Australia’s most affordable plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) has been redesigned The BYD Sealion 05 DMintroduced in China with more safety technology and larger batteries that offer up to three times the electric range.
The Toyota RAV4-sized Sealion 5 DM-i was launched in Australia in 2025 priced from $33,990 before on-road costs, replacing the Geely Starray EM-i as Australia’s cheapest PHEV. Customer deliveries began in January 2026.
Unveiled in China, the new Sealion ’05’ adopts the exterior design of the Sealion 05 EV – which was launched in China last year but not offered in Australia – along with cabin upgrades and a much longer electric range.
BYD Australia is yet to confirm the new Sealion 05 DM-i for local showrooms.
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The Sealion 05 DM-i features a cleaner, closed snout similar to that of the EV and replaces the large grille of the current Sealion 5 PHEV sold here.
There are now flush door handles and straighter horizontal character lines along the front and rear guards, replacing the previous protruding side crease that runs the length of the vehicle.
At the rear there is a cleaner lighting signature, a simplified lower bumper and a more elaborate integrated tailgate spoiler, as well as new colors and alloy wheel designs.
The updated Sealion 05 is 118mm shorter than the current model sold here and measures 4620mm, further differentiating it from the larger Sealion 6 PHEV.
Despite the shorter overall length, the wheelbase has grown by 58mm to 2770mm, with shorter overhangs and more cabin space. The trunk volume has also been significantly increased from 463 l to 650 l.
The entry-level model rides on 17-inch wheels, while the higher trim levels in China come with 18-inch alloy wheels. The Sealion 05 DM-i features front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, with “DiSus-C” adaptive damping available.
Inside, the gear selector was moved to the steering column, creating space in the center console for two wireless cell phone chargers, cup holders and a refrigerated storage compartment.
A 12.8-inch touchscreen is standard on Chinese models, up from the 10.1-inch unit in the current Australian version, while higher grades have a 15.6-inch display.
Physical quick access buttons remain below the screen, while an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster sits in front of the driver.
The Sealion 05 DM-i remains front-wheel drive, unlike the rear-wheel drive Sealion 05 EV, but its powertrain has been updated with a significantly larger battery.
A 26.62kWh blade battery is standard, replacing the previous 12.9kWh pack, with BYD claiming an electric range of up to 220km in the NEDC test – around three times the current model’s 71km claim.
A larger 34.27kWh battery is offered in higher spec variants, with a claimed electric range of 305km (NEDC), up from 100km on the current range-topping Australian model.
Both batteries improve AC charging from 3.3 kW to 7 kW. The smaller package supports DC fast charging of up to 57 kW, while the larger battery can hold up to 74 kW.
The 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine has been boosted slightly to 74kW and 126Nm, while the electric motor now produces 120kW and 210Nm across the range, up from 145kW and 300Nm previously.
Combined fuel consumption is rated at 3.1L/100km, with a range of up to 2,105km thanks to a larger 65-litre fuel tank.
While entry-level models in China do without some advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), higher trim levels are equipped with a LiDAR sensor and “DiPilot 100 Assisted Driving”.
These include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, speed sign recognition and adaptive cornering lights.
Although BYD climbed to third place in Australian sales last month, the Sealion 5 remains the lowest-selling model since the start of the year.
BYD Australia has previously stated that this was a factor in removing the Sealion 5 from remaining ANCAP test bookings in 2025, instead giving priority to the larger Sealion 8 seven-seat SUV.
MORE: Explore the BYD Sealion 5 showroom
