When a new generation of a car arrives, there’s usually an expectation that it improves on the model it replaces. More power, more features, a better interior, or at the very least, a noticeable step forward. That wasn’t my first impression of the new BYD Seal 5.
On paper, the new model actually gives up quite a bit compared to its predecessor. It still uses a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, but output has dropped. Horsepower is lower (from 177 to 163), and torque has taken an even bigger hit (from 316Nm to 210Nm). It also debuts BYD’s fifth-generation DM technology, which brings a new 7.42-kWh battery pack. While the battery has a higher energy density, its capacity is smaller than the previous model’s 8.3-kWh unit.
Interestingly, despite the smaller battery, BYD claims a slight improvement in electric-only range. The new Seal 5 is rated for up to 55 kilometers of EV driving, compared to 50 kilometers in the outgoing model.
Combined driving range has also increased significantly, now reaching a claimed 1,600 kilometers. However, that figure deserves some context. The new model now carries a much larger 65-liter fuel tank, replacing the previous car’s 48-liter tank. Naturally, carrying around roughly 35 percent more fuel will have a significant impact on total range, so it’s difficult to attribute that improvement solely to the new hybrid system.
The changes continue inside the cabin. The previous Seal 5 felt surprisingly upscale for its price, with a brighter interior, softer materials, and BYD’s signature rotating infotainment display. The new model takes a different approach. The cabin is now predominantly black, hard plastics are more noticeable, and the infotainment screen is both smaller (10.1 inches vs the 12.9 of the previous gen) and no longer rotates. One welcome addition is power-folding side mirrors, a feature the previous Dynamic variant didn’t have.
Taken at face value, it’s difficult not to see the new Seal 5 as a downgrade in several key areas. Less performance, a smaller battery, a less premium cabin, and a smaller infotainment screen aren’t the changes buyers typically expect from a replacement model. But after spending more time looking at the car, the confusion started to make sense.
It became clear that BYD isn’t necessarily trying to replace the previous Seal 5 with a direct successor. Instead, it appears to have shifted its focus toward fleet buyers and TNVS operators.
Viewed through that lens, many of the changes become logical. A black interior hides stains better and is easier to maintain. More durable plastic trim stands up better to years of heavy daily use. The larger fuel tank means fewer fuel stops for drivers covering hundreds of kilometers every day. Even the reduced torque could be a deliberate move to prioritize efficiency over outright performance.
In other words, this doesn’t feel like a car designed for someone looking to upgrade from the previous Seal 5. It feels like a car designed for an entirely different customer. And that’s where my biggest disappointment lies.
The previous Seal 5 struck an excellent balance between efficiency, comfort, and refinement. It didn’t feel like it had been built solely with fleet duty in mind. It appealed just as much to private owners as it did to those looking for maximum fuel savings. It even ranked 4th in my top 10 cars of 2024
The new model shifts that balance considerably. I only wish BYD had introduced another variant that genuinely built upon what made the previous Seal 5 so appealing. As it stands, owners of the outgoing model have very little reason to see this as a natural upgrade.
If your primary use case is ride-hailing or high-mileage daily driving, the new Seal 5 may actually make a lot of sense. But if you’re a private buyer who appreciated the refinement and character of the previous model, you may find yourself looking for one of the remaining stocks of the outgoing Seal 5 while they’re still available.
Pricing:
BYD Seal 5 Dynamic:
SRP: P1,048,000,
Introductory price: P998,000
BYD Seal 5 Essential:
SRP: P948,000
Introductory price: P898,000
*Introductory prices are vaild until Aug 30, 2026
