China’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer, BYD, has unveiled the 2026 Seal 05 DM-i, a new plug-in hybrid setting a new benchmark with a total driving range of 1,243 miles on a full tank of fuel and a full charge.
The 2026 Seal 05 DM-i features BYD’s fifth-generation DM hybrid system, pairing a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine with a front-mounted electric motor. The gasoline engine delivers 99 horsepower and 93 lb-ft of torque, while the electric motor produces 161 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. Together, the system allows the sedan to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 7.9 seconds, combining smooth urban driving with efficient highway performance.
The hybrid sedan comes with BYD’s 15.87 kWh Blade battery pack, extending the electric-only range from 34 miles to 80 miles under CLTC testing. With a full tank and charge, the Seal 05 DM-i reaches a total range of 1,243 miles, while maintaining exceptional efficiency equivalent to 76 miles per gallon according to NEDC tests. This makes it one of the most efficient plug-in hybrids on the market.
Inside, the 2026 Seal 05 DM-i offers a functional cabin with a flat-bottom three-spoke steering wheel, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.1-inch central touchscreen. The infotainment system runs on BYD’s DiLink platform, giving drivers access to navigation, media, and vehicle settings.
Sales of the Seal 05 DM-i continued to rise, with 13,495 units sold in August and 49,821 units from January to August 2025, representing around 2.5 percent of BYD’s overall volume. The model’s popularity is helping strengthen BYD’s position in China’s competitive new energy vehicle market.
To sustain sales momentum, BYD offered time-limited incentives, including $1,404 discounts on select variants of the second-generation Qin Plus sedans through the end of the year. Similar discounts were also provided earlier in September for the Tang DM-i, Seal 07 DM-i, and Qin L EV, alongside broader price cuts in May.
Chinese authorities have recently stepped up efforts to curb aggressive competition in key industries, including automotive, signaling the end of steep price wars that have impacted manufacturers, suppliers, and dealerships.
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