BYD to Launch Plug-in Hybrid SUVs in India: Sealion 6 and Leopard 8 Expected

BYD India is set to expand beyond electric vehicles by entering the hybrid market. The company has released a teaser confirming its plans to introduce hybrid models. Recent sightings and patents suggest that BYD will launch plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in India soon.

Key Highlights

• BYD to introduce plug-in hybrid SUVs in India including Sealion 6 and Leopard 8
• Sealion 6 offers up to 339 HP with two battery options and advanced infotainment features
• Leopard 8 delivers 737 HP and 760 Nm with off-road focus and Huawei-based technology

Upcoming BYD Hybrid Models

The BYD Sealion 6 PHEV has been spotted on Indian roads. Additionally, a design patent for the Fang Cheng Bao Leopard 8 has surfaced. The Sealion 6 is expected to be priced between Rs. 40-50 lakh, targeting the premium SUV segment. The Leopard 8 will be positioned as a more expensive, rugged SUV, competing with models like the Rox Adamas.

While other manufacturers such as Chery Automobile have filed multiple PHEV patents, BYD appears poised to bring volume-selling PHEVs to India. This move could mark a significant shift in the Indian hybrid vehicle market.

BYD Sealion 6 PHEV Details

The BYD Sealion 6 is a five-seat SUV measuring 4.8 metres in length. It features a 15.6-inch rotating infotainment screen. The front-wheel-drive version uses a PMS-type motor producing 194.3 HP and 300 Nm of torque, paired with a 1.5-litre engine generating 96 HP and 122 Nm. The combined output is 214 HP.

An all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant is also available. It includes a 201bhp/300Nm front motor, a 161bhp/250Nm rear motor, and a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine delivering 129bhp and 220Nm. The total system output for the AWD version reaches 339bhp. Battery options for the Sealion 6 include 18.3kWh and 26.6kWh packs.

Fang Cheng Bao Leopard 8 Features

The BYD Leopard 8 is designed as a powerful, off-road SUV. It combines a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric powertrain to deliver a total output of 737bhp and 760Nm of torque. The electric system uses a 36kWh Blade battery. The vehicle is equipped with two electronic differential locks for enhanced off-road capability.

Technology features in the Leopard 8 include wireless connectivity via Huawei HiCar (in China) and an ADAS module based on Huawei ADS 3.0. Both the Sealion 6 and Leopard 8 support V2V (vehicle-to-vehicle) and V2L (vehicle-to-load) reverse charging functions.