A high-efficiency plug-in hybrid sport utility vehicle (SUV) equipped with a drone has emerged in China, priced around 21,290 USD.
BYD’s Sealion 07 DM-i is turning heads with its luxurious appearance, impressive fuel efficiency of 21.2 km/L (approximately 49.9 mpg), and a driving range of up to 1,320 km (approximately 820.2 miles). It’s being hailed as a value champion for its outstanding specifications relative to its price.
SUV Nails Both Performance and Design
BYD officially launched sales of the plug-in hybrid SUV, the Sealion 07 DM-i, on May 8. According to reports, the Sealion 07 DM-i is available in three trims: the 150 Pilot Edition (approximately 23,277 USD), the 150 Pilot Plus Edition (approximately 24,625 USD), and the 135 Performance Radar Edition (approximately 28,173 USD).
The exterior boasts E-shaped light-emitting diode (LED) headlights, a bumper with a sleek black and silver combination, two-tone alloy wheels, and a distinctive D-pillar design, striking a balance between boldness and sophistication. Measuring 4,880 mm (approximately 192.1 in.) long, 1,920 mm (approximately 75.6 in.) wide, and 1,750 mm (approximately 68.9 in.) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,820 mm (approximately 111 in.), it offers spacious interiors comparable to larger mid-size SUVs.
The interior, themed Glacial World, features a black high-gloss panel harmonizing with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen, creating an immersive driving environment.
Fuel Efficiency, Range, and Drones—The Future of SUV
The driving performance is equally impressive. The standard model pairs a 1.5-liter turbo engine with a 200 kW electric motor, achieving a combined range of 1,320 km (approximately 820.2 miles) and an electric-only range of 150 km (approximately 93.2 miles).
The high-performance DM-p version adds a 150 kW electric motor to the rear, boosting total system output to 469 horsepower and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h (approximately 0 to 60 mph) in just 4.7 seconds. It can travel 135 km (approximately 83.9 miles) on electric power alone. BYD claims that even with a depleted battery, the fuel efficiency remains at 21.2 km/L (approximately 49.9 mpg), shattering the gas-guzzler stereotype of SUVs.
A standout feature is the world’s first in-vehicle drone system, Lingyuan BYD Intel Corporation Intelligent Drone, developed with DJI. Users can launch, fly, and automatically return the drone via an app, with a foldable landing pad fully integrated into the vehicle.
This feature supports simultaneous aerial and ground photography and autonomous charging, making it ideal for camping or filming adventures.
Premium Features Come as Standard
The Sealion 07 DM-i outshines existing SUVs in convenience and safety. Even the base model includes a mini fridge, heated and ventilated seats, an electric footrest, and front seat massage functions. Safety features include a high-strength body, BYD’s Blade Battery, ten airbags, an intelligent braking system (IPB), driver monitoring, and a 360-degree panoramic view.
Autonomous driving capabilities have also evolved. DiPilot 100 uses a triple camera system, while DiPilot 300 relies on LiDAR, supporting highway driving, urban navigation, traffic signal recognition, and automatic parking through the God’s Eye C and God’s Eye B systems.
While the Sealion 07 DM-i is currently only available in China, BYD plans to expand into European, Southeast Asian, and Australian markets.
