This is indeed a fascinating question, as the Deep Blue SL03i and the BYD Seal DM-i are both rising stars in the domestic B-segment car market. They are all plug-in hybrid models developed based on new energy platforms, with strong power performance and excellent range. In addition, they all have a sleek exterior design and a tech-savvy interior. However, among the many similarities, how exactly do these two models differ, and which one is better for you? Next, we'll take a closer look.
First, let's start with the price. According to the data, the Navy SL03i is available in six different configurations, with prices ranging from 145,900 yuan to 191,900 yuan, while the BYD Seal DM-i is also available in six different configurations, with prices ranging from 166,800 yuan to 236,800 yuan. In terms of price, the BYD Seal DM-i is significantly higher than the Deep Blue SL03i, which also reflects the difference in their product positioning. The dark blue SL03i pays more attention to cost-effectiveness and practicality, while the BYD Seal DM-i focuses more on quality and luxury.
Next, let's take a look at their powertrains. The Navy SL03i is available with 1.5-litre and 1.5-litre turbocharged engine options, mated to either a 160 kW or 190 kW electric motor, with a peak torque of 320 Nm each. The battery capacity is divided into 58.1 kWh and 79.97 kWh (both using ternary lithium batteries), and the comprehensive range reaches 515 km and 705 km respectively. In addition, the extended-range version is powered by a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with a maximum engine power of 95 hp, an electric motor with a maximum power of 160 kW, and a maximum motor torque of 320 Nm. In CLTC mode, the all-electric range reaches 200 km, the combined range in extended range mode reaches 1,200 km, and in charging mode, fuel consumption can be reduced to 4.5 liters per 100 km.
The BYD Seal DM-i is equipped with BYD's self-developed DM-i super hybrid system, which provides two engine options: 1.5-liter and 1.5-liter turbocharging, paired with a 175 kW or 190 kW electric motor, and a peak torque of 320 Nm. The battery capacity is 38 kWh and 60 kWh (both blade batteries), and the pure electric range is 121 km and 200 km respectively (according to NEDC conditions). For the extended-range version of the model, the range extender is a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine with a maximum power of 70 kilowatts, the peak power of the drive motor is 175 kilowatts, and the pure electric range is also 121 kilometers and 200 kilometers respectively, while the fuel consumption in charging mode is 4.95 liters per 100 kilometers, and the maximum comprehensive range reaches 1120 kilometers.
From a powertrain point of view, both models show excellent performance, but also have their own characteristics. The dark blue SL03i pays more attention to the driving experience and range in pure electric mode, while the BYD Seal DM-i pays more attention to fuel consumption control and stability in extended range mode. In addition, there are differences in battery technology between the two models. The Navy SL03i uses a ternary lithium battery, while the BYD Seal DM-i uses a blade battery. The blade battery is an innovative technology from BYD, which can improve the energy density and safety of the battery, while reducing the cost and weight of the battery.
Next, let's focus on the exterior and interior. The Navy SL03i has a closed front face design with frameless doors and concealed door handles, while the rear still has a fastback design and is equipped with a liftback tailgate with a drag coefficient of 0.23Cd. In terms of body size, the length, width and height are 4,820 mm, 1,890 mm and 1,480 mm respectively, and the wheelbase is 2,900 mm, positioning it as a mid-size sedan. In terms of interior, the dark blue SL03i adopts a new generation of interior design of Ocean Net, using curved design elements to form an interior full of layers and rhythms. The passenger front seat is available in a variety of materials, including leather, rosewood, suede, glass, matte chrome, and more. One of the highlights of the seal DM-i's interior is the crystal-clear gear lever, which is located on the passenger plane and works with a set of mechanical buttons to form the "Heart of the Ocean" control hub. The instrument cluster features an innovative "2+1" combination that includes a W-HUD head-up display and a 15.6-inch adaptive rotating hovering pad with a new generation of DiLink intelligent networking, as well as a 10.25-inch full LCD instrument cluster.
The BYD Seal DM-i brings a more innovative design to the marine aesthetic, with a look inspired by water droplets, ripples and waves. The front of the vehicle features a compact grille design, angled LED light clusters on both sides, and sharp cooling openings on both sides of the front bumper, giving the vehicle a highly dynamic look. The side lines of the body are sleek and full of tension, and the hidden door handles and 19-inch multi-spoke wheels add a sense of technology. At the rear, the dot-matrix taillights create a sparkling effect in the light, and the lower bracket adopts progressive horizontal stripes, showing a calm and sporty personality. The body measures 4,980 mm long, 1,890 mm wide, 1,495 mm high, and has a wheelbase of 2,900 mm. In terms of interior, the BYD Seal DM-i adopts a new interior design concept, with "water droplets" as the theme element throughout the interior space. Above the center console is a 12.8-inch rotating floating screen (equipped with a new generation of DiLink intelligent network system), and below is an 8-inch touch screen (integrated with air conditioning, audio and other functions), presenting a "double water drop" shape. The instrument cluster features a 10.25-inch full LCD screen. The gear lever area also has a waterdrop shape, with a knob-type shifter and an electronic parking button.
The dark blue SL03i is more aggressive and sporty, while the BYD Seal DM-i is more elegant and luxurious.
Finally, let's focus on intelligent driving assistance features. Deep Blue SL03i is equipped with the L3 level automatic driving system independently developed by Ocean Network, including ACC adaptive cruise, LKA lane keeping, LCA lane change assist, TJA traffic jam assist, RPA remote parking, APA automatic parking, AEB automatic emergency braking, BSD blind spot monitoring, RCTA reverse side rear warning and other functions. Among them, the Level 3 autonomous driving system is capable of autonomous driving on the highway, requiring the driver to take over the steering wheel only when needed.
The BYD Seal DM-i is equipped with BYD's self-developed DiPilot intelligent driving system, including ACC adaptive cruise, LKA lane keeping, LCA lane change assist, TJA traffic jam assist, RPA remote parking, APA automatic parking, AEB automatic emergency braking, BSD blind spot monitoring, RCTA reverse side rear warning and other functions. The DiPilot intelligent driving system is capable of achieving Level 2+ autonomous driving on the highway, but requires the driver to be constantly aware of the road conditions and ready to take over the steering wheel at any time.
From the perspective of intelligent driving assistance functions, both models are equipped with rich and advanced configurations, but the dark blue SL03i is slightly higher than the BYD seal DM-i in terms of autonomous driving level, which is also a major selling point of the dark blue SL03i.
To sum up, the Deep Blue SL03i and the BYD Seal DM-i are both outstanding representatives of the domestic B-segment car market, each of which has its own unique advantages and characteristics, but of course there are some shortcomings. Which car to choose depends on your personal tastes and needs. If you're more focused on price, configuration, interior, and autonomous driving features, then the Deep Blue SL03i might be your first choice; And if you care more about the brand, powertrain, appearance, and luxury, then the BYD Seal DM-i may be more in line with your heart. In any case, we expect both models to inject more vitality and competitiveness into the domestic B-segment car market, providing consumers with more choice and value.