BYD Seal 6 vs Seal 6 Touring: How do they compare?
It’s another week, and another new BYD has come along to shake up two segments of the new car market
The Seal 6 DM-i is the Chinese firm’s answer to the BMW 3 Series and Skoda Octavia and comes equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, which the firm calls its ‘Dual Mode’, and is available with saloon and Touring estate body styles.
BYD has come a long way in a very short period of time for the UK market, as the Seal 6 DM-i is its seventh new model in just two years.
If you’re in the market for a Seal 6 DM-i, but you’re unsure whether the saloon or Touring will suit your lifestyle, we’ve put both models back-to-back to see how they compare.
Styling
The Seal 6 follows on with BYD’s ‘Ocean Aesthetics’ design language with its slim headlights, ‘wave-inspired’ lower front grille, chrome detailing, sloping roofline and full-width rear light bar.
The Touring model has the same front end as the saloon, though after that, the similarities end with the car featuring a taller roofline, a larger rear quarter window and black C-pillar trim, creating a floating roof design. To complement the estate car look, there are silver roof rails, a rear spoiler and a proper full glass-opening tailgate.
Interior
When it comes to interior design, both cars have identical cabins, which include a ‘floating’ touchscreen interface, an 8.8-inch digital driver’s display, vegan leather upholstery and a high-mounted centre console.
All models come with the same cream leather, which brightens up the cabin and flagship models come with a glass panoramic sunroof, flooding the cabin with light.
Top-spec cars come with interior ambient lighting, and all models come with two-tone door cards to give the cabin an extra touch of style.
Overall, the Seal 6 saloon and Touring have relatively simple interior layouts that are not garish or inoffensive in any shape or form.
Powertrains
Whether you go for the saloon or Touring, they both come with the same ‘Dual Mode’ plug-in hybrid powertrain, with the entry-level model receiving a smaller battery pack, while the flagship car gets a larger unit.
The engine is a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to an electric motor and a 10.08kWh battery, creating a total power output of 181bhp and 300Nm of torque. It can hit 60mph in 8.7 seconds, and the top speed is 112mph.
BYD claims this model can travel a distance of 34 miles on electric power; however, the Touring model’s boxier design means its electric range drops to 31 miles.
Top-of-the-line models come with the same 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and receive a larger 19kWh battery, which boosts power up to 209bhp and produces the same 300Nm of torque. Acceleration improves too, with 60mph coming round in 8.3 seconds and the top speed remains the same at 112mph.
The Chinese manufacturer claims this version can travel up to 65 miles on electric power for the saloon and 62 miles for the Touring.
Practicality
The Seal 6 is a practical option for those looking for a large family saloon or estate.
Both cars come with the same interior storage, which includes deep door bins, two cupholders in the centre console, a centre armrest with a hidden compartment, a generous glovebox, and top models get wireless phone chargers.
It’s in the back where things begin to change, as the saloon’s sloping roofline means that headroom is a bit more snug for average-sized adults, while the Touring’s taller roof means that passengers will be a lot more comfortable on a long journey.
In terms of boot space, the saloon offers 491 litres of room and the rear seats also fold down as standard to create a 1,370-litre capacity. The Touring’s taller and wider aperture means it’s easier to hoist larger and taller items into the car, while its capacity is even larger, measuring at 675 litres and 1,535 litres with the rear seats folded down, making it a much more practical proposition.
Trims
There are just two trim levels with the Seal 6 DM-i, and both models are available on the saloon and Touring guises.
The entry-level Boost includes tonnes of standard kit like LED headlights, an electrically adjustable six-way driver’s seat, a 12.8-inch touchscreen, vegan leather upholstery and a vehicle-to-load function (V2L), allowing for electrical appliances such as a microwave to be plugged in using the car’s battery.
Flagship Comfort models add the larger 19kWh battery pack, a glass panoramic sunroof, ambient interior lighting, and wireless smartphone charging.
Verdict
Looking back at what the Seal 6 DM-i has to offer, it’s clear that it represents excellent value for money with lots of standard kit, provides a good amount of practicality and it looks good too.
The saloon is cheaper to buy and can go further on electric power, due to its slipperier body, though the Touring is the more handsome-looking car, it’s a lot more practical and provides the same low running costs.
If you have a family, the Touring is the smarter choice as it provides more interior space and will be a lot easier to live with. But, if you don’t, then the saloon is just as capable of being an easy-to-live-with car that is a good option if you fancy something a little bit different over its European rivals. The good news is that you’ll find both cars available via UK Carline today, so check them out to see what offers lie in store.
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