Is BYD Sea Lion 05 EV worth buying?
Conclusion:
Vehicle Highlights:
-
It has sufficient power. While the cruising range remains at an average level, the top speed reaches 180 km/h, and its powerful power and acceleration capability far exceed the average level of pure electric compact SUVs.
-
It has high charging efficiency, with fast charging taking only 0.3 hours. This fast-charging capability meets the needs of practical users who value time costs and improves the convenience of vehicle charging.
-
It has a high-cost-performance configuration, equipped with driving assistance images, automatic parking, voice control, electric windows and seats, making it the first choice for those pursuing high-cost-performance tech-sense configuration.
You need to pay attention to the following situations:
-
Some car owners reported that the cruising range capability decreases at high speeds. It is recommended that those with cruising range needs can purchase the high-cruising-range version.
-
There are divergences in the design of the car tail, and some car owners do not like the design of the car tail very much.
-
When driving at high speeds, the wind noise and tire noise of the car are relatively loud. Users who are sensitive to noise should consider it carefully.
Basic Information
Sea Lion 05EV is a pure electric compact SUV under BYD, performing excellently in urban commuting and family travel scenarios.
Since its launch in March 2025, BYD's Sea Lion 05EV has seen a steady upward trend in sales and outstanding market performance. As of June 2025, this model has achieved sales exceeding 10,000 units for two consecutive months, becoming a new growth point for BYD in the pure electric SUV market within $20,000.
The 2025 BYD Sea Lion 05EV is available in 3 configuration versions, with cruising ranges of 430km and 520km optional. The starting price is approximately $17,421, and the top configuration is about $2,000 higher, providing better choices for users pursuing cost-effectiveness and practicality.
You can learn about the exterior and interior design of this model in detail through the following video:
Competitor Comparison
I select 4 competing models in the same price segment. The comparison shows that the BYD Sea Lion 05EV takes sufficient power, short charging time, and high-cost-performance configuration as its core competitiveness. It is at an average level in other capabilities, making it a model that can not only meet daily commuting needs but also take into account the quality requirements of family use.
The following is a detailed capability comparison:
-
Cruising Range Capacity: The cruising range is 430KM (CLTC), basically the same as that of similar cars such as the Yuan PLUS 2025 Intelligent Driving Version 430KM Leading Model and the GAC Toyota bZ3X 2025 430 Air, suitable for daily commuting needs.
-
Space Size: The body length is 4520mm, which is at an average level among competing models. However, it has a variable trunk volume of 600-1460L, which is 2 to 3 times more storage capacity than the Wuling Starlight S EV 2025 510KM Navigation Model, indicating its high space utilization rate.
-
Power Performance: The BYD Sea Lion 05EV has a top speed of 180km/h and a maximum torque of 330N·m. Among similar competitors, the Yuan PLUS 2025 Intelligent Driving Version 430KM Leading Model and the GAC Toyota bZ3X 2025 430 Air only have a top speed of 150-160km/h. The Sea Lion has achieved comprehensive leadership in terms of power.
-
Battery Capacity: The fast charging time is 0.3h, higher than the average level, which not only ensures the reliability of cruising range but also improves charging efficiency.
-
High-Cost-Performance Configuration: Equipped with 360° panoramic image + transparent image, panoramic sunroof, electric seats, and windows. The configuration richness far exceeds that of competing models, enhancing the intelligence and comfort of the vehicle.
| Model / Parameter | Sea Lion 05EV 2025 430KM Smart Edition | Yuan PLUS 2025 Intelligent Driving Edition 430KM Leading Model | GAC Toyota bZ3X 2025 430 Air | Wuling Starlight S EV 2025 510KM Navigation Model |
| Driving Range (km) | 430 | 430 | 430 | 510 |
| Vehicle Dimensions (mm) | 4520×1860×1630 | 4455×1875×1615 | 4600×1850×1660 | 4745×1890×1680 |
| Number of Seats (units) | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Trunk Capacity (L) | 600-1460 | 405 | 380 | 500 |
| Charging Time (hours) | Fast charge 0.3, Slow charge 7.2 | Fast charge 0.5, Slow charge 7.13 | Fast charge 0.4, Slow charge 10 | Fast charge 0.33, Slow charge 10 |
| Maximum Power (kW) | 140 | 150 | 150 | 150 |
| Maximum Torque (N·m) | 330 | 310 | 200 | 310 |
| Maximum Speed (km/h) | 180 | 160 | 150 | 140 |
| 100km Power Consumption (kWh/100km) | 12.5 | 12.2 | 12.6 | 14 |
| Battery Capacity (kWh) | 50.05 | 49.92 | 50.03 | 60 |
| Auto Hold | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Driver Assistance Camera | 360° Panoramic Image + Transparent Image | 540° Panoramic Image / Transparent Chassis | PVM Panoramic Monitoring System + TC Transparent Chassis | 540° Panoramic Image |
| Sunroof Type | Panoramic Sunroof | None | Boundless Panoramic Sunroof (No Electric Sunshade) | None |
| Power Seats | Driver's Seat Electric Adjustment | Driver's Seat Electric Adjustment | Driver's Seat Electric Adjustment | Manual |
| Central Control Screen Size (inches) | 12.8 | 15.6 | 14.6 | 15.6 |
| Power Windows | Four-Door Electric Windows | Full Car | Four-Door One-Touch Electric Windows | Four-Door Electric Windows |
Data Source:DCAR
Real Car Owner Reviews
A total of 78 pieces of feedback from real car owners were collected this time, including 43 pieces of positive feedback covering 11 types, and 35 pieces of negative feedback covering 11 types.
| Positive Feedback | Negative Feedback | ||
| Excellent Overall Space | 14 | Poor Cruising Range Performance | 8 |
| Good Driving Experience | 6 | Configuration Not as Expected | 7 |
| Powerful Power | 5 | Ugly Rear Design | 6 |
| Practical Configuration | 4 | Small Trunk Space | 3 |
| Good Chassis Tuning | 3 | Poor Interior Style | 2 |
| Acceptable Riding Experience | 2 | Loud Wind Noise | 2 |
| Nice Interior | 2 | Low Configuration | 2 |
| Short Charging Time | 1 | Poor Braking Performance | 2 |
| Large Rear Row Space | 1 | Cramped Space | 1 |
| Excellent Cruising Range Performance | 1 | Strong New Car Odor | 1 |
| Cruising Range Meets Commuting Needs | 4 | Abnormal Noise | 1 |
Data Source:DCAR
Positive Reviews
Spacious Interior
-
"The interior space is very roomy for me. I used to drive a small SUV, and this compact one is a whole size bigger. Even when I adjust the seat to the frontmost position, I don’t feel cramped in the legs (I’m 172cm tall), and the rear passengers also say it’s very spacious. There’s ample storage space in the car, plus a frunk that I haven’t used yet, so it’s completely sufficient for an average family."
-
"The car’s space exceeds expectations. At 175cm, I still have two fists of headroom when sitting in the front row. Although it’s a compact SUV, its space is comparable to that of a midsize or large sedan."
Good Driving Experience
-
"I experienced the high-speed navigation function during the test drive and was very satisfied. The acceleration, deceleration, and lane-changing overtaking are intelligent."
-
"It drives well too. The rear-wheel drive indeed has a strong sporty feel. Maybe because I used to drive a fuel car, it feels particularly smooth and powerful, especially silky. I felt a bit dizzy when I first drove it, but now it’s much better."
Powerful Performance
-
"Maybe I just drive in the city, but the power is also very strong. The 160KW is more than enough for me, and I haven’t found any shortcomings so far."
-
"The power is strong, with a 0-100km/h acceleration time of less than seven seconds. The cruising range retains 90% in actual use, and it’s very agile in the city."
Negative Reviews
Insufficient Cruising Range
-
"It may be weak in terms of cruising range on highways. At a speed of 120km/h on the highway, the cruising range is about 300km."
-
"Overall, the Sea Lion 05EV has advantages such as a small turning radius, a new platform, and a smooth in-car system, but its cruising range is really disappointing."
Poor Rear End Design
-
"The exterior of the car is somewhat regrettable, and the rear end is really not good-looking."
-
"The rear end is indeed not good-looking. The exterior design is not a selling point, and the interior is also just average."
Noise Issue
-
"It’s not bad, but the tire noise and wind noise are loud at high speeds."
-
"The wind noise and tire noise are quite noticeable, and you have to turn up the music volume to cover them."
