BYD Seal 6 Touring PHEV with 1600km range confirmed for New Zealand

BYD has just announced a new PHEV station wagon will be joining their local lineup in the coming months.

The BYD Seal 6 Touring will be the latest model to join the Chinese brand's growing local range. The company had earlier revealed that they plan to launch 15 new models in New Zealand this year alone.

Pricing and specification for the BYD Seal 6 will be released soon, but the local distributor for the brand has confirmed that two models will be landing locally - an entry-level 'Essential' and top-spec 'Premium'.

Although final specification has not been revealed, BYD say the Seal 6 Touring PHEV models it will offer to Kiwi buyers will deliver up to 1600km of range to a tank of fuel, assuming regular charging of course, and the brand is looking to attract current station wagon owners from brands like Subaru in particular.

Across the ditch in Australia, BYD will soon offer the Seal 6 as a PHEV sedan, but that model won't be coming to New Zealand, for now at least.

In other overseas markets, the BYD 6 Seal Touring is powered by a 1.5-lire engine acting as a primary generator for its electric motor. It has been offered with a 10kWh and 19kWh battery globally, both of which are BYD's own 'Blade' batteries.

Combined output is 155kW for right-hand drive models sold in the UK, with a claimed EV range of 105km. The Seal 6 has only been offered in front-wheel drive so far.

In the cabin, overseas market Seal 6 Touring models feature a spacious cabin, 15.6-inch 'Floating' infotainment screen, ventilated and heating front seats, a panoramic sunroof and up to 675 litres of boot space, expanding to 1535 litres with the rear row lowered.

Keep an eye out for our full rundown of pricing and specification when it's announced in two months.