BYD Launches Two New Hybrid SUVs With LiDAR This Week

BYD is preparing to launch two major new plug-in hybrid SUVs this week as the automaker accelerates updates to its rapidly expanding new energy vehicle lineup in China. The 2026 Sealion 06 DM-i is scheduled to launch on May 26, followed by the Song Ultra DM-i on May 28, as BYD pushes deeper into intelligent driving technology and long-range hybrid systems.

The launches come amid intensifying competition in China’s EV and plug-in hybrid market, where automakers are increasingly racing to integrate advanced driver assistance features and AI-powered software into mainstream vehicles.

BYD upgrades Sealion 06 DM-i with LiDAR and longer range

The upcoming 2026 Sealion 06 DM-i is expected to receive major improvements in both driving range and smart driving capabilities. Chinese outlet Yiche reported that the SUV could deliver more than 300 kilometers of CLTC-rated pure electric range while achieving a combined driving range exceeding 1,800 kilometers with a full tank and battery charge.

BYD is also expected to introduce optional LiDAR hardware for the model alongside its “God’s Eye B” driver assistance system, enabling advanced features such as city navigation assistance, according to CNEV Post.

The updated SUV adds several comfort-focused upgrades as well, including seat massage functions, a front passenger leg rest, and an integrated fragrance system. Display vehicles have reportedly already arrived at BYD retail locations across China ahead of the launch.

The Sealion 06 DM-i follows BYD’s recent rollout of the fully electric Sealion 06 EV, part of the company’s broader strategy to refresh both its battery-electric and plug-in hybrid lineups simultaneously.

Song Ultra DM-i expands BYD’s intelligent hybrid strategy

The Song Ultra DM-i adopts BYD’s fifth-generation DM hybrid technology, pairing a 1.5-liter engine with an electric motor producing up to 175 kW of power.

The SUV will reportedly offer two battery configurations: a 26.6 kWh pack delivering up to 205 kilometers of electric range and a larger 38 kWh battery capable of reaching 310 kilometers under CLTC testing standards.

BYD is also heavily emphasizing intelligent driving features in the new model. Optional LiDAR support and a suite of 27 sensors will enable the vehicle’s God’s Eye 5.0 system, which incorporates reinforcement learning technology designed to improve driving assistance performance over time.

The mid-size SUV includes a 15.6-inch center display, four-zone voice interaction, wireless phone charging, and premium features such as ventilated and heated front seats and a knock-to-open frunk.

The launches arrive ahead of BYD’s scheduled intelligence strategy event on May 28, where the automaker is expected to unveil additional smart driving and AI-related developments following the recent debut of its second-generation Blade Battery and flash charging technologies earlier this year.

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