BYD unveils new Sealion 05 with EV and DM-i variants ahead of April 20 launch

BYD has released official images of its new Sealion 05 model, with both EV and DM-i variants scheduled to make their debut on April 20.

The new Sealion 05 features BYD’s family design language with a youthful orange-red colour option. The SUV adopts semi-hidden door handles and may come equipped with a LiDAR sensor on the roof for advanced driver assistance functions.

The vehicle measures 4,620 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,630 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,770 mm.

Inside, the Sealion 05 is equipped with a 15.6-inch floating touchscreen and an 8.8-inch LCD instrument cluster. The cabin retains physical buttons below the screen and on the steering wheel, while featuring a column-mounted gear shifter. Additional amenities include a 50W wireless phone charging pad, dual cup holders, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and power front seats with heating and ventilation. The rear seats can be folded down to create a “large bed” configuration.

EV version:
The pure electric variant offers two motor options: a 200 kW (268 hp) version and a 240 kW (322 hp) version, both featuring rear-mounted single motors. The EV model is expected to incorporate BYD’s second-generation Blade Battery and flash charging technology.

DM-i version:
The plug-in hybrid variant utilises BYD’s fifth-generation DM technology, featuring a 1.5-litre engine producing 74 kW paired with a synchronous permanent magnet electric motor generating 120 kW (161 hp).

Battery options for the DM-i variant include 26.6 kWh and 34.275 kWh LFP units, providing CLTC electric range between 220 km and 305 km. The model also features the DiSus-C continuous damping system and DiPilot 300 LiDAR-based ADAS.

According to dealer information, the Sealion 05 DM-i will be available in four trim levels:

The current Sealion 05 EV was launched last March. In September 2025, it sold 12,067 units in China, marking its sales peak. In January and February of this year, like all other models, its sales dipped before bouncing back in March.

Liu Miao

Writer

Liu Miao covers NEVs and batteries at CNC to contribute to the energy transition, in spare time he loves driving his EV around.