Comparison
BYD Atto 3 vs Sealion 6
The BYD Atto 3 is a fully electric small SUV, and the Sealion 6 is a longer plug-in hybrid SUV with a petrol engine. In Australia, the Atto 3 Evo Premium and the Sealion 6 Dynamic Extended Range both cost $46,990 before on-road costs. The Atto 3 has 510 km of WLTP range on electricity, while the Sealion 6 has a claimed 140 km of electric-only range and a petrol engine for longer trips.
Last reviewed: September 2026
Side by side
| Atto 3 Evo Dynamic | Atto 3 Evo Premium | Sealion 6 Essential | Sealion 6 Dynamic Extended Range | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Electric | Electric | Plug-in hybrid | Plug-in hybrid |
| Price before on-road costs | $41,990 | $46,990 | $42,990 | $46,990 |
| Battery | 60.48 kWh | 74.88 kWh | 18.3 kWh | 26.6 kWh |
| Electric range | 420 km (WLTP) | 510 km (WLTP) | 92 km (claimed) | 140 km (claimed) |
| Power / drive | 150 kW, FWD | 230 kW, RWD | 160 kW combined, FWD | 160 kW combined, FWD |
| AC / DC charging peak | 7 kW / 110 kW | 11 kW / 220 kW | 6.6 kW / 18 kW | Not confirmed |
| Length / wheelbase | 4,455 / 2,720 mm | 4,455 / 2,720 mm | 4,775 / 2,765 mm | 4,775 / 2,765 mm |
| Cargo space (seats up) | 434 L | 490 L + 101 L front trunk | 425 L | 425 L |
| ANCAP rating | Five stars (2022, per CarExpert) | Five stars (2022, per CarExpert) | Five stars (based on 2023 testing) | Five stars (based on 2023 testing) |
The two cars at $46,990 answer different needs: the Atto 3 runs further on electricity, and the Sealion 6 carries a petrol engine for trips beyond its battery.
Electric car or plug-in hybrid
The Atto 3 runs only on electricity, so every kilometer comes from its battery. The Sealion 6 pairs a 1.5-liter petrol engine with a 145 kW electric motor, for 160 kW combined in the front-wheel-drive variants. It uses the petrol engine once its electric range is used. That makes the Sealion 6 easier to live with for a buyer who cannot charge at home, although it still needs fuel.
Price
The Sealion 6 costs $42,990 as the Essential, $45,990 and $46,990 as the Dynamic Standard and Extended Range, and $52,990 as the all-wheel-drive Premium. The Atto 3 Evo costs $41,990 as the Dynamic and $46,990 as the Premium. So, the Atto 3 Evo Premium and the Sealion 6 Dynamic Extended Range cost the same. Both models carry the same BYD warranty: 6 years or 150,000 km for the car, and 8 years or 160,000 km for the battery.
Electric range and charging
The Sealion 6's claimed electric-only range is 92 km with the 18.3 kWh battery and 140 km with the 26.6 kWh battery. CarExpert got about 70 to 75 km from a 92 km Essential with highway driving. The Atto 3 is rated at 420 km or 510 km on the WLTP test. The two sets of figures come from different test methods, but the gap is large either way.
The Sealion 6 Essential charges at 6.6 kW on AC and 18 kW on DC, while the Atto 3 Evo reaches 110 kW or 220 kW on DC. The claimed fuel use for the Sealion 6 Essential is 1.1 L/100 km, and CarExpert measured 4.8 L/100 km on its test. The charging page covers the Atto 3 in detail.
Size and space
The Sealion 6 is 320 mm longer than the Atto 3, at 4,775 mm, with a 45 mm longer wheelbase. It has 425 liters of cargo space, or 1,440 liters with the rear seats folded, against 434 and 1,340 liters for the Atto 3 Evo Dynamic. So, the Sealion 6 is the longer car, but its cargo space with the seats up is about the same.
Safety rating
The Sealion 6 has a five-star ANCAP rating based on Euro NCAP testing in 2023, with scores of 88% for adult occupants, 86% for children, 83% for vulnerable road users, and 75% for safety assist. The Atto 3 holds a five-star rating from 2022, and CarExpert reports that the Evo carries it, although ANCAP's own page lists only the classic variants.
Reviews
CarExpert rated the Sealion 6 Very Good, calling it a "strong all-round performer" with plenty of electric range and space for a family. It criticized the warranty, the size of the cargo area, and some trim choices, and it rated the Dynamic Extended Range better value than the Essential. The review page covers the Atto 3 reviews.
Verdict
The Atto 3 is the better buy for a buyer who can charge at home and wants to stop buying fuel. At $46,990, the Atto 3 Evo Premium gives 510 km of electric range against the Sealion 6 Dynamic Extended Range's claimed 140 km. The Sealion 6 is the better buy for a buyer who cannot charge regularly or often drives beyond an electric car's range. Its petrol engine removes the need to find a charger.
So, the choice depends on charging access more than on price, because the two cost the same.
Atto 3 vs Sealion 6 FAQ
Is the BYD Sealion 6 an electric car?
No, the Sealion 6 is a plug-in hybrid. It has a petrol engine and an electric motor, with a claimed 81 to 140 km of electric-only range depending on the variant.
Which is bigger, the BYD Atto 3 or Sealion 6?
The Sealion 6 is bigger. It is 320 mm longer than the Atto 3, although its cargo space with the rear seats up is similar, at 425 liters against 434 liters in the Evo Dynamic.
Which is better for long trips, the BYD Atto 3 or Sealion 6?
The Sealion 6 is easier on long trips without chargers, because it can refuel with petrol. The Atto 3 Evo Premium's 510 km of range and 220 kW DC charging suit long trips for a buyer who is happy to use public chargers.
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Sources
Prices and specs were checked in September 2026. This site is independent of BYD.
- CarExpert: 2026 BYD Sealion 6 review (26 September 2025)
- CarsGuide: 2026 BYD Sealion 6 Premium Extended Range joins the range
- CarExpert: 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo prices (12 August 2026)
- CarExpert: 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo price and specs (21 August 2026)
- RACV: 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo price, specs and release date (19 August 2026)