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BYD's bold claim: 2,000 kilometers on one tank and a full charge
BYD has unveiled the 2026 Seal 05 DM-i, a plug-in hybrid sedan that pushes range expectations with a combined cruising reach of roughly 2,000 kilometers when the tank is full and the battery is charged. The updated DM-i model boosts pure electric CLTC range from 55 km to 128 km while retaining an aggressive entry price of 79,800 yuan, roughly 11,200 USD. For many buyers this means city EV driving and extended highway trips without frequent fuel stops — a clear selling point in markets focused on range and total cost of ownership.
Exterior and dimensions
The 2026 Seal 05 keeps BYD's Ocean Aesthetics design language, presenting a sleek and modern silhouette. Visual changes are minimal — the most notable tweak is the removal of the automatic grille. Dimensionally the car remains unchanged: 4,780 mm long, 1,837 mm wide and 1,515 mm tall, with a 2,718 mm wheelbase and a 5.5 m turning radius. Those proportions place the Seal 05 firmly in the compact executive sedan segment where interior space and highway stability matter.
Interior, tech and comfort
Inside the cabin BYD balances tech and practicality. Highlights include a D-cut three-spoke steering wheel, an 8.8-inch full-LCD instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch central infotainment screen powered by the DiLink smart cabin system. BYD replaced the crystal gear lever with an electronic column-mounted shifter, freeing up center console space for storage or wireless charging options.
- Manual-adjust front seats
- Six-speaker audio system
- Remote control via smartphone app
- Six airbags and 508-liter trunk capacity
- Cruise control
Powertrain and performance
The Seal 05 DM-i uses BYD's fifth-generation DM plug-in hybrid architecture: a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter petrol engine plus a front-mounted electric motor. The combustion unit delivers up to 74 kW (99 hp) and 126 Nm, while the electric motor adds 120 kW (161 hp) and 210 Nm. Combined, the setup enables a 0-100 km/h sprint in about 7.9 seconds — lively for a hybrid sedan.
Battery-wise the car employs BYD's Blade battery with a usable capacity of 15.87 kWh, raising the CLTC pure EV range to 128 km. With an efficient hybrid strategy, BYD claims an NEDC-rated combined fuel consumption of just 3.08 L/100 km, contributing to that headline 2,000 km combined range figure under ideal conditions.
Quick spec summary
- EV range (CLTC): 128 km
- Combined range (tank + battery): ~2,000 km
- Battery: 15.87 kWh Blade pack
- 0-100 km/h: 7.9 seconds
- Base price: 79,800 yuan (~11,200 USD)
Market outlook and sales
The Seal 05 DM-i is already selling in strong numbers. In August BYD moved 13,495 units, bringing eight-month cumulative sales in 2025 to 49,821 units, about 2.49 percent of BYD's total volume. That demonstrates healthy demand for affordable plug-in hybrids that combine EV driving for daily commutes with long-range flexibility for longer trips.
Whether the 2,000 km figure proves decisive will depend on local testing cycles and real-world driving. Still, BYD's blend of extended EV range, efficient hybrid operation and aggressive pricing makes the 2026 Seal 05 DM-i one of the most compelling range-focused sedans on the market today.
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