BYD has captured the spotlight today with the uncovering of the Seal Dynamic and the 2024 Atto 3, alongside the announcement that the premium Denza brand will soon enter the Malaysian market. In addition to these developments, BYD has revealed plans to introduce its Super Dual Mode (DM) plug-in hybrid vehicles in the country.
BYD Malaysia Managing Director Eagle Zhao disclosed that the company aims to launch its efficiency-oriented DM-i and performance-focused DM-p powertrains. While it appeared these might initially be introduced under the Denza brand, this is unlikely in the near future. The only Denza model available in right-hand drive so far is the electric D9 MPV.
Instead, BYD is expected to debut its plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) under its own brand in Malaysia, with the Sealion 6 likely being the first model. This vehicle, essentially a rebadged Seal U, is already available in Thailand, priced at 939,900 baht (RM121,500) for the Dynamic variant.
The Sealion 6 features a front-mounted electric motor generating 197 PS and 300 Nm of torque, complemented by a 1.5-liter Xiaoyun Atkinson-cycle petrol engine producing 98 PS and 122 Nm. The combined system output is 218 PS and 300 Nm, enabling a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 8.5 seconds.
It’s powered by an 18.3 kWh Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, offering 92 km of all-electric range and a total range of 1,092 km when combined with the petrol engine. The vehicle supports DC fast charging at 18 kW, allowing a 30% to 80% charge in 35 minutes, and AC charging up to 6.6 kW.
Additionally, BYD might introduce the Denza D9 with the DM-i powertrain, featuring a 231 PS electric motor and a turbocharged petrol engine producing 139 PS. This model includes a larger 20 kWh battery with a 103 km electric range.
The DM-p all-wheel-drive configuration, available in the BYD Han and Tang models as well as the Denza N8, delivers around 490 PS and a CLTC electric range of approximately 200 km. Although the off-road-focused DMO variant was previewed at the Malaysia Autoshow, it has not been confirmed for our market.
A potential challenge for PHEVs in Malaysia is the lack of incentives compared to fully electric vehicles, which could drive up costs. However, if BYD opts for local CKD assembly, a Denza PHEV could be a viable option due to its premium positioning, making a higher price point more acceptable in the market.