BYD S6

The BYD S6 is a mid-size crossover SUV designed and manufactured by China's Shenzhen-based battery, photovoltaics, and car maker, BYD. It is also the brand's first crossover SUV product.

Background
The BYD S6 was shown at the Guangzhou Auto Show in late 2010 and since May 6, 2011 when this model was first officially sold in Changsha, China. It became the best selling China domestic SUV in sales volume by reaching 15,000 units in December, 2011, being awarded as "Fastest Seller SUV" and has been named China's "SUV of the Year" according to the Annual Ranking of Chinese Automobiles.

There are two models of the BYD S6 available to public sales in China, the 2.0 L and 2.4 L, with eight versions featuring different trim and equipment levels.

Safety
In December 2012, the China Automobile Technology Research Center published the C-NCAP crash-testing impact scores of BYD S6, awarding it the highest five-star safety rating for an SUV. This designation makes the S6 the first Chinese domestic SUV model with this rating. In C-NCAP tests, the BYD S6 out-performed other brands in body structure, design, and safety device validation.

In November 2012, the upgraded model BYD S6 Jin Yue version was introduced equipped with the world's first intelligent watch key which is not just used to check the time, but also can achieve the identification, induction door, keyless entry, one-click startup. This is expected to help decrease the risk of vehicles stolen due to missing keys.

Design controversies
The design of the BYD S6, S7, and later variants including the first generation BYD Tang are very controversial as the side profile heavily resembles the second generation Toyota Harrier crossover SUV.

Global markets
The BYD S6 has been exported to Ukraine, and Uruguay. It made its debut at 2012 Chile Show and was expected to begin sales in Chile from December, 2012. BYD S6 has also been produced in Iran and Karmania car factory since 2017.