BYD has expanded its Australian lineup with the Sealion 5, a mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV positioned as the country’s most affordable option in its class. Priced from $33,990 before on-road costs, it undercuts rivals like the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid and Geely Starray EM-i, making it an attractive entry point into the PHEV market.
Key Features and Pricing
The Sealion 5 is available for order now, with customer deliveries expected in the first quarter of 2026. It’s part of a larger wave of new BYD models coming to Australia, including additional electric vehicles (Atto 1 and Atto 2) and the larger Sealion 8 SUV.
While the design is based on the Song Pro model, which entered production in 2019, BYD has updated the vehicle since then. The Sealion 5 is slightly smaller than the Sealion 6 but offers significant savings, with a price difference of approximately $9,000 at the base level.
Powertrain and Efficiency
The Sealion 5 utilizes BYD’s DM-i plug-in hybrid system, combining a 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor. This setup drives the front wheels through a single-speed gearbox, powered by BYD’s Blade Battery.
Both model grades – Essential and Premium – share the same engine and motor but differ in battery size. Specific efficiency figures are not yet available, but the system aims to balance electric driving range with petrol backup for extended journeys.
Dimensions and Interior
The Sealion 5 fits squarely into the mid-size SUV segment, with dimensions comparable to the Mitsubishi Outlander. It features two rows of seating and a competitive boot space for a five-seat family SUV. The vehicle is only marginally smaller than the Sealion 6, ensuring practicality without sacrificing interior space.
The Essential trim includes leatherette upholstery, while the Premium grade offers additional comfort features like heated and ventilated front seats.
Safety and Standard Equipment
The Sealion 5 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including:
- Seven airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keep assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
The Premium trim adds front parking sensors and a 360-degree surround-view camera.
Standard equipment on the Essential trim includes an 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual-zone climate control. The Premium trim upgrades to a larger 12.8-inch screen, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium sound system.
Servicing and Warranty
BYD Australia has yet to finalize service intervals and pricing for the Sealion 5, but other BYD models follow a 12-month/20,000km schedule with capped-price servicing. The Sealion 5 is covered by:
- Six-year/150,000km vehicle warranty
- Eight-year/160,000km battery warranty
- Eight-year/150,000km drive unit warranty
Roadside assistance is included and can be extended through BYD’s dealer network.
Exterior Colors and Availability
The Sealion 5 is available in four exterior colors: Aurora White (standard), Atlantis Grey, Harbour Grey, and Cosmos Black (optional, $600 extra). Cosmos Black also includes black-finish alloy wheels. The interior is only available in black.
The BYD Sealion 5 offers a compelling value proposition in the Australian PHEV market, combining affordability with modern features and a robust warranty. Its launch underscores BYD’s commitment to expanding its presence in the region with competitive, accessible electric and hybrid options.
