,670 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,765 mm.
These dimensions are slightly smaller than the Sealion 06 available in China, which measures 4,810 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, and 1,675 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,820 mm.
The Sealion 06 DM-i features BYD’s fifth-generation DM (dual mode) hybrid technology, unveiled in May 2024, delivering lower fuel consumption.
BYD briefly introduced the Sealion 6 during the unveiling of the BYD Racco at the Japan Mobility Show on October 29.
BYD plans to launch 7-8 models in Japan by 2027, the company said at the time. Currently, it offers five models in Japan, including four pure electric vehicles.
BYD announced its entry into Japan’s passenger vehicle market in July 2022 and began sales there in January 2023 with its first model, the Atto 3 compact electric SUV.
($1 = RMB 7.0723, $1 = 155.46 Japanese yen)
