BYD’s first van has arrived in Portugal. See all prices.

When BYD comes to mind, it is easy to picture the brand as a maker of fully electric SUVs. That said, the Chinese manufacturer now has a fresh proposition for the European market.

Called the Seal 6 DM-i Touring, it represents BYD’s first step into the estate-car segment in Europe-a body style that, despite the dominance of SUVs, remains highly sought-after in key markets such as Germany. Unlike most models in the range, it is not fully electric and is offered exclusively as a plug-in hybrid.

The Seal 6 DM-i Touring has already arrived in Portugal, with prices starting at 45 490 euros. It is joined by a saloon version, the Seal 6 DM-i, with sleeker styling and a slightly lower entry price of 43 990 euros.

Measuring 4850 mm in length, 1865 mm in width, 1505 mm in height and with a 2790 mm wheelbase, the BYD Seal 6 DM-i Touring enters the market with its "sights" set on two of the best-known names in the class: the Volkswagen Passat and the Skoda Superb.

Even so, matching rivals on size alone will not be enough. There is an entire story the Chinese brand has yet to "write", so to make its mark it will need to stand out through other strengths.

Space for everything in the BYD Seal 6 DM-i Touring

The BYD Seal 6 DM-i Touring adopts smooth, flowing lines and a distinctive lighting signature. Both the front and rear lamps form a double "L", with the rear lights connected by an LED strip.

Inside, the standout feature is the amount of room on offer, particularly for passengers in the rear seats. Boot capacity also looks competitive, with BYD quoting 500 litres-only 10 litres less than the space "queen", the Skoda Superb in its plug-in hybrid version. Superb models with combustion-only powertrains are "cavernous", with a stated 690 litres.

Also notable is the pair of displays: the smaller (8,8″) serves the instrument cluster, while the larger (15,6″) screen in the centre of the cabin handles infotainment. The downside is that this system bundles virtually every vehicle function-including the climate controls-into the touchscreen interface.

Only one engine choice and one trim level

Available solely in the better-equipped Comfort specification, the Chinese estate comes with an extensive equipment list. Highlights include automatic LED headlights, heated and ventilated electric seats trimmed in vegan leather, 360º cameras, and a panoramic sunroof.

Mechanically, the Seal 6 DM-i Touring is offered only with a plug-in hybrid system, pairing a 1,5-litre petrol engine with two electric motors for a combined output of 156 kW (212 cv).

The set-up operates in a similar way to Honda’s e:HEV. In practice, this means the electric motor provides drive for most of the time, while the combustion engine primarily works as a generator to supply the 19 kWh battery. When fully charged, BYD claims an electric-only range of up to 105 km (WLTP) and consumption as low as 1,7 l/100 km.

Once the battery charge is depleted, there is still a 65-litre fuel tank, enabling a total range of 1350 km.

Despite being a plug-in hybrid, the Seal 6 stands out by supporting up to 26 kW in direct current (DC), allowing a 30% to 80% charge in just 23 minutes.

Behind the wheel

Although our drive was brief, the estate impressed with its smoothness on the road-an attribute we also noticed when testing BYD’s smaller model, the Dolphin Surf. Even on 18” wheels, it avoids feeling harsh over rougher surfaces. The material quality and overall assembly also feel convincing, with no unwanted rattles.

As for the driving experience itself, the hybrid system came across as effective, consistently prioritising electric operation even when the battery is almost empty. On efficiency, we will need to wait for a longer test to properly assess how economical the system is in real-world use.

Starting from what price?

As noted earlier, the BYD Seal 6 DM-i Touring is already on sale in Portugal from 45 490 euros, but for companies and sole traders (ENI), pricing begins at 32 990 euros (+IVA).