New electric wagon model of the BYD Seal 06 DM-i hits the market, priced at $15,320
In a surprising yet significant shift, the automotive industry is witnessing a modest resurgence of station wagons, particularly in the realm of new energy vehicles (NEVs), both in China and internationally. This trend is largely driven by the increasing demand for efficiency and lower emissions, as well as the unique advantages that wagons offer for electric powertrains.
In China, the market for station wagons is still predominantly SUV-heavy, but the introduction of NEV wagon models is gradually changing consumer preferences and export strategies. Chinese automakers, such as BYD, have been at the forefront of this movement, launching competitive models like the Seal 06 DM-i Touring Edition. This hybrid wagon boasts a notable 2,000 km range, signalling strong potential for both the Chinese and European markets.
The Seal 06 DM-i Touring Edition, the latest addition to BYD's Seal family, is powered by a 1.5L gasoline engine and an electric motor, offering peak power outputs of 120 kW or 160 kW. The vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds, making it a formidable contender in the NEV market.
The Seal family, which includes electric sedans, hybrid models, and now the Seal 06 EV, saw a significant increase in sales in June. The family sold 44,387 units, representing a year-on-year increase of 81.86 percent and a month-on-month increase of 73.47 percent. BYD, the Chinese new energy vehicle company behind the Seal 06 DM-i Touring Edition, sold a record-breaking 382,585 vehicles in June, marking a new high for the year with a year-on-year increase of 11.98 percent and a month-on-month increase of 0.03 percent.
The Seal 06 DM-i Touring Edition is equipped with BYD's blade battery, allowing it to charge from 30 percent to 80 percent in 25 minutes and supporting external power supply. The vehicle also offers a range of up to 2,000 km when fully fueled and charged.
Globally, wagons continue to hold a niche but steady appeal due to their blend of practicality and efficiency. Chinese automakers, like BYD, see wagons as a viable export segment, with plans to introduce models like the Seal 06 DM-i Touring Edition to European buyers. In some regions, especially in Europe, wagons are being revitalized in the NEV category, leveraging their aerodynamic advantage and cargo space for electric powertrains.
The overall vehicle market in China is growing, with NEVs constituting a large and increasing share. As of May 2025, NEVs accounted for over 52% of new car retail sales, and domestic brands dominate the NEV space with about 74.6% market share. Major joint ventures are localizing development and pushing electric models tailored for China, further propelling NEV adoption.
This trend reflects a broader shift towards NEVs where automakers leverage diverse body types, including wagons, to meet evolving consumer and regulatory demands for efficiency and lower emissions. As the Seal 06 DM-i Touring Edition demonstrates, the future of wagons in the automotive industry is electric, and China is leading the charge.
- In China, the market for new energy vehicles (NEVs) is witnessing a shift towards station wagons, with Chinese automakers like BYD leading the way.
- BYD, a Chinese new energy vehicle company, has introduced the Seal 06 DM-i Touring Edition, a hybrid wagon, as part of their Seal family, which includes electric sedans and hybrid models.
- The Seal 06 DM-i Touring Edition is powered by a 1.5L gasoline engine and an electric motor, offering a range of up to 2,000 km when fully fueled and charged.
- In June, sales of the Seal family, including the Seal 06 DM-i Touring Edition, increased significantly, with a year-on-year increase of 81.86 percent and a month-on-month increase of 73.47 percent.
- BYD sold a record-breaking 382,585 vehicles in June, marking a new high for the year, and the automotive technology and finance industries are closely watching the company's continued growth in the NEV market.
- As the demand for efficiency and lower emissions grows, globally, wagons are being revitalized in the NEV category, leveraging their aerodynamic advantages and cargo space for electric powertrains.
- The overall vehicle market in China is growing, with NEVs constituting a large and increasing share, and Chinese automakers like BYD are increasingly looking to export their NEV models, including the Seal 06 DM-i Touring Edition, to international markets, particularly Europe.
