BYD’s Hybrid Plan: Sealion 6 and Leopard 8 PHEVs Set to Storm India

Published ByAmit Sharma

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2026-05-15

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BYD’s Hybrid Plan: Sealion 6 and Leopard 8 PHEVs Set to Storm India

Sealion 6 PHEV India launch likely by year-end BYD to launch Leopard 8 to rival Land Rover Defender

After the successful introduction of its pure electric vehicles, BYD India is ready to enter the hybrid vehicle segment of the country. The company is preparing to introduce its Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) technology to the Indian market, with the Sealion 6 and the Leopard 8 leading the charge. Out of these two models, the BYD Sealion 6 is expected to arrive first with launch expected in late 2026.

BYD Sealion 6

BYD Sealion 6 PHEV

Globally known as the Seal U or Song Plus DM-i, the new Sealion 6 will be BYD’s first-ever PHEV in India. The SUV has already been spotted testing on the Indian roads. It will be introduced as a premium mid-size SUV.

- It is powered by BYD’s Super Hybrid (DM-1) technology and features a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor. It is packed with an 18.3 kWh BYD Blade battery, and a 145 kW electric motor offering 300Nm. The combined power output stands at 217.5 PS. This is the entry-level variant, which offers 80 km EV-only range.

- The higher-spec model gets a 130.5PS/ 220Nm, 1.5L turbo petrol engine with an all-wheel-drive setup, and an electric motor rated at 150 kW. The combined power output stands at 323.5 PS. The AWD variant offers a pure electric range of 70 km.

- It is expected to offer a combined range of over 1,000km on a full tank and charge. The SUV gets the signature 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, and a 10-speaker Infinity sound system

BYD Leopard 8

BYD Leopard 8 PHEV India

While the Sealion 6 is an urban centric model, the BYD Leopard 8 will target the enthusiasts. The company has already patented its design in India. It is a body-on-frame, PHEV off-roader, which is on sale in multiple international markets under BYD’s two sub-brands - Fangchengbao Bao 8 and the Denza D8.

- It measures 5195mm in length, 1994mm in width and 1905mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2920mm. The SUV could be introduced as a direct rival to the Land Rover Defender 110. The BYD Leopard 8 is available in two seating configurations - 6-seat and 7-seat - with former having captain seats in the second-row.

- The tech-loaded cabin comes with a triple screen dashboard, comprising a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, a 17.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment unit and a 12.3-inch co-occupant entertainment screen.

- It comes with a plug-in hybrid powertrain comprising a 2.0L turbo petrol engine, a 36.8kWh battery and dual-motor setup. The combined power and torque output stands at 748hp and 760Nm, respectively. Power is transmitted to all four wheels via an e-CVT automatic unit. It is claimed to achieve 0-100kmph acceleration in just 4.8 seconds.

- It is claimed to offer an all-electric range of 100km, and offers a driving range of up to 1200km in a full tank.

Also See - MG Starlight 560 PHEV and EV Estimated Price, Launch and Specs

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About Author

Amit Sharma

Sub-Editor

Amit is responsible for the content creation on the Carlelo website with an objective to serve the online visitors to the best of his abilities. He has a vast experience of over 12 years in motoring journalism and has worked with multiple automotive brands including CarDekho, IndiaCarNews and Zee Network (India.com Auto)

Education: B-Tech in Information Technology (Rajasthan Technical University)

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