BYD India recently posted a teaser on its Instagram handle, giving us a hint of it bringing plug-in hybrids to the country, a departure from its EV-only positioning since entering India in 2022.
The first model expected is the Sealion 6 DM-i, which has already been spotted testing on Indian roads without a camouflage. If global specs carry over, the 4,775 mm long SUV should use BYD's DM-i PHEV system, a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor and an 18.3 kWh Blade battery in the base FWD trim, with a combined output of around 214 hp and roughly 80 km of electric-only range.
The AWD variant specifically is expected to use a 1.5-litre turbo engine and dual motors, over 315 hp. Meanwhile, the total claimed range would exceed 1,000 km, directly addressing why BYD's existing EVs have struggled to find buyers outside metros.
Also Read – BYD Sealion 6 DM-i Hybrid Spotted Testing in India
This pivot makes sense as BYD's EVs have largely sold in cities, with the Atto 3 and Sealion 7 struggling outside that bubble partly because of highway range concerns. A PHEV removes that barrier without asking buyers to rethink how they refuel.
The teaser also likely points to the BYD patented Leopard 8, which is an off-road-focused PHEV that, in its global spec, pairs a 2.0-litre turbo with a 36 kWh Blade battery for a combined 737 hp, plus dual electronic differential locks.
Lastly, pricing is expected in the Rs. 40-50 lakh range, which would put the Sealion against the Volkswagen Tiguan and the upcoming JSW Jetour T2 later this year. Also, the launch for both models is expected to be in the years end or early 2027.
Image Source: BYD India (IG)
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