As a leader in new energy vehicles, BYD is currently thriving. Although it has many models, it has a relatively clear product layout and naming rules. However, there is a new car that seems to break the norm, that is, the DM-i, which was renamed from the Destroyer 07. We know that the previous Warship series was a plug-in hybrid model, while the Marine Life series was a pure electric version. The appearance of the "Seal DM-i" will undoubtedly be a new attempt and change.
After the BYD Seal DM-i mass-produced car rolled off the assembly line not long ago, the real car was finally unveiled recently. It is reported that the new car is expected to start pre-sale in August, and the price range may be 18-250,000 yuan. It will use the DM-i plug-in hybrid power system. So, what are the characteristics of this new car and what is the difference between it and the Seal EV? Without further ado, see for yourself.?
Appearance is more atmospheric
The overall appearance of the Seal DM-i still continues the design concept of "marine aesthetics", which makes people recognize it as a Seal model at a glance, and at the same time adds some unique elements, which have both a sense of grade and a sporty atmosphere.
Unlike the closed front grille design of the SEAL EV, the air intake grille design of the SEAL DM-i is inspired by the ripples of the waves. Through trapezoidal openings and chrome decorative strips, the five parallel lines formed are visually impactful. Coupled with multiple flight contours on the front cover, the entire front face is more powerful. The visual center is guided by the BYD LOGO, which also highlights the brand confidence.
The headlights on both sides of the Seal DM-i are relatively narrow and long, the internal far and near lights are arranged horizontally, and the "C" daytime running lights similar to the Seal EV are added, which looks quite unique. The bottom is also equipped with a vertical imitation air inlet decoration, and there are segmented vertical light strips, which bring a good visual effect after lighting.
In the lower enclosure, the Seal DM-i is also designed with a trapezoidal air intake design, and the interior is a horizontal grille, which effectively stretches the visual width of the front face and adds layering. In addition, the silver trim at the bottom of the front bumper has a regular zigzag shape, like a shark’s mouth, which is also in line with the marine aesthetic design theme.
On the side of the body, the Seal DM-i adopts a more handsome back-sliding shape. The body lines are sharp and smooth, and with the hidden door handle, it presents a rather dynamic body posture. The segmented waist line plays a good role in proportional division, and with the lines of the side skirt, it outlines a very good light and shadow visual effect. The multi-spoke two-color wheels below also show a high-end business style.
In terms of body size, the length, width and height of the Seal DM-i are 4980/1890/1495mm respectively, and the wheelbase is 2900mm, positioning the B + class car. Compared with the Seal EV, although the wheelbase of the new car is 20mm shorter, the length, width and height have increased, especially the length has increased by 180mm, so it looks more slender and atmospheric.
At the rear of the car, the SEAL DM-i uses a lot of horizontal lines to enhance the visual width of the rear of the car. An integrated spoiler is used at the edge of the trunk, cleverly taking on the back shape. The taillights have a through design, and with the newly designed "BYD" letter logo below, it looks more international. In addition, the design of the rear enclosure also echoes the front grille, showing a good sense of movement.?
The interior is more luxurious
Entering the car, we can see that the Seal DM-i adopts a new design style, which is very different from the Seal EV. The low-key color scheme and high-end materials and fabrics present a more prominent sense of luxury and dignity.
The 10.25-inch full LCD instrument becomes embedded, with a fresh and simple interface and different themes to choose from. In addition, a 12-inch W-HUD head-up display is also integrated into the center console, providing a full sense of technology.
The 15.6-inch adaptive rotatable suspension Pad is retained, which is also the iconic configuration of BYD models. It is reported that the new car is the first model under BYD to be equipped with a new generation of DiLink intelligent network system. It is developed from the same origin as BYD. It has one ID exclusive cockpit, full-scene intelligent voice, free dual desktop and other highlights. It has been fully upgraded and optimized in UI interface, interactive experience, and processor performance. The intelligent experience is worth looking forward to.
The steering wheel of the Seal DM-i features a brand-new four-spoke flat-bottomed design, which is also a relatively novel design and may be applied to various models of the BYD Ocean series in the future.
In the central channel area, the Seal DM-i retains the same crystal electronic stop lever as the Seal EV, and is equipped with a 50W high-power wireless charging board, and is equipped with a heat dissipation hole, which is convenient and fast to charge. The layout around the electronic stop lever is relatively regular, and it is easier to operate the car control center together with the mechanical buttons.?
There’s more room.
According to different configurations, the Seal DM-i offers imitation leather, genuine leather, and more sporty fur seats, with some functional differences, but they are all equipped with electric adjustment of the main and auxiliary seats as standard. Except for the entry-level version, the front seat heating/ventilation is not absent, and the high-end models also support the waist support of the main seat and the memory of the driver’s seat. The comfort is not much amazing, but it is still relatively mainstream.
Space is worth mentioning. Take the 178cm-tall experiencer as an example. After the experiencer adjusts to the best position in the front row, there is about one punch in the head space. Keep the front row position unchanged and come to the back row. The head space is about 4 fingers, and the rear leg space is more than two punches. It can be said that it is very generous. And the central floor of the rear row is relatively flat, which is more friendly to the middle passengers.
In addition, thanks to the longer body design, the Seal DM-i’s trunk space also performs well, visually measuring the conventional volume and the expanded volume after the rear seats are reclined, which is better than the Seal EV. The loading capacity has also been improved.?
Completely different powertrain
In terms of power, the SEAL DM-i adopts a front-drive layout and will be equipped with two sets of DM-i super hybrid systems, providing two battery life versions, composed of Xiaoyun-plug-in special 1.5L high-efficiency engine/Xiaoyun-plug-in special turbocharged 1.5Ti high-efficiency engine, with EHS electric hybrid system and DM-i super hybrid special power blade battery.
Among them, the maximum power of the 1.5L engine is 81 kW, the peak torque is 135 Nm, and the matching drive motor has a maximum power of 145 kW and a peak torque of 325 Nm. The official acceleration time of 100 kilometers is 8.2 seconds. Under NEDC conditions, the pure electric cruising range can reach 121 kilometers, and the fuel consumption of 100 kilometers under power loss is only 3.9L.
The maximum power of the 1.5T engine is 102 kW, the peak torque is 231 Nm, and the matching drive motor has a maximum power of 160 kW and a peak torque of 325 Nm. The official 100-kilometer acceleration time is 7.9 seconds. It has 121 kilometers and 200 kilometers of pure electric battery life versions (NEDC operating conditions), and the NEDC power loss fuel consumption is 4.2L-4.4L/100km.
In addition, the SEAL DM-i uses the front McPherson + rear five-bar combination in terms of suspension system, which will also be the first super hybrid model under BYD to be equipped with this suspension. It is expected that it will adopt a more comfortable setting in terms of adjustment and be closer to the needs of household and business travel.?
Summary:After seeing the real car, in fact, although the Seal DM-i and the Seal EV have similar appearance and interior design, they are completely different in terms of body structure, power configuration, etc., and this car is more prominent in terms of space, comfort and luxury. It is more suitable for family cars or business cars. If you give more surprises on the basis of the 18-250,000 price, it still has great potential for explosion. I don’t know what you think of this new car. Let’s discuss it together.