What's new
The BYD Seal 6 DM-i Touring has made its European debut in Munich as an estate developed for Europe and aimed especially at Germany. Sales chief Patrick Schulz described Germany as a traditional estate-car market, so the model is intended to address both private buyers and fleet customers. For BYD, it is a key addition to its offer in the D segment.
Germany boss Lars Bialkowski said at the presentation that the company has high expectations for the new model. After the first seven months of the year, BYD recorded 7,499 new registrations in Germany, a 420 percent rise year on year, but still a small volume in relation to the brand's ambitions. Stella Li had spoken earlier in the year about a target of 50,000 units in Germany, while around 20,000 units would already reportedly require a very strong sales year.
The Seal 6 DM-i Touring brings BYD's range to eleven models. Bialkowski stressed that it allows the brand to make an offer in the important D segment. According to the figures cited at the presentation, the C/D segment accounts for around 25 percent of sales in Germany.
Specifications and technology
The estate is 4.84 m long, 1.87 m wide and 1.50 m tall. After initial test drives through Munich, the car left a good impression for ride comfort, while the cabin was described as well finished with materials that feel suitably solid. Its character is focused mainly on comfort, although the performance figures allow brisk driving when needed.
The version with the larger battery uses a 19 kWh pack, offers an electric range of 100 km and has a system output of 218 hp. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 8.5 seconds, and top speed is 180 km/h. The WLTP fuel consumption figure is 1.7 l/100 km, while the trip computer showed 4.5 l/100 km during the test route.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|
| Length | 4.84 m |
| Width | 1.87 m |
| Height | 1.50 m |
| System output | 218 hp |
| Battery | 19 kWh in the longer-range version |
| Electric range | 50 or 100 km |
| 0-100 km/h | 8.5 s |
| Top speed | 180 km/h |
| DC charging | 26 kW |
The most criticised figure is the charging rate. DC charging is limited to just 26 kW, which enables a 30 to 80 percent charge in 23 minutes. A rate of 50 kW should be expected from new plug-in hybrids, especially as BYD is preparing to present megawatt charging stations at IAA Mobility.
The standard equipment list includes several items named during the presentation. The longer-range model receives a larger central screen and 18-inch wheels, while the base configuration uses a 12.8-inch infotainment screen and 17-inch rims. The stated equipment includes:
- metallic paint, LED headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels,
- electrically adjustable front seats and exterior mirrors,
- aluminium roof rails and an electric tailgate,
- an 8.8-inch digital instrument display and a 12.8-inch infotainment screen,
- a 15.6-inch screen and 18-inch alloy wheels in the longer-range version.
Markets, prices and availability
The European premiere took place in Munich, although no precise calendar date for the event was given. The car was developed for Europe, with a particular focus on Germany. No delivery date or detailed launch schedule for the different versions was stated.
The larger-battery version costs 49,990 euros. Thanks to its 100 km electric range, it qualifies in Germany for the 0.5 percent company-car tax benefit. Schulz acknowledged that this price does not put BYD among the cheapest suppliers, but pointed to the equipment level and the total driving range of 1,350 km.
The version with the smaller battery costs around 43,000 euros and offers 50 km of electric range. It therefore does not benefit from the same tax incentive for company-car drivers, which removes an important purchase argument. Schulz nevertheless believes that this version will also sell well.
The premiere comes against the backdrop of a rapid expansion of BYD's dealer network. Bialkowski took over the German business in June with only 26 partner companies, while the target for the end of the year is 120 dealers. By the end of 2026 the number is planned to rise to 300, with 400 outlets mentioned as the longer-term perspective.
Verdict
The BYD Seal 6 DM-i Touring addresses a body style that still matters in Germany and brings figures that can appeal to fleet users, particularly in the 19 kWh version. Its total range and equipment work in its favour, while the 26 kW charging rate is a clear weak point. Its performance in the market will depend not only on price and leasing rates, but also on how fast BYD expands its dealer network.