[TEST DRIVE] BYD Sealion 6 DM-i excels in quietness, range

Starting BYD Korea's Sealion 6 DM-i plug-in hybrid SUV, the first thing that stood out was the exceptional quietness of its cabin. Driving through city streets and along highways, the SUV felt more like a mid-size luxury sedan than a family-oriented SUV. In the name Sealion 6 DM-i, DM-i stands for “Dual Mode-intelligent,” BYD’s proprietary plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) technology, which powers the vehicle's long-range drive. Its cabin remained remarkably quiet at low speeds, when the electric motor does most of the work. Minor vibrations were barely noticeable, while the suspension softened the impact of speed bumps and uneven pavement. The result was a relaxed, composed ride that made long-distance driving less tiring. On a roughly 100-kilometer round trip between Seoul and Paju, Gyeonggi Province, the SUV proved remarkably easy on the driver, with minimal fatigue and impressive fuel efficiency that exceeded expectations. The Sealion 6 DM-i is not built to deliver the explosive acceleration or sharp handling of a performance electric vehicle (EV). Its appeal lies elsewher