The BYD Seal 05 DM-i plug-in hybrid sedan was exposed in new photos and unofficial render images. It is a facelift of the Chaser 05 (Destroyer 05 / Chazor / King DM-i) model. The Seal 05 DM-i will enter the market in late 2024 or early 2025.
BYD Seal DM-i spy photos
The BYD Seal DM-i was once again seen in China during road tests. Its front end adopts triangular-shaped LED headlights similar to the previously launched Seal 06 (see specs). We can distinguish the Seal 05 DM-i by a continuous chrome-plated bar under the headlights. This element is usually common for BYD Dynasty series models.
A sizeable trapeze-shaped air intake sits in the front bumper. The Seal 05 DM-i has a sloped bonnet, flush door handles, and conventional side-view mirrors. From the back, the Seal 05 DM-i adopts a single taillight unit that aligns with the BYD Seal 06. It is easy to confuse the Seal 05 DM-i with a liftback due to a sleek roofline. However, it is a sedan with an independent trunk.
Similar to the latest BYD-branded cars, the Seal 05 DM-i has a BYD badge in the rear end instead of an odd “build your dreams” inscription. The new sedan also has a front camera and a mm-wave radar. Its rear bumper stays in line with the Chaser 05.
Chinese designer Ou Pao Pao has prepared some render images of the BYD Seal 05 DM-i. We can see those pictures aren’t quite accurate. But they still can give us an idea of what the new sedan could look like.
BYD Seal 05 DM-i specs
The exact dimensions of the Seal 05 DM-i have yet to be revealed. However, it is a facelift of a well-known Chaser 05 sedan (see specs) with length, width, and height of 4780/1837/1495 mm with a wheelbase of 2718 mm. Most likely, the Seal-badged model will retain those dimensions.
The BYD Seal 05 DM-i will adopt 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. The more efficient powertrain system and a bigger fuel tank will increase the 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 range will lie in the 80,000 – 140,000 yuan (11,250 – 19,700 USD) range.
The new spy shots are pretty clearly a different car than the older ones or the Chaser. A few points to look at: Headlights and front facia are different. Hood is lower with a hood cut line that extends all the way to the front door. Mirrors mount differently. Door handles are now flush. Rear doors extend all the way to the rear wheel well. C-pillar window shape is different…
Hi, Larry! Correct. Those pictures were taken in different periods of time. So, the older image seems to show the Seal 05 DM-i on an earlier development stage. Moreover, BYD could test two exterior variants of this sedan. So, maybe even BYD isn’t sure about the final look of their new model.
A lot of those differences might look minor, but they are not just cosmetic. Extending the hood all the way to front door requires different vehicle structure from the A pillar to the front fender. The same goes for the door cutline going all the way to the rear wheel well (wheel well structure tends to hold much of the strength in the rear). These are not lightly taken styling changes… it is a structurally different car.
I see your point here! Maybe you are right. Some Chinese sources report now tthat the recently spotted vehicle is the new BYD Qin L EV sedan. So, it could be a new model as you say. It will also exlain why it adopts the styling element typical for Dynasty series. We will keep you updated on new info about the car.