BYD expands hybrid lineup with new Sealion 06 DM-i and Song Ultra DM-i this week

  • The 2026 BYD Sealion 06 DM-i will be launched on May 26, and the Song Ultra DM-i on May 28.
  • The launch of these two plug-in hybrid models complements BYD's recent updates to its lineup.
A BYD Sealion 06 on display at the Beijing Auto Show in April 2026.
(A BYD Sealion 06 EV on display at the Beijing Auto Show in April 2026. Image credit: CnEVPost)

BYD (HKEX: 1211) is accelerating the product line update of its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models, as the Chinese automaker plans to intensively release two important models this week.

The 2026 BYD Sealion 06 DM-i will officially go on sale on May 26. Following closely, the BYD Song Ultra DM-i will hit the market on May 28.

Local media outlet Yiche reported on BYD's plan on Monday. BYD has not yet announced the release schedule for these two models through its official channels.

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The upcoming launch of these two new models marks BYD's continued push in the highly competitive Chinese auto market.

2026 Sealion 06 DM-i

The 2026 Sealion 06 DM-i is expected to see significant upgrades in driving range and smart features.

The model's CLTC battery-electric range could exceed 300 kilometers. With a full tank and full charge, its combined range is expected to surpass 1,800 kilometers, Yiche noted.

In terms of intelligence, the new Sealion 06 DM-i will be equipped with a LiDAR sensor. Consumers can choose to install the God's Eye B driving assistance system to support advanced functions such as city navigation assist.

The new Sealion 06 DM-i also adds a series of comfort features, including seat massage, a front passenger leg rest, and a fragrance system.

Currently, display cars of the 2026 Sealion 06 DM-i have arrived at BYD's offline stores across China.

Song Ultra DM-i

The upcoming Song Ultra DM-i adopts BYD's latest fifth-generation DM hybrid technology, powered by a 1.5-liter engine and a drive motor with a maximum power of 175 kW.

The Song Ultra DM-i will offer two battery pack options of 26.6 kWh and 38 kWh, corresponding to battery-electric ranges of 205 kilometers and 310 kilometers, respectively.

In terms of exterior design, the Song Ultra DM-i remains highly consistent with the previously released pure electric version. The model has a body length of 4,850 mm and a wheelbase of 2,840 mm, positioned as a mid-size SUV.

The Song Ultra DM-i also supports optional LiDAR, with the vehicle equipped with a total of 27 sensors. It features the God's Eye 5.0 system, which integrates reinforcement learning capabilities to enhance the smart driving experience.

The interior design of the Song Ultra DM-i focuses on a simple and youthful style. In addition to a 15.6-inch central control screen, the vehicle is equipped with four-zone voice interaction and mobile phone wireless charging functions.

The new car also introduces high-end features such as a knock-to-unlock frunk and ventilated and heated front seats.

The launch of these two plug-in hybrid models complements BYD's recent updates to its pure electric product line.

In March, BYD launched the 2026 Sealion 06 EV and Song Ultra EV, both of which are battery electric vehicle (BEV) models.

As fierce competition continues in China's new energy vehicle (NEV) market, BYD is attempting to maintain its competitive edge by bringing advanced smart driving assistance systems to more models.

The application of LiDAR and end-to-end large model technology demonstrates BYD's accelerated layout in the intelligence sector.

The company will hold an intelligence strategy launch event on May 28, where it is expected to announce new breakthroughs in the field of smart driving.

This is another major move for BYD following the release of its second-generation Blade Battery and flash charging technology in March.

The third-generation Yuan Plus starts at 119,900 yuan ($17,630) in China, slightly higher than its predecessor.
May 21, 2026
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