The BYD Sealion 05 DM-i crossover was revealed in official images, just two days after teaser images had been posted. The dynamic start of the marketing campaign indicates the Sealion 05 DM-i will soon enter the Chinese market. It is the Song Pro DM-i sibling with the 5-gen DM powertrain and 93 km of EV range.
Sealion is a newly formed series under the BYD brand. It comprises an all-electric and plug-in hybrid crossover. The Sealion 07 EV (see specs) became the very first model of the given line. Nowadays, the BYD Song Plus (Seal U) sells in some global markets as BYD Sealion 06. The Sealion 05 DM-i will become the entry-level model of this series.
BYD Sealion 05 DM-i official images
The BYD Sealion 05 DM-i follows the design language of the Ocean Series. Its front end has a huge frameless grille and elongated rectangular headlamps. The front bumper has a sizable air intake to keep the engine cool. The new SUV has plastic trim around the lower part of the body and traditional door handles.
From the side, we can highlight the Sealion 05 DM-i has a suspended roof design with blackened D-pillars. The entry-level SUV’s rear end has a single LED taillight bar and a minimalistic bumper. It is worth mentioning that the Sealion 05 DM-i is based on the BYD Song Pro DM-i crossover. As a result, these two models look quite similar in terms of overall proportions.
The Sealion 05 DM-i rides on R19 wheels with Chaoyang tires in official images. However, the Chinese regulator previously disclosed that this SUV will also have R17 and R18 options. The dimensions of the Sealion 05 DM-I are 4710/1880/1720 mm with a wheelbase of 2712 mm. For clarity, it is 28 mm shorter than the Song Pro DM-i (see specs).
BYD Sealion 05 DM-i specs
The Sealion 05 DM-i has the 5-gen BYD DM-i plug-in hybrid system on board. It comprises the BYD472QC naturally aspirated 1.5-liter engine for 74 kW (99 hp) and the TZ210XYB electric motor for 120 kW (160 hp). The same e-motor powers the BYD Qin L sedan (see specs). With this powertrain on board, the Sealion 05 DM-i can speed up to 1800 km/h.
The Sealion 05 DM-i has LFP battery options from FinDreams, a BYD subsidiary. Its capacity reaches 18.3 kWh. On a single charge in EV mode, the Sealion 05 DM-i can run up to 93 km (CLTC). Its fuel consumption is 4.9 L/100km. This SUV’s mixed range should reach 2,000 km.
The Sealion 05 DM-i will enter the Chinese market soon this year. Its price range has yet to be revealed. However, we at CarNewsChina assume, it will lie in the 100,000 – 150,000 yuan (14,100 – 21,170 USD) range. More on this car as we get it.
Source: BYD
Is it me, or did BYD have a design highlight with the Seal? Except for maybe the 06 GT, many models seem rather… dull.