BYD Sealion 07 DM-i

Model Overview

The Sealion 07 DM-i is a D-segment plug-in hybrid SUV launched by BYD Ocean Series on 8 May 2025. Available in 3 variants, the new SUV is officially priced between RM169,800 and RM205,800. Serving as the successor to the Frigate 07, the Sealion 07 DM-i marks the complete retirement of BYD Ocean Series' "Warship Series", establishing a core four-pillar line-up comprising the Sealion, Seal, Dolphin, and Seagull. Built on BYD's next-generation PHEV platform, it is positioned as a spacious 5-seater family SUV, offering clear differentiation from the 7-seater Dynasty Tang series.

Design Language

The Sealion 07 DM-i carries forward BYD's signature "Ocean Aesthetics" design philosophy. Up front, it features a closed-off grille flanked by e-shaped daytime running lights and a full-width LED light bar, complemented by a lower bumper with a large trapezoidal air intake, full-width chrome trim, and vertical air curtains on both flanks. The side profile is defined by a floating roofline and a crisp, full-length waistline, while the rear sports a full-width taillight cluster with an ocean wave-inspired light signature. Dimension-wise, it measures 4,880 × 1,920 × 1,750 mm (1,940 mm tall for the drone-equipped edition), with a wheelbase of 2,820 mm. The entire range comes in a 5-seater configuration, boasting over 1 metre of rear legroom. Inside, the cabin adopts a symmetrical "Glacier World" dashboard layout, headlined by a 10.25-inch full LCD instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch floating infotainment touchscreen, alongside a four-spoke multi-function steering wheel and an electronic steering column gear selector. The cabin also offers 28 dedicated storage compartments throughout.

Powertrain & Performance

The Sealion 07 DM-i is powered by BYD's 5th-generation DM powertrain technology (incorporating DM-i Super Hybrid and DM-p King Hybrid). Across the range, it is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing a maximum output of 115 kW (156 PS), offered in both 2WD and AWD configurations:

• DM-i 2WD Variant (150 Pilot / Pilot+ Edition): Powered by a front-mounted single electric motor delivering 200 kW and 315 Nm of torque, completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds. It provides a CLTC pure electric range of 150 km and a WLTC pure electric range of 120 km.

• DM-p AWD Variant (135 High-Performance LiDAR Edition): Powered by a 200 kW front motor and a 150 kW rear motor, generating a combined system output of 350 kW (476 PS) and 655 Nm of torque. The 0-100 km/h sprint is dispatched in just 4.7 seconds, with a CLTC pure electric range of 135 km and a WLTC pure electric range of 110 km.

All variants are fitted with a 26.6 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade Battery, delivering an impressive combined range of up to 1,320 km on a full tank and full charge. Fuel consumption in charge-sustaining mode is rated as low as 4.7 L/100 km under the NEDC cycle. DC fast charging capability has also been upgraded from 40 kW to 53 kW, with a top speed of 200 km/h.

Chassis & Handling

The Sealion 07 DM-i comes standard with the DiSus-C Intelligent Damping Body Control System across the range. Suspension duties are handled by a front MacPherson strut and a rear multi-link (four-link) setup. Drivetrain layouts comprise front-wheel drive for 2WD models and electronic all-wheel drive for AWD models. It achieves an impressive moose test entry speed of 76.8 km/h, with chassis tuning engineered to deliver an optimal balance between ride comfort and body control, effectively soaking up road imperfections.

Cabin & Equipment

Inside, the Sealion 07 DM-i is equipped with the high-spec DiLink 100 intelligent cockpit system. The infotainment system supports full-scenario AI voice command integrated with the DeepSeek AI model, while the "ONE ID" driver profile system automatically syncs personalised cabin preferences. For seating comfort, front-seat ventilation and heating are standard across the board; higher variants add front-seat 10-point massage (5 programmes + 3 intensity settings), power-extendable leg rests, rear-seat ventilation/heating, and a wide-temperature onboard cool/warm box (-6°C to 50°C). Audiophiles are treated to a 12-speaker Dynaudio premium sound system. Other notable amenities include a 26-inch W-HUD head-up display, a 50W wireless smartphone charger, a panoramic sunroof, and a powered tailgate. Boot capacity stands at 645 litres in standard configuration.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Advanced driver assistance is a headline feature on the Sealion 07 DM-i, with the "God's Eye" Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) standard across the range. Two ADAS hardware suites are available:

• God's Eye C - Advanced Vision-Based Suite (DiPilot 100) : Employs a multi-camera vision-based setup, supporting Highway Navigation on Autopilot (Highway NOA) (with automated lane changes, overtaking, ramp entry/exit, and high-curvature cornering), Memory Navigation, and Intelligent Parking Assist.

• God's Eye B - Advanced LiDAR Suite (DiPilot 300) : Adds LiDAR hardware to support Urban Navigation on Autopilot (City NOA) (featuring traffic light start-stop, pedestrian avoidance, dynamic detour routing, unprotected right/left turns), Highway NOA, and Automated Valet Parking.

On the passive safety front, 10 airbags come standard across all variants, supported by a high-strength vehicle structure. Standard safety kit includes the IPB Integrated Power Brake system, Driver Monitoring System (DMS), 360° HD surround-view camera with transparent chassis view, and Sentry Mode with remote vehicle monitoring. Additionally, customers can opt for the Lingyuan Smart Roof-Mounted Drone System (co-developed with DJI, available at an optional cost of RM16,968), featuring dynamic drone take-off and landing, intelligent auto-follow flight, one-touch return-to-dock, and synchronised air-ground aerial recording.

Market Performance & Reception

Pre-orders for the Sealion 07 DM-i surpassed 8,000 units prior to its official launch. However, subsequent sales momentum fell short of market expectations: monthly registrations recorded 5,756 units in June 2025 and 3,124 units in July 2025, before witnessing a continuous month-on-month decline—with retail deliveries from September to December 2025 standing at 704 units, 479 units, 430 units, and 327 units respectively, culminating in just 107 units sold in May 2026.

Industry commentators attribute the lacklustre sales performance to several key factors: the price band of RM169,800 to RM205,800 sat above market expectations for a BYD vehicle in this segment; furthermore, as a relatively new nameplate in the Ocean Series, brand recall and market awareness remained limited, leading to sales cannibalisation from Dynasty Series counterparts like the Tang. Consumer feedback also highlighted that the exterior styling lacked visual distinctiveness, the battery capacity was relatively conservative, and the rear seatbacks failed to fold completely flat.

In summary, underpinned by headline technologies such as the 5th-generation DM system, DiSus-C adaptive suspension, "God's Eye" advanced ADAS, and the Lingyuan integrated drone ecosystem, the Sealion 07 DM-i offers compelling product substance in the RM160,000 - RM200,000 D-segment PHEV SUV arena. However, its market trajectory highlights the ongoing challenges BYD's Ocean Series faces in cementing brand equity and fine-tuning its market pricing strategy.