For the longest time since BYD Cars Philippines launched the popular Sealion 6 DM-i over two years ago, it has been available only in one variant. Despite this, the Sealion 6 proved that plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are here to stay and changed the perspective of Filipino buyers who want a feature-packed crossover SUV at affordable prices.

Heck, the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i is now selling for PHP 1.598 million, which is not too far from its launch price of PHP 1.548 million two years ago. But since it's already been a couple of years and competition for electrified compact crossover SUVs continues to heat up, it looks like BYD Cars Philippines plans to expand the model lineup of the Sealion 6.

Just recently, the Department of Energy (DOE) updated its list of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and we noticed two new variants of the Sealion 6 DM-i that are: Dynamic & Premium. In comparison, the current Sealion 6 DM-i is only being offered in one model variant called Advanced.

Based on the DOE's updated listing, the new Sealion 6 DM-i Dynamic and Premium models (which are listed as 2027 model year vehicles) will carry over the Super DM-i powertrain. As before, it gets a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine that serves as a generator for the 18.3 kWh LFP battery and a single electric motor that drives the front wheels. The result is a combined 217 PS and 300 Nm of torque.

However, we noticed the Premium version now comes with a CCS2 18 kW DC charging port besides the standard 6.6 kW Type 2 AC charging. Based on the specifications listed, BYD says that a 30-minute recharge can replenish the Sealion 6's battery from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes when hooked up to a DC charging station. Meanwhile, the Dynamic variant only comes with the 6.6 kW Type 2 AC, which can recharge the Sealion 6's battery from 15% to 100% in nearly three hours.

Also worth mentioning is the fact that the Dynamic version of the Sealion 6 loses the suite of advanced driver assist systems (ADAS), as they are only exclusive to the Premium. Not only that, but the Dynamic version also loses the power tailgate, the ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, the wireless charger, and a smaller 12.8-inch touchscreen media display with a 6-speaker sound system. In comparison, the Premium gets all of the aforementioned features as standard, along with a bigger 15.6-inch touchscreen and a 10-speaker Infinity Audio sound system.

Once launched, the new Dynamic version of the BYD Sealion 6 could sell for less than PHP 1.5 million since it gets a simpler list of features. On the other hand, the Premium will get new and upgraded amenities, complete with ADAS and DC charging capability.

With the updated BYD Sealion 6 DM-i already on the DOE's list of recognized PHEVs and listed as 2027 model year vehicles, perhaps BYD Cars Philippines plans to launch them later this year. This may also mean we may not yet get the Sealion 06 this year.