Besides PHEV, 2026 BYD Sealion 05 also launched as an EV with flash charging tech

With just a few days to go before the start of the 2026 Auto China (AKA Beijing Auto Show), BYD has officially revealed more details and specifications of the Sealion 05.

While first revealed as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the 2026 Sealion 05 has also been revealed as an electric vehicle (EV). With that, customers can choose between a fully electric crossover or a plug-in hybrid system.

At the heart of the Sealion 05 EV are two battery packs: 57.54 kWh and 68.54 kWh. Both are lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, with the former delivering up to 540 km of range, based on the CLTC cycle. Meanwhile, the latter is rated to have up to 630 km of range on a full charge. Both battery packs support the brand's flash charging technology, which allows the batteries to be recharged from 10% to 97% in as little as 9 minutes when hooked up to a DC charger.

The entry-level version of the Sealion 05 EV is powered by a single electric motor that delivers 200 kW or 272 PS. On the other hand, the top-of-the-line has a motor that doles out 240 kW or 360 PS. On paper, this makes the Sealion 05 more powerful than the PH-spec BYD Atto 3, which delivers 204 PS in the Premium variant.

Design-wise, the Sealion 05 EV looks the same as the DM-i (PHEV) version. It gets tapered LED headlights and a more curvaceous front fascia, which further highlight its Ocean Series-inspired aesthetic. It also gets new LED taillights, which appear to have been inspired by the Atto 3. Last but not least are two-tone alloy wheels, the semi-hidden door handles, and the generous use of black body cladding. In terms of size, the Sealion 05 measures 4620mm long, 1860mm wide, and 1630mm tall.

Those with keen eyes may have noticed the Sealion 05 has a hump on its roof near the windshield. That's because the Sealion 05 can be equipped with the optional LiDAR-based DiPilot 300 (God's Eye B). Not only does this serve as the vehicle's advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), but it can also deliver semi-autonomous driving in both city and highway driving conditions.

Hop inside, and the Sealion 05 welcomes occupants with a pair of digital displays. One measures 8.8 inches and serves as the digital instrument cluster. Meanwhile, a standard 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment comes as standard. However, higher trim levels come with a bigger 15.6-inch infotainment screen.

Also new in the Sealion 05 is a neater center console, complete with a charging pad to recharge mobile devices. That's because BYD moved the gear selector behind the steering wheel, giving the Sealion 05 an electronic column shifter. When it comes to luggage space, BYD says the Sealion 05 EV offers up to 600 liters of cargo space (650 liters in the DM-i version). However, the EV version also has a 110-liter frunk to store additional luggage.

Can we expect BYD Cars Philippines to bring the Sealion 05 in the future? And could it be offered in both EV and DM-i PHEV variants?