A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
EXTER starts ZAR 370,000 cheaperEXTER from ZAR 269,900 · SEALION 6 DM-i from ZAR 639,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
EXTER
SEALION 6 DM-i
Maximum Power
5 kW
96 kW @ 5200 rpm
Maximum Torque
114 Nm
220 Nm @ 1500-3500 rpm
Engine Size
1197 cc
1497 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
16.9 km/l
17.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
185 mm
180 mm
Boot / Load Bay
391 l
425 l
Airbags
6
7
Kerb Weight
999 kg
2100 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Warranty
5
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
SEALION 6 DM-i has a modest catalogue-index lead, while EXTER remains close.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
SEALION 6 DM-i
+39 pts
Efficiency
SEALION 6 DM-i
+9 pts
Safety
SEALION 6 DM-i
+15 pts
Practicality
EXTER
+6 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
EXTER
Strengths
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published Practicality
Catalogue-index leader
SEALION 6 DM-i
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
EXTER
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
SEALION 6 DM-i
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
EXTER
SEALION 6 DM-i
Model Introduced Year
Current local generation year not confirmed
2024
Generation
Current South African EXTER listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
First South African SEALION 6 DM-i generation
Facelift History
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
No separately marketed South African facelift announced as at August 2026
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Compact SUV
SUV
Color Note
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen EXTER grade before assuming a feature is included.
-
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Cloth
-
Interior Colours
3
-
Seat Trim
Cloth
Synthetic leather
Spec
EXTER
SEALION 6 DM-i
Infotainment System
SYNC
15.6-inch rotating touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
Not Available
10
Digital Instrument Cluster
Digital instrument cluster
Full LCD instrument display
USB Ports
Standard
Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Multifunction
-
Infotainment Screen Size
SYNC
15.6
Audio Controls On Steering
Multifunction
-
Rear Usb
Standard
-
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
Standard
-
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
15.6
Multi Information Display
Digital display
-
Connected Services
Standard
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Standard
-
Touchscreen
SYNC
15.6
Spec
EXTER
SEALION 6 DM-i
LED Headlamps
Halogen with automatic function
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
H-signature LED
LED
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Front and rear fog lamps
Roof Rails
Not Available
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
3
Time Grey, Arctic White, Delan Black, Smokey Gray
Body Type
SUV
-
DRL
H-signature LED
LED
Led Headlights
Halogen with automatic function
Standard
Auto Headlights
Halogen with automatic function
-
Automatic Headlamps
Halogen with automatic function
-
Daytime Running Lights
H-signature LED
LED
Exterior Colour Options
3
-
Headlamp Levelling
Halogen with automatic function
-
Headlamps
Halogen with automatic function
Standard
Headlight Type
Halogen with automatic function
Standard
Headlights
Halogen with automatic function
Standard
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Standard
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
Spec
EXTER
SEALION 6 DM-i
Approach Angle
Not Available
19 deg
Departure Angle
Not Available
21 deg
Wading Depth
Not Available
358.8 mm
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Mud, Sand, Snow
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Available
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Electric all-wheel drive
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Ground Clearance Max
185 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
185 mm
-
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
-
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
-
Crawl Control
Not Available
-
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
-
Terrain Response System
Not Available
-
Underbody Camera
Not Available
-
Spec
EXTER
SEALION 6 DM-i
Tyre Size
Not Available
235/50 R19
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Tyre repair kit
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
19
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Electronic parking brake
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Multifunction
-
Steering Wheel Phone Controls
Multifunction
-
Spec
EXTER
SEALION 6 DM-i
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
-
Battery Warranty
4
-
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
-
Engine Oil Change Interval
15000 km / 12 months
-
First Service At
15000
-
Service Plan Duration
3 Years / 45000 km
5 services/75000 km service plan; 5 years/100000 km maintenance plan
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45000 km
5 services/75000 km service plan; 5 years/100000 km maintenance plan
Alternator
120A
-
Service Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
5 services/75000 km service plan; 5 years/100000 km maintenance plan
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
-
Accessory Battery Type
Lead-acid
-
Spec
EXTER
SEALION 6 DM-i
Warranty Years
5
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
Warranty Kilometers
5
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
-
Basic Warranty
5
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Warranty
5
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Spec
EXTER
SEALION 6 DM-i
CO2 Emissions
Not Applicable
32 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Petrol
-
Particulate Filter
Not Available
-
Spec
EXTER
SEALION 6 DM-i
Ownership Role
Flagship
flagship all-wheel-drive derivative
Price Zar
334900 ZAR
799900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
flagship all-wheel-drive derivative
Starting Price
334900
799900
Starting Price Zar
334900
799900
Source-backed Catalogue Index
A transparent specification index shown only when every vehicle clears the minimum comparable-data threshold.
Weighted / 100
Catalogue-index readout
SEALION 6 DM-i leads by 14 points
SEALION 6 DM-i has a modest catalogue-index lead, while EXTER remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Catalogue-index leader
SEALION 6 DM-i
Performance
58/100
Efficiency
75/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
59/100
EXTER
Performance
19/100
Efficiency
66/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
65/100
Ownership
65/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆BYD SEALION 6 DM-i
leads the catalogue index with 72 pts
vs 58 pts for EXTER
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, SEALION 6 DM-i leads. However, EXTER may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
Hagalu does not publish a guaranteed resale winner. Depreciation depends on age, mileage, condition, derivative, colour, supply and demand. Compare several current used-market listings and obtain trade-in valuations for equivalent examples before relying on a resale estimate.
Check the exact derivatives for drive type, ground clearance, tyres, approach and departure angles, wading depth and low-range gearing where officially disclosed. SUV styling or all-wheel drive alone does not prove that a vehicle is suitable for demanding off-road use.
Calculate each exact derivative using your monthly distance and a current fuel or electricity price, then add finance, insurance, scheduled service, tyres and licence costs. Hagalu does not claim a fixed monthly saving without those buyer-specific inputs.
It is worth more only when the exact price difference buys equipment, space, performance or ownership cover that matters to you. Compare like-for-like lifecycle states and derivatives; a current offer and a historical last-listed price are not directly equivalent.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
This EXTER and SEALION 6 DM-i comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: EXTER 19 vs SEALION 6 DM-i 58.
Efficiency index: EXTER 66 vs SEALION 6 DM-i 75.
Safety-equipment index: EXTER 84 vs SEALION 6 DM-i 99.
Practicality index: EXTER 65 vs SEALION 6 DM-i 59.
Ownership-cover index: EXTER 65 vs SEALION 6 DM-i not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
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