The BYD Seal 05 DM-i sedan with plug-in hybrid powertrain was seen in China for the first time. It is a rebadged Destoryer 05 (Chaser / Chazor / King DM-i) with adjusted exterior styling and the fifth-gen DM system. The Seal 05 DM-i will enter the Chinese market in late 2024 or early 2025.
BYD naming explained
BYD’s model line has been too complex lately. So, we will comment on it. Currently, the BYD brand comprises two series: Dynasty and Ocean. The first consists of cars named after Chinese ruling dynasties like Han, Tang, etc. The Ocean series comprises cars with marine names.
This distribution seems simple enough. However, BYD went further by splitting the Ocean series into two lines. The first one comprised electric cars called after marine animals like Seal and Dolphin. The second line included plug-in hybrids named after warships (e.g. Destroyer 05, Frigate 07). Things became inconsistent when BYD launched the Seal DM-i sedan. It was a PHEV belonging to the so-called EV line.
Nowadays, BYD has refused to use warship naming for cars that belong to the Ocean series. Both PHEVs and BEVs under the Ocean series will be called after marine animals. However, another new rule has appeared. Every Ocean-series sedan is known as Seal, with a digit number showing its market positioning. And crossovers bear the name of Sea Lion. BYD has started a huge rebadging strategy, slowly aligning cars’ names with new rules. At the same time, some models get new exterior styling. The Seal 05 DM-i is among those models.
BYD Seal 05 DM-i spy shot
The BYD Seal 05 DM-i was seen in China in camouflage. Its front end has thin headlights similar to the previously launched Seal 06 DM-i sedan (see specs). The Seal 05 DM-i has a sporty bumper with a trapeze-shaped air intake. The spotted car has conventional door handles and side-view mirrors. It also has five-spoke blackened rims.
The proportions and the glass line of the BYD Seal 05 DM-i are in line with the Destroyer 05 sedan (see specs). We will remind you that the latter car sells internationally as Chaser, Chazor, or King DM-i. Its dimensions are 4780/1837/1495 mm with a wheelbase of 2718 mm. Most likely, the Seal 05 DM-i will be similar in terms of size.
Another feature of the Seal 05 DM-i is the BYD’s fifth-gen DM powertrain. It comprises a 1.5-liter ICE for 74 kW (99 hp) and a 120 kW (161 km) e-motor. The Seal 05 DM-i will get a larger fuel tank for 65 liters (compared to the 48-liter tank of the Destroyer 05). The more efficient powertrain system and a bigger fuel tank will lead to an increased mixed range of up to 2,100 km.
The Seal 05 DM-i will enter the Chinese market in late 2024 or early 2025. Its price tag will be in line with the current Destroyer 05 sedan. We will remind you its price range is 79,800 – 136,800 yuan (11,000 – 18,900 USD).
Source: Weibo
