Volkswagen's rival unveils the Passat's successor, leaving Wolfsburg brands struggling to catch up in one area

Chinese Vehicle Maker BYD Stirring Up Competition: Emerging with advanced technology and cut-throat pricing, BYD poses a threat to established brands such as VW.

, and Administrator

2025 September 15 . 4:49 PM

2 min read

Rival automaker unveils Passat's rival, leaving Wolfsburg-made models lagging in certain aspects.

Volkswagen's rival unveils the Passat's successor, leaving Wolfsburg brands struggling to catch up in one area

BYD Seal 6 DM-i Touring Makes European Debut at IAA in Munich

The Chinese automaker BYD has entered the European market with its new offering, the Seal 6 DM-i Touring. The station wagon, which made its debut at the IAA in Munich, is priced competitively and equipped with a revolutionary plug-in hybrid technology.

The entry-level Seal 6 DM-i Boost starts at €42,990, while the better-equipped Comfort version costs €49,900. The top-tier Comfort Lite variant is offered for €48,900.

BYD's Seal 6 DM-i Touring is powered by a combination of two high-speed electric motors, the Blade battery, and a highly efficient 1.5-liter gasoline engine. This Dual Mode (DM) technology promises a range of up to 1,350 kilometers, with a pure electric range of up to 105 kilometers. According to its specifications, the Seal 6 DM-i Touring consumes only 1.5 liters per 100 kilometers.

While the Seal 6 DM-i Touring's performance and comfort have been described as solid but not outstanding, its competitive pricing may convince frequent drivers and business customers. However, whether this will translate into strong sales figures remains to be seen.

The design of the Seal 6 DM-i Touring lacks distinctive accents, according to "Automobilwoche.de". Nevertheless, BYD positions the Seal 6 DM-i Touring as an affordable alternative in the station wagon segment.

Competitors like Volkswagen need to watch out as BYD is starting its European sales confidently. According to "Automobilwoche," the BYD station wagon could become the "big fish in the small pond."

The VW Passat eHybrid, priced at €53,000, is a direct competitor to the Seal 6 DM-i Touring. The Passat eHybrid is said to consume only 0.3 to 0.4 liters per 100 kilometers according to the manufacturer's specifications. Skoda's Superb iV starts at €51,000.

As the Seal 6 DM-i Touring makes its way onto European roads, it will be interesting to see how it fares against established competitors. With its competitive pricing and revolutionary technology, BYD is certainly making a bold entry into the European market.