The Sealion 05 DM-i is a C-segment plug-in hybrid SUV under BYD's Ocean Series, positioned as an "urban smart fun SUV" aimed at young families. As a core member of the Ocean Series "Sealion" family, it serves as a sister model to the Song Pro DM-i, sharing BYD's fifth-generation DM technology platform whilst distinguishing itself through unique styling and equipment packaging.
First launched in September 2024 and joined by an intelligent driving edition in February 2025, the Sealion 05 DM-i is currently offered in its 2026 model-year guise, which debuted on 20 April 2026. Available across five variants, official retail pricing ranges from RM97,900 to RM127,900, headlined by an aggressive "doubled range at a lower price" strategy. Compared to its predecessor, the 2026 Sealion 05 DM-i sees its pure electric range jump from 75 km/115 km to 220 km/305 km, whilst the entry price has been reduced from RM102,800 to RM97,900. Offering "more kit for less money", it serves as a pivotal model for BYD to redefine value in the competitive RM100,000-class PHEV SUV segment.
The 2026 Sealion 05 DM-i adopts BYD's Ocean Aesthetics design philosophy, harmonising its look with the all-electric version. Up front, it features a closed-off grille complemented by a full-width ocean-wave LED light bar and C-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs), with the repositioned emblem delivering a cleaner, more high-tech aesthetic. Triangular air ducts sit beneath the front bumper to optimise aerodynamic efficiency. Along the flanks, stretched character lines are paired with semi-flush door handles, a floating roof, gloss black window surrounds, and a split D-pillar motif, while black cladding on the side skirts enhances its youthful, sporty stance. At the rear, smoked full-width taillights feature an illuminated "BYD" script at the centre, underscored by a wide black bumper skid plate and slim fog lamps.
Dimension-wise, the new SUV measures 4,620 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, and 1,630 mm tall, with a wheelbase stretching to 2,770 mm—a 58 mm extension over the previous DM-i version that notably frees up rear legroom. Two new exterior colours, Seashell Pink and Coral Orange, join carryover shades like Jun Kiln Grey and Sea Area White to cater to diverse aesthetic tastes. Inside, the cabin adopts a wraparound cockpit layout with a full-width gloss black dashboard fascia, housing an integrated 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch adaptive rotating floating infotainment touchscreen. The conventional gear lever has made way for a steering column-mounted electronic stalk shifter, which, together with a new three-spoke flat-bottom multi-function steering wheel, delivers a sleek, modern, and uncluttered look. Interior colourways include Almond Beige and Twilight Blue, with mid- to high-spec variants benefiting from extensive soft-touch upholstery.
Under the skin, the Sealion 05 DM-i runs BYD's fifth-generation DM plug-in hybrid system, pairing a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. The BYD472QC Atkinson-cycle engine produces 74 kW (approx. 101 PS) and 126 Nm of torque, boasting a thermal efficiency of 46.06%. The electric motor delivers 120 kW (approx. 163 PS) and 210 Nm, channeled through an E-CVT electronic continuously variable transmission to drive the front wheels. The official 0-100 km/h sprint is completed in 8.3 to 8.5 seconds, with a top speed of 180 km/h.
Battery options include 26.6 kWh and 34.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade battery packs, delivering CLTC pure electric ranges of 220 km and 305 km respectively—effectively doubling the range of the older model. With a full tank and full charge, total CLTC cruising range reaches up to 2,105 km, while depleted-battery fuel consumption drops to an impressive 3.1 L/100 km under NEDC testing (3.79 L/100 km on the WLTC cycle). The fuel tank measures 52 litres and runs on RON 92 petrol. For charging, long-range variants support DC fast charging (taking approx. 34 minutes to charge from 30% to 80%), significantly improving charging convenience over the previous iteration.
Underneath, the 2026 Sealion 05 DM-i rides on front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent setup, featuring a four-link rear suspension that represents a superior specification in the RM100,000-class PHEV SUV segment. Compared to the previous torsion beam setup, the four-link rear suspension delivers noticeably better bump absorption and ride refinement over uneven road surfaces, significantly enhancing rear passenger comfort. Braking duties are handled by ventilated front discs and solid rear discs, with an electronic parking brake (EPB) fitted as standard across the range. A 5.8-metre minimum turning radius ensures effortless agility along narrow urban roads and in tight parking scenarios.
Higher-spec variants gain the DiSus-C Intelligent Damping Body Control System, which adjusts suspension damping in real time based on road conditions to achieve an optimal balance between handling stability and ride comfort. Selectable drive modes include Eco, Sport, and Normal to cater to different driving preferences. Road test reviews indicate that the chassis is tuned with a clear comfort bias, soaking up minor road imperfections with ease, while maintaining class-competitive body control when pushed hard. In addition, a high-speed tyre blowout stability control system is included to bolster active safety in emergency situations.
Inside the cabin, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster comes standard across the range, while mid-to-high-spec variants feature a 15.6-inch adaptive rotating floating touchscreen (entry variants make do with a 12.8-inch unit). Powered by the high-spec DiLink 150 smart cockpit system with a refreshed UI, it supports custom AutoNavi navigation, cross-device connectivity, quad-zone voice control, and full-scenario voice interaction. The infotainment system also features 5G connectivity, over-the-air (OTA) updates, and smartphone app remote telematics, with the voice assistant offering continuous "see-and-speak" functionality.
On the creature comforts front, power-adjustable front seats are standard, with mid- and high-spec variants adding seat ventilation and heating; the floating centre console houses a 50W wireless smartphone fast charging pad, dual cup holders, and a cavernous lower storage cubby. Mid-to-high-spec models can also be optioned with a panoramic glass roof, 127-colour ambient lighting, and an 8-speaker Dirac sound system. A completely flat rear floor complements 60:40 split-folding rear seats, expanding boot volume up to 1,430 litres when folded down. Rounding off the convenience kit are "ten thoughtful features", including a powered tailgate, driver's seat memory with welcome function, a 5-angle dashcam, and E-Call emergency assistance alongside I-Call 24-hour concierge service, elevating day-to-day usability.
For active safety, the Sealion 05 DM-i comes standard with essential electronic aids, including ABS, EBD, emergency brake assist (EBA), traction control (TCS), and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). Passive protection across the range comprises front dual airbags, front side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags (six airbags in total), with 2026 top-spec variants adding a front-centre airbag and driver fatigue monitoring. The body shell employs a safety cage structure with over 70% high-strength steel, working in tandem with the Blade battery and real-time cloud monitoring to form a comprehensive safety shield.
On the driver assistance front, all variants come standard with the Eye of the Gods C (DiPilot 100) Level 2 ADAS suite, utilising five millimetre-wave radars, 12 HD cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors. Its capabilities encompass full-speed adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane centring assist, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning, blind spot assist, and automated parking assist. The flagship "Smart Navigation Edition" can be optioned with the Eye of the Gods B (DiPilot 300) advanced ADAS system for RM9,900, adding a LiDAR sensor to enable City Navigation on Autopilot (CNOA), Highway Navigation on Autopilot (HNOA), emergency steering assist, obstacle detour yielding, roundabout navigation, and automated valet parking. A 540-degree panoramic camera system with a transparent chassis view comes standard across the board, providing clear visibility in tricky parking spots.
Since its 2024 debut, the Sealion 05 DM-i has navigated significant sales fluctuations. The original model registered around 30,000 units across 2025—a stark contrast to its platform-mate, the Song Pro DM-i, which consistently shifted 20,000 units a month—with monthly figures dropping to single digits in early 2026 amid the model changeover. However, the arrival of the 2026 model has swiftly turned the tide: backed by doubled pure EV range, a competitive starting price reduced to RM97,900, and chassis upgrades like DiSus-C and rear four-link independent suspension, showroom footfall has rebounded sharply. Showroom feedback indicates that the DM-i variant, buoyed by larger batteries and healthy ready-stock availability, is significantly outselling the pure EV variant and serving as the primary showroom volume driver.
In terms of user feedback, owners have generally praised the Sealion 05 DM-i for its smooth power delivery, exceptional fuel efficiency, generous electric range, and spacious cabin afforded by its 2,770 mm wheelbase. Conversely, criticisms point to perceptible wind noise at highway speeds (above 100 km/h), slower infotainment software rollout, mediocre residual values for earlier units, and de-specced equipment on baseline trims. Overall, armed with 220 km/305 km of pure EV range from its larger battery packs, thriftier fuel consumption from the fifth-generation DM powertrain, and razor-sharp pricing, the 2026 Sealion 05 DM-i stands out as a high-value contender in the RM100,000-class PHEV SUV arena. Together with the Song Pro DM-i, this twin-model strategy is poised to strengthen the Ocean Series' market share in the mainstream family SUV segment.
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