Compared to the loud slogan of “leading far ahead,” integrating a model into family life showcases brand strength and product quality. BYD focuses on this aspect. Many popular models prioritize safety, low energy consumption, and high comfort, making them top choices for family cars. This approach underpins BYD’s claim of surpassing traditional fuel vehicles this year. The Ocean Network models target youth and innovation, featuring distinct new energy attributes. Several models have become bestsellers. The launch of the Sea Lion 05 DM-i offers a new option in the A-class family SUV market. This model not only incorporates BYD’s core technology but also excels in chassis comfort and interior refinement.
The Haise 05DM-i officially launched in mid-October. Its price ranges from 112,800 to 142,800 yuan (20040$). Buyers enjoy many purchase benefits. BYD offers a maximum subsidy of 4,000 yuan (560$). With additional trade-in subsidies, this model is very attractive in price. The Haise 05DM-i targets the compact SUV market. It focuses on the family SUV segment, which joint venture automakers prioritize.
The Sea Lion 05DM-i has many highlights. It features the core fifth-generation DM hybrid technology, blade battery, DiLink smart connectivity system, and comprehensive active and passive safety features. The space is practical. After the test drive, I experienced its refinement and excellent NVH performance.
This SUV fits a family of three. Its size is compact, but it looks large. The dimensions are 4710mm long, 1880mm wide, and 1720mm high. The wheelbase measures 2712mm.
The design reflects marine aesthetics. The overall shape is full. The car’s stance matches the dynamic style of other models in the ocean network.
The front of the car features many irregular horizontal lines. These lines create a wave-like appearance. The guiding contours converge towards the center from both sides. The horizontal chrome trim enhances the visual width.
The air ducts on both sides below the front of the car direct airflow. This stabilizes the car’s posture. The front splitter below the car shapes the sporty lines in silver.
The Sea Lion 05DM-i headlights have a square design. The light chamber features a dot matrix arrangement with a darkened interior. Vertical lines on the LED component contrast with horizontal lines on both sides of the headlights. This design enhances the sense of technology.
The sea lion 05DM-i has a uniform body color. It only uses black paint on the D-pillar. This complements the silver trim on the roof. The design looks very refined.
The dual waistlines and wave-like skirt line on the side enhance the car’s texture. They improve the aesthetic appeal at both the front and rear.
The tested 115KM flagship model features a five-spoke wheel design. The color scheme combines silver and black gloss. This design enhances the sporty feel and adds a touch of elegance to the body. The top model has a wheel size of 235/50 R19. Other models have a size of 225/60 R18.
The rear of the Sea Lion 05DM-i echoes the front. It emphasizes a sporty style. The continuous taillight group acts as a golden ratio line. It nearly divides the rear windshield and the lower bumper in equal proportions.
The design includes a hollow spoiler above the rear windshield. For a family SUV, it mainly blocks rain and enhances appearance.
The Sea Lion 05DM-i features a continuous tail light, officially named the Horizon Tail Light. Its shape is full and has clear layers. A circle of LED outlines enhances its practicality. The brake lights on the sides use a dot pattern, adding a refined touch. Compared to other BYD tail lights that incorporate Chinese knot elements, the Sea Lion 05DM-i’s tail light looks better. The design shows thoughtful attention.
The interior layout of the Sea Lion 05DM-i continues the marine design theme. The overall layout is simple and layered. The round air vents on both sides add a unique touch.
The dashboard and central control screen maintain BYD’s style. They use an adaptive rotating floating pad. This pad rotates based on different apps. It works well for vertical apps like Douyin when parked.
The screen integrates the DiLink smart connectivity system. This system enables full integration of cloud services, AI, big data, content ecosystems, smartphones, and services. It unifies the account system, providing a consistent experience between the vehicle and smartphone. It connects people, cars, society, and everyday life seamlessly. Users can check vehicle status anytime through the BYD Ocean app on their smartphones. They can also remotely control their vehicle or use remote driving features. The vehicle’s voice interaction and split-screen functions perform well. It operates at a top-tier level. Users can navigate, control windows, and adjust the air conditioning using voice commands. The system offers smooth operation overall.
In Ai navigation, the system may lag in areas with weak network signals or under bridges. However, most road conditions work well.
The top model features the DiPilot driving assistance system. It records and queries energy consumption lists and curves for better driving efficiency. DiPilot includes smart navigation, traffic sign recognition, reversing radar, and intelligent control of headlights. It also offers automatic emergency braking and predictive collision warnings.
The Sea Lion 05DM-i offers many standard features across all models. This approach benefits consumers. It includes a 360° HD panoramic view, a direct tire pressure monitoring system, the DiLink smart connectivity system, BYD smart cloud services, an all-scenario digital key, in-car ETC, and smart power on/off functions.
The top model offers a 50W wireless fast charging feature on the driver’s side. It includes an active cooling fan. This setup addresses the heat issue during wireless fast charging.
The Sea Lion 05DM-i features sporty front seats. The seats have a stylish design with a hollow space between the headrest and backrest. They use comfortable filling material that provides good support. The seats wrap around the body well. The headrest uses soft sponge for added comfort.
During the 100-kilometer test drive, the front seats provided good support for the back and hips. The top model’s front seats also feature ventilation and heating. These functions help reduce fatigue during long rides.
In the back seat, the legroom impresses. The 2712mm wheelbase provides ample space for leg movement. The flat floor allows for easy foot placement and more storage. The back seat cushions feel soft. They differ from the firmer support in the front. This softness suits long trips well. It’s comfortable for a nap.
The standard trunk volume of the Sea Lion 05DM-i is 407L. You can expand it to 1,430L by folding down the rear seats in a 4:6 split. This easily meets the needs for home travel.
Practicality is the basic function of a family car. In the Haiyan 05DM-i, I experienced intelligence and comfort. It also feels refined. The center console and four door panels use various materials. They feature leather, silver trim, and chrome accents. The seams and connections are precise.
The T-island section of the central console features a circular base with functional areas. It includes driving modes, a start button, sound adjustment, automatic start-stop, air conditioning controls, and power modes. These common functions use physical buttons. This design shows careful thought. It understands that blind operation provides the safest driving experience.
The interior of the Sea Lion 05DM-i feels refined. It also offers excellent quietness. The car uses a complete acoustic package to block noise pathways. This effectively reduces vibrations and noise from the environment, the powertrain, and the road. Additionally, high-end models feature double-layer laminated soundproof glass for the front windshield and windows. This further blocks external noise.
The Sea Lion 05DM-i features fifth-generation DM technology. It includes a dedicated 1.5L efficient engine for plug-in hybrids. This engine delivers a maximum power of 74kW and a peak torque of 126N·m. It achieves a thermal efficiency of 46.06%. The EHS electric hybrid system complements it. The system’s motor provides a maximum power of 120kW and a peak torque of 210N·m.
The power battery uses a special blade battery for plug-in hybrids. This battery stores 12.9/18.3 kWh of energy. The Hai Lion 05 DM-i achieves a pure electric range of 115 km under CLTC conditions. With a full tank and full charge, the total range reaches 1,400 km.
The Sea Lion 05DM-i features a 12V lithium iron phosphate starting battery. This battery lasts for 15 years. It has independent battery management. Users need not worry about power loss. As long as there is fuel, the battery remains charged. Drivers can say goodbye to replacements and fire rescue for life.
The electric powertrain allows the Sea Lion 05DM-i to run on electricity alone during starts and most city conditions. During this test drive, we specifically measured the energy consumption over 50 kilometers in HEV mode. With strong energy recovery and an economical driving mode, the vehicle achieved a fuel consumption of 3.69 liters per 100 kilometers at normal speeds. This low cost makes it ideal for a family of three.
During normal driving, the Sea Lion 05DM-i starts smoothly. It feels like a pure electric vehicle. As speed increases, the engine does not start to charge the battery as long as the charge stays above 20%. On downhill slopes or in the wake of large vehicles, the car continues to recharge the battery. Its efficiency remains high. During this test drive, the battery charged from 20% to 30% halfway through the journey. This achievement gives the driver a sense of satisfaction. Such energy recovery makes one feel the importance of efficiency.
The Sea Lion 05DM-i offers a comfortable and secure driving experience. Its chassis feels solid. It may not match performance cars, but it handles winding roads well. The suspension is resilient. It manages uneven surfaces effectively. The front and rear wheels move smoothly. The shock absorption feels good and reassuring. There is no jarring rebound.
The car has an excellent chassis. The battery is not large. It does not add much weight. The front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link suspension are well-tuned. For those who want daily commuting with some excitement, the Haiyan 05DM-i delivers.
In summary, the Sea Lion 05DM-i is a balanced model. It boasts low energy consumption. It’s hard to imagine a car under 150,000 that offers such refinement and chassis feedback. It outperforms compact SUVs in these areas. Its youthful, sporty design attracts younger users. Will you choose the well-rounded Sea Lion 05DM-i?