The BYD Seal 6 has just gained a new entry-level variant in Thailand. Called the Standard, it’ll sit below the existing Dynamic and Premium variants, offering a smaller battery, less range, and of course, a lower price tag.
The BYD Seal 6 Standard uses a smaller 46.08 kWh battery, down from the 56.64 kWh unit found in the Dynamic and Premium variants. However, it retains the same single rear-mounted electric motor as the Dynamic, producing 95 kW (129 hp) and 220 Nm, driving the rear wheels (RWD).
Despite using the same electric motor, the smaller battery translates to a slower 0-100 km/h sprint of 12.5 seconds, compared to 10.9 seconds for the Dynamic. Driving range also drops by 65 km to 410 km (NEDC). Charging remains unchanged on AC at 7 kW, although DC fast charging is reduced to 80 kW from the 100 kW supported by the Dynamic and Premium variants.
Other than powertrain changes, the rest of the vehicle is mostly based on the Dynamic variant. It sports the same 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, and misses out on the full-width lightbar that’s reserved for the Premium variant.
Inside, it’s a similar story, featuring the same 12.8-inch rotating infotainment screen and 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster. Like the Dynamic, the Standard also misses out on a Qi wireless smartphone charger and a sunroof. You still get synthetic leather upholstery, but the Standard is now the only variant with manually adjusted front seats.
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Safety also takes a big cut compared to the rest of the lineup. While six airbags remain, the Standard no longer gets a 360-degree camera or front parking sensors, and loses the brand’s full suite of ADAS features. This includes features such as Autonomous Cruise Control, Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and even Autonomous Emergency Braking
Priced at THB799,900 (approx. RM98,000), the Seal 6 Standard is priced lower than the Dynamic and Premium variants, which retail for THB899,900 (approx. RM110,000) and THB949,900 (approx. RM116,000), respectively.
As the new entry-level variant, the BYD Seal 6 Standard, priced at THB799,900 (approx. RM98,000), is THB100k (approx. RM12,000) more affordable than the next step up in the lineup.
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Chances are, however, that the new base model won’t be making its way to Malaysia, due to the revised CBU EV policies that dictate a minimum CIF value (cost, insurance, freight) of at least RM200,000, and a minimum power output of 180 kW (245 hp) for imported electric models.
BYD could instead opt for local assembly in Malaysia, with recent rumours suggesting a tie-up with Sime’s existing Inokom plant instead of constructing their own manufacturing facility. The move will allow BYD to sell their locally assembled vehicles under the RM100,000 mark, although it’s unclear if there’s any financial incentive for the company, given that the existing BYD Seal 6 Dynamic – of which its existing stock is CBU from China – is currently already sold at RM100,000 on-the-road and without insurance.
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