The BYD Seal 05 DM-i is the latest addition to BYD’s Seal family, a lineup that has already made waves in the new energy vehicle (NEV) market. Positioned as an affordable family sedan, the Seal 05 DM-i combines BYD’s fifth-generation DM hybrid technology with a sleek design and advanced features. With a starting price of 89,800 yuan (approximately 12,400 USD), the car aims to deliver efficiency, technology, and practicality. We will take a deep dive into this affordable integrated with BYD’s God’s Eye ADAS.

Exterior

The BYD Seal 05 DM-i features a modern and youthful design that aligns with BYD’s Ocean series aesthetic. The front fascia is characterized by wave-shaped LED headlights, a trapezoidal blacked-out grille, and U-shaped air inlets, giving it a sporty and aerodynamic appearance. The car measures 4,780 mm in length, 1,837 mm in width, and 1,515 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,718 mm. This makes it slightly shorter than the Seal 06 DM-i.

At the rear, the Seal 05 DM-i boasts a full-width LED light bar and hidden exhaust outlets, complemented by a subtle ducktail spoiler. The “Seal 05” badge on the tailgate identifies the model, while the overall design exudes sophistication and modernity. The car is available in four exterior colours: two shades of grey, white, and black. Additional features such as a three-eye camera on the front windshield, rear-facing cameras on the front fenders, and side mirror cameras.

Interior

Inside, the Seal 05 DM-i offers a clean, functional layout that prioritizes comfort and usability. The interior is decorated in grey and beige, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The centrepiece of the dashboard is BYD’s signature rotatable floating central control screen paired with a rectangular full LCD instrument panel. These displays provide a wealth of information and are easy to navigate, thanks to BYD’s intuitive DiLink system.

The D-shaped multi-function steering wheel offers easy access to essential controls. The centre console houses a crystal gear shifter, dual cup holders, and wireless charging pads. Physical buttons for key functions ensure drivers can operate the car without distraction.

The seats are upholstered in high-quality synthetic leather, providing good support for short and long drives. The rear seats offer ample space, with a foldable central armrest including cup holders for added convenience. Storage spaces, such as door pockets, a spacious glove box, and a large centre console, ensure practicality. The trunk offers 508 litres of cargo space, which can be expanded by folding the rear seats, making it ideal for family trips or grocery runs.

Driving Experience

The BYD Seal 05 DM-i delivers a smooth and efficient driving experience thanks to its fifth-generation DM hybrid system. Our test car is powered by a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine with a maximum 120 kW electric motor output. This combination ensures responsive acceleration and seamless transitions between electric and hybrid modes. The car uses BYD’s 15.9 kWh Blade Battery, offering electric ranges of 90 km (CLTC).

In hybrid mode, the Seal 05 DM-i achieves an impressive fuel efficiency of 2.95L/100 km. The combined range on a full charge and tank exceeds 2,000 km, making it one of the most economical vehicles in its class. The suspension is tuned for comfort, effectively absorbing road imperfections while maintaining a balanced feel during cornering.

The steering is light and responsive, making manoeuvring in tight city streets easy. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) in higher trims, such as lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, further enhance the driving experience. However, some features, like navigation-assisted driving, are still under development.

Performance of the God’s Eye ADAS System

The God’s Eye ADAS system in the BYD Seal 05 DM-i offers a suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies that enhance safety and convenience. The system has 12 cameras, five millimeter-wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors, providing comprehensive coverage around the vehicle. This extensive sensor array enables features such as lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control, and automated parking, all functioning seamlessly during the test drive. The lane-keeping system effectively maintains the car’s position within the lane, even on winding roads. At the same time, the adaptive cruise control adjusts speed smoothly to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead.

One of the most impressive aspects of the God’s Eye system is its automated parking capability. During the test, the car effortlessly identified parking spaces and manoeuvred into them precisely, requiring minimal input from the driver. The system also supports remote parking via a smartphone app, particularly useful in tight parking situations. While some advanced features, such as navigation-assisted driving, are still under development, the existing functionalities significantly demonstrate the system’s potential to enhance the driving experience. BYD’s God’s Eye system may not be as good as Xpeng’s XNGP and Huawei’s Qiankun 3.0 at present. Yet, it is usable in daily scenarios.

Verdict

The BYD Seal 05 DM-i is a competitive option in the compact sedan segment, combining affordability, technology, and efficiency. Its exterior design is modern and stylish, while the interior is spacious and well-equipped, offering practicality for daily use. The advanced hybrid system provides strong fuel efficiency, with a combined range exceeding 2,000 km, making it a practical choice for families and commuters.

The base model, priced at 89,800 yuan (approximately 12,400 USD), includes essential features and hybrid efficiency, catering to budget-conscious buyers. Higher trims add advanced ADAS features and a larger infotainment screen, appealing to those seeking more technology. The top-trim model’s extended electric range and fast charging capability are handy for long-distance drivers.

Overall, the BYD Seal 05 DM-i offers a fuel-efficient, comfortable, and tech-focused driving experience at an accessible price point. It is a practical option for first-time buyers or families looking for a reliable daily driver.

Stay tuned for next week’s Sunday China Drive at Car News China, where you can read more first-person evaluations of Chinese cars