With the Sealion 05, BYD is no longer holding back!

Launched this week in China, the BYD Sealion 05 EV is a compact electric SUV that does not hide its European ambitions.

The BYD Sealion 05 is marketed in China starting at 117,800 yuan, or about 15,800 euros. This popular compact SUV offers impressive and completely unexpected features for a vehicle under 20,000 euros, such as an integrated refrigerator and, most notably, the “God’s Eye” driving assistance system, the Chinese equivalent of Tesla’s autonomous driving FSD.

The Sealion 05 EV is part of BYD’s Sealion series, which offers electric and plug-in hybrid models. This range targets international markets, as demonstrated by the launch of the Sealion 07 EV in several European countries. It was also the star of the BYD booth at the last Geneva Motor Show.

Based on the e-Platform 3.0 Evo architecture, the Sealion 05 EV features a minimalist style with sleek headlights, a LED strip, and modern lines. This compact SUV measures 4520 mm in length and 1860 mm in width, offering optimized interior space thanks to its 2720 mm wheelbase. With a 600-liter trunk that extends to 1,460 liters when the rear seats are folded, and an 110-liter front storage compartment, it is a perfect example of this new generation of “compact family” electric vehicles.

The best of BYD at a low price

Inside, there is a 12.8-inch central screen, an 8.8-inch LCD dashboard, and physical controls on the central console. Innovation is at the heart of the vehicle with a refrigerated/heated storage compartment (-6°C to +50°C) and advanced driving assistance with no less than 12 cameras and 5 radars, already compatible with autonomous highway navigation.

The base model features a 140 kW (188 hp) electric motor and a 50 kWh LFP battery that should provide over 300 km of range in WLTP cycle. A more powerful version is available with 160 kW (215 hp) and a 60.9 kWh battery.

Rest assured, in Europe, the price of this attractive machine is expected to at least double due to taxes and punitive customs fees, placing its retail price between 30,000 and 35,000 euros. However, it is important to note that BYD is rapidly expanding its manufacturing facilities in Europe, which, once operational, will eliminate these taxes, making a model like the Sealion 05 completely unbeatable in terms of value for money/equipment ratio. The European automotive industry, currently enjoying a small respite thanks to Tesla’s setbacks, must accelerate its transformation to remain competitive.