By Mabuyane Mabuza
When I found out what BYD stands for, I chuckled and thought, here we go again, the Chinese are on brand. You cannot expect anything but a dash of sugar. Anyway, asikho lapho – just go Build Your Dreams. My first BYD test car came in the form of the Sealion 6. The first time I saw this car was earlier in the year when I was invited for a short drive and to also experience their other vehicles. Back to my test Sealion 6, the connection was instant.
It gives off the vibe of a car from the future, one that looks as though tomorrow has already arrived. The narrow, jewel-like headlights and subtly sculpted grille lend it an almost aquatic grace, while the bodywork strikes a fine balance between elegance and purpose.
It’s futuristic without the theatrics, yet oddly familiar — I couldn’t shake the feeling of a Porsche Cayenne reborn. Inside, the philosophy continues with clean lines, thoughtful materials, and an ambience designed for calm focus, a space that feels intentional, modern, and quietly confident.
Future Of Mobility
BYD speaks with quiet confidence: electric isn’t a niche — it’s the future of mobility. With every core technology built in-house, from batteries to software, the brand stands for reliability, value, and real-world practicality. There’s no showmanship, just progress that matters: range you can trust, charging that works, and features you’ll actually use.
The Sealion 6’s electric powertrain is a masterclass in simplicity. Its high-density
battery delivers energy to the motor with instant torque and seamless acceleration,
while regenerative braking recovers power with every stop.
The result? A drive that’s smooth, silent, and satisfyingly effortless. With fewer moving parts, lower running costs, and zero tailpipe emissions, the Sealion 6 turns everyday driving into something quietly revolutionary.
Safety
Safety is built into the Sealion 6’s DNA. It has multiple airbags that form the first line of protection, while advanced driver-assist systems, from automated emergency braking to lane-keeping, blind-spot monitoring, and intelligent cruise control, work seamlessly to reduce risk and ease driver fatigue.
The EV platform’s low centre of gravity, thanks to its battery placement, enhances stability and cornering confidence. Whether navigating tight city streets or making a sudden evasive manoeuvre, the Sealion 6 feels composed and reassuringly secure.
South Africa’s EV market remains cautious, with questions around charging, range, resale value, and new technology still common. Yet, many haven’t experienced what electric truly feels like: the calm of a silent start, effortless torque, home charging convenience, and long-term savings that quietly add up.
The Sealion 6 answers that hesitation with substance, a strong range, advanced tech, and premium comfort, all at a competitive price that rivals many petrol-powered SUVs. On the road, it’s serene yet spirited: acceleration is instant but composed, steering precise, and the chassis well-balanced. Every drive feels modern, effortless, and quietly beautiful, a taste of the future that’s already here.
Range
The BYD Sealion 6 delivers range figures well suited to South Africa’s wide-open
roads. Depending on the battery pack, expect around 400–480 km for mid-range versions and up to 610 km for higher-capacity models, though real-world highway driving typically trims that by 15–25%.
Even so, I drove comfortably around Gauteng’s outskirts without range anxiety, though those living far from major routes may still want a second vehicle. Fast charging (up to 150 kW) adds convenience, with 20–40 minutes restoring most of the range at compatible stations, while home
charging easily covers daily needs. For intercity travel, a bit of route planning goes a long way.
Prices range from R640 000 to R790 000.
