BYD’s new hybrid EV sets efficiency benchmark with 1,243-mile range

China’s BYD has introduced the 2026 Seal 05 DM-i, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that sets a new industry benchmark with a total driving range of approximately 1,243 miles on a single tank of fuel and full battery charge. The vehicle is powered by BYD’s fifth-generation DM hybrid system, combining a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine producing 99 horsepower with a front-mounted electric motor delivering 161 horsepower. This powertrain enables the sedan to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds, balancing urban efficiency and highway performance. Inside, the Seal 05 DM-i features a modern cabin with an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch central touchscreen running BYD’s DiLink infotainment platform, and a functional design focused on driver convenience. Sales of the model have been strong, with 13,495 units sold in August 2025 and a total of 49,821 units