BYD Seal 6 (DM-i) vs BMW i5
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BYD Seal 6 (DM-i) | BMW i5 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 197 | 601 | -67.2% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 325 | 820 | -60.4% |
| Fuel type | Hybrid | Electric | — |
| Transmission | e-CVT | Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $23,100 | $107,460 | -78.5% |
- BMW i5 makes about 67% more power (601 vs 197 hp).
- Their economy figures use different measures (Hybrid vs Electric), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (Malaysia and Germany); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: Seal 6 (DM-i) or i5?
BYD Seal 6 (DM-i) advantages
- Affordability (+79%)
BMW i5 advantages
- Engine power (+67%)
- Pulling torque (+60%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the BYD Seal 6 (DM-i) if you want the lower upfront cost.
- Choose the BMW i5 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Value for money
BYD Seal 6 (DM-i) delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
BYD Seal 6 (DM-i) vs BMW i5: which should you choose?
BYD Seal 6 (DM-i) (2026 Premium Hybrid) — hybrid sedan with 197 hp and 325 Nm, rated at 25.6 km/L; priced near $23,100 in the Malaysia market.
BMW i5 (2024 M60 xDrive) — electric sedan with 601 hp and 820 Nm, rated at 18.2 kWh/100km, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $107,460 in the Germany market.
BYD Seal 6 (DM-i) vs BMW i5: BMW i5 is more powerful. BMW i5 makes about 67% more power (601 vs 197 hp). Their economy figures use different measures (Hybrid vs Electric), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
Performance
The BMW i5 is the more powerful, at 601 hp against 197 hp, with 820 Nm of torque on tap. Its electric drivetrain pairs with a automatic transmission.
Running costs
These cars use different energy types (Hybrid vs Electric), so compare cost per kilometre at your local fuel and electricity prices rather than a single economy number.
Price and value
The BYD Seal 6 (DM-i) lists lower at about $23,100 (USD-converted from the Malaysia market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the BYD Seal 6 (DM-i) better than the BMW i5?
BMW i5 takes the overall edge, though BYD Seal 6 (DM-i) wins in specific areas worth weighing. BMW i5 makes about 67% more power (601 vs 197 hp).
What is the main difference between the BYD Seal 6 (DM-i) and the BMW i5?
BMW i5 makes about 67% more power (601 vs 197 hp). Their economy figures use different measures (Hybrid vs Electric), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
Which is better value?
BYD Seal 6 (DM-i) delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the BYD Seal 6 (DM-i) if you want the lower upfront cost. Choose the BMW i5 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.