2026 BYD Seal 05 DM-i revealed with 2,000 km combined range
BYD refreshes the Seal 5, now calls it the Seal 05 DM-i in the PRC
When BYD Cars Philippines launched the Seal 5 DM-i last year, they showed that sedans can still be affordable, feature-packed, and easy on the gas bills. With a starting price of PHP 948,000 and the ability to run on electric power over certain distances, the Seal 5 DM-i is a plug-in hybrid midsize sedan that's selling for B-segment sedan prices. We already got to review both the entry-level Dynamic and the fully-loaded Premium, which you can check out via the links we added.
Now, the automaker has revealed the updated (and more capable) version of the plug-in hybrid sedan. Say hello to the 2026 BYD Seal 05 DM-i. Although it has a slightly different name, the automaker claims it's an improved and more stylish version of the electrified four-door.
Starting with the design, the 2026 Seal 05 DM-i gets a sleeker and more curvaceous appearance. The front fascia gets a semi-closed-off grille, with the lower air intakes and side vents serving as openings. The LED headlights have been redesigned and now resemble the ones used in the Sealion 6 DM-i. Meanwhile, the LED taillights have been updated as well and feature a more dynamic appearance than before. Last but not least are new alloy wheel designs for specific variants.
Size-wise, the Seal 05 DM-i retains its exterior dimensions of 4780mm in length, 1837mm in width, 1515mm in height, and its 2718mm wheelbase.
Inside, the refreshed sedan gets a more minimalist interior. The center console gets a more cohesive and simpler design, while a new flat-bottom steering wheel sits in front of the driver. As before, the sedan gets an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel along with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display that comes with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
Some of you might have noticed that the gear selector is nowhere to be found on the center console. That's because BYD replaced it with an electronic column shifter, which translates to more cabin space for the driver & front passenger.
The brand's innovative PHEV system powers the Seal 05 DM-i. It consists of a 1.5L naturally aspirated inline-four and a front electric motor that's powered by a 15.87 kWh battery pack. The engine makes 100 PS with 126 Nm of torque, while the electric motor puts out 163 PS with 210 Nm of torque.
On a full charge, the 15.87 kWh Blade Battery gives the Seal 05 DM-i a range of up to 128 km based on the CLTC cycle. With a full tank of gas, however, the Seal 05 DM-i has a combined system range of up to 2,000 km based on the CLTC cycle. Compared to the current Seal 5 DM-i that we get, the refreshed sedan delivers more range but is slightly down on torque from the electric motor.
With the 2026 Seal 05 DM-i now available in the PRC, we're curious as to when BYD Cars Philippines plans to bring the updated sedan to the country.
