BYD has officially launched its new all-electric crossover, the Sealion 05 EV, in the Chinese market, with an attractive starting price of 117,800 yuan, which translates to approximately $16,240. This mass-market SUV boasts several compelling features, including a practical 110-liter front storage compartment, an integrated refrigerator unit, the advanced “God’s Eye” C intelligent driving assistance system, and a maximum driving range of up to 520 kilometers on a single charge. The Sealion 05 EV is the latest addition to BYD’s growing Sealion model series, a lineup specifically designed to include both fully electric and plug-in hybrid crossover variants. Notably, the Sealion series has a strategic focus on international markets, with the BYD Sealion 07 EV crossover already making its debut in several overseas countries. Furthermore, the BYD Song Plus SUV has been introduced in Australia under the name Sealion 6, highlighting BYD's global ambitions for this model family. The introduction of the Sealion 05 EV on March 25th further expands this international-oriented lineup.
Built upon BYD’s cutting-edge e-Platform 3.0 Evo architecture, the Sealion 05 EV is classified as a compact crossover. Its exterior design adheres to the brand’s contemporary Ocean Aesthetics philosophy, characterized by distinctive pointing headlights connected by a sleek LED light strip. The front-end design of the Sealion 05 EV is notably minimalistic, featuring a small air intake and a gently sloping hood. However, the inclusion of plastic cladding around the wheel arches adds a touch of ruggedness to the crossover's overall appearance, potentially making it appear slightly bulkier.
Inside the cabin, the BYD Sealion 05 EV features a prominent 12.8-inch central touchscreen display, serving as the primary interface for infotainment and vehicle controls. Behind the three-spoke steering wheel, an 8.8-inch LCD instrument cluster provides essential driving information to the driver. Following a growing trend in modern Chinese automobiles, the gear selector in the new Sealion 05 EV has been relocated to the steering column. The center console houses a set of physical buttons for frequently used functions, a convenient wireless charging pad for smartphones, and a pair of cup holders.
The exterior of the BYD Sealion 05 EV is further characterized by its aerodynamic flush-fitting door handles, blacked-out B and C pillars that contribute to a seamless side profile, and a distinctive, interconnected taillight unit that spans the rear of the vehicle. The Sealion 05 EV has dimensions of 4520 mm in length, 1860 mm in width, and 1630 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2720 mm. These dimensions position it as a compact SUV, roughly comparable in size to the Volkswagen Tiguan. Despite its relatively compact footprint, the Sealion 05 EV offers impressive practicality. It boasts a substantial 600-liter trunk capacity, which can be significantly expanded to 1460 liters by folding down the rear seats, providing ample cargo space for various needs. Adding to its versatility is a 110-liter front trunk, offering additional storage. Another noteworthy feature is a storage compartment equipped with both cooling and heating functionalities. This innovative box can cool items down to a frigid minus 6 degrees Celsius or heat them up to a warm 50 degrees Celsius, enhancing convenience for passengers. The BYD Sealion 05 EV also comes equipped with the advanced “God’s Eye” intelligent driving assistance system. This system utilizes a comprehensive sensor suite, including five millimeter-wave radars, twelve ultrasonic sensors, and twelve cameras, enabling features such as Navigate On Autopilot (NOA) for assisted driving on highways.
The standard powertrain configuration for the BYD Sealion 05 EV features a rear-mounted 188 hp permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, making it one of the few BYD crossovers with rear-wheel drive. This base model is equipped with a 50 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery, providing a driving range of 430 kilometers based on the China Light-duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) standards. A more powerful variant of the Sealion 05 EV is also available, offering a peak power output of 215 horsepower and a larger 60.9 kWh battery, which extends the CLTC-rated driving range to 520 kilometers.
The BYD Sealion 05 EV is offered in three distinct trim levels, catering to different customer needs and budgets. The pricing for these trims ranges from the aforementioned starting price of $16,240 up to approximately $19,000 for the higher-specification models, positioning it as a competitively priced and feature-rich electric crossover in the market.