BYD Seal 05

BYD Seal 05: Which Version Should You Buy?

The choice between the two BYD Seal 05 versions is primarily a choice of powertrain and performance. The 1.5 DCT is listed as Gasoline, while the 1.5 CVT DM-i is listed as Plug-in. Both produce 163 hp and 210 Nm from 1,498 cc, use a Variable gearbox and FWD, and have the same recorded kerb and gross weights.

The choice between the two BYD Seal 05 versions is primarily a choice of powertrain and performance. The 1.5 DCT is listed as Gasoline, while the 1.5 CVT DM-i is listed as Plug-in. Both produce 163 hp and 210 Nm from 1,498 cc, use a Variable gearbox and FWD, and have the same recorded kerb and gross weights. The 1.5 CVT DM-i reaches 100 km/h 0.8 seconds sooner, whereas the 1.5 DCT has the lower listed combined fuel-consumption figure and a fuel tank that holds 17 litres more. No price data is provided, so it is not possible to calculate what any extra purchase cost buys.

BYD Seal 05 versions and generation comparison

The Seal 05 has one generation in the catalogue. The 1 generation has been in production since 2025 and is a Sedan with two versions: 1.5 DCT and 1.5 CVT DM-i. Because both versions belong to the same generation, there is no previous-generation model to compare for changes in engines, performance, body style or weight. No restyling is recorded in the supplied data.

That makes the buying decision unusually direct: neither version represents a newer generation or a different body type. Buyers are comparing two powertrains within the same Sedan generation, with many of the core specifications held constant.

BYD Seal 05 engine specs

The two engines have identical recorded outputs. Each develops 163 hp and 210 Nm from 1,498 cc, equivalent to approximately 108.8 hp per litre. Each engine has 4 Inline cylinders with 4 valves per cylinder, a Front, transverse position and Distributed injection (multi-point). Both list 92 fuel. Boost, compression ratio, bore and stroke, power rpm and torque rpm are not measured for either version.

Consequently, the 1.5 CVT DM-i does not buy additional catalogue horsepower or torque over the 1.5 DCT. Its advantage appears in acceleration rather than peak output. Engine oil type and engine oil capacity are not measured, so neither should be selected on the basis of an unlisted oil specification.

BYD Seal 05 performance and fuel economy

The 1.5 CVT DM-i is the quicker version. Its 7.5-second acceleration time is 0.8 seconds shorter than the 8.3 seconds recorded for the 1.5 DCT, an improvement of approximately 9.6% relative to the 1.5 DCT time. Both have the same 180 km/h top speed, so the Plug-in version’s measurable performance benefit concerns acceleration rather than maximum speed.

The 1.5 DCT has a listed combined consumption figure of 1.11, compared with 1.7 for the 1.5 CVT DM-i. The difference is 0.59 in the catalogue’s stated consumption measure. The supplied data does not specify a unit for these figures, so they should not be relabelled as mpg or litres per 100 km. City and highway consumption are not measured for either version.

BYD Seal 05 dimensions, weight and fuel tank capacity

Exterior length, width, height and wheelbase are not measured for the 1.5 DCT or the 1.5 CVT DM-i. Ground clearance and wheel sizes are also not measured for either version.

Both versions weigh 1,480 kg at the kerb and 1,855 kg gross. The difference between gross and kerb weight is 375 kg for each. With the same 163 hp output and 1,480 kg kerb weight, both have approximately 9.08 kg per horsepower. Neither therefore has a catalogue advantage in power-to-weight ratio.

Fuel tank capacity is one of the clearest differences. The 1.5 DCT holds 65 litres, while the 1.5 CVT DM-i holds 48 litres. The 1.5 DCT therefore provides 17 litres more fuel capacity, or approximately 35.4% more than the 1.5 CVT DM-i tank. Driving range cannot be calculated reliably because the consumption unit is not stated and no city or highway consumption figures are measured.

Both versions use Independent, spring front suspension and Semi-independent, spring rear suspension. Each has Ventilated disc front brakes and Disc rear brakes, so the recorded chassis specifications do not create a reason to prefer one version.

Which BYD Seal 05 version should you choose?

Choose the 1.5 CVT DM-i if acceleration is the priority. It reaches 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, beating the 1.5 DCT by 0.8 seconds despite matching it at 163 hp, 210 Nm and 1,480 kg. It is the stronger choice when the Plug-in engine type is specifically wanted and quicker acceleration matters more than fuel tank size.

Choose the 1.5 DCT if you want the Gasoline version or the larger tank. Its 65-litre capacity exceeds the 1.5 CVT DM-i tank by 17 litres. It also has the lower listed combined-consumption figure, 1.11 versus 1.7, although the missing unit prevents a conventional mpg comparison. Its compromise is the slower 8.3-second acceleration time.

There is no power-based reason to pay more for either version: both deliver 163 hp, 119 kW and 210 Nm, along with the same calculated 108.8 hp per litre and 9.08 kg per horsepower. There is also no difference in top speed, drivetrain, recorded weight, suspension or brakes. Price is not measured for either version, including regional prices, so no value-for-money verdict can be made. Based strictly on the available specifications, the 1.5 CVT DM-i is the performance choice, while the 1.5 DCT is the larger-tank choice.