BYD Sealion 5 Price, Specs and What to Know
The BYD Sealion 5 DM-i is a compact plug-in hybrid SUV and one of BYD's cheapest cars: from £29,995 in the UK and A$33,990 before on-road costs in Australia, where it launched as the country's cheapest plug-in hybrid until the A$24,990 Atto 2 DM-i arrived in September 2026. It pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for 38–53 miles (WLTP) of electric driving. The catch: in September 2026 it became the first BYD to score only three stars from ANCAP.
| Market / trim | Price | Battery | Electric range |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK Comfort | £29,995 | 12.96 kWh | 38 miles (WLTP) |
| UK Design | £32,995 | 18.3 kWh | 53.4 miles (WLTP) |
| Australia Essential | A$33,990 | 12.9 kWh | 71 km (NEDC) |
| Australia Premium | A$37,990 | 18.3 kWh | 100 km (NEDC) |
UK prices on the road (metallic paint extra); Australian prices before on-road costs, with A$4,000 BYD cashback on orders to 21 December 2026. WLTP and NEDC figures aren't comparable — NEDC is more optimistic. Confirm current pricing with a dealer.
What the BYD Sealion 5 is
The Sealion 5 DM-i is a compact SUV with BYD's DM-i plug-in hybrid system: a 1.5-litre petrol engine (72 kW) and a 145 kW electric motor, giving 156 kW combined. Both trims use the same powertrain; the dearer one gets the bigger battery and more equipment — in the UK the Design adds an electric tailgate, heated front seats and a wireless phone charger. In China the same car is sold as the Song Pro DM-i, with a near-identical twin called the Sealion 05 DM-i.
The 3-star ANCAP rating explained
In September 2026 ANCAP rated the Sealion 5 three stars under its stricter 2026 tests — the first BYD to score below five. It scored 79% for crash protection but only 51% for crash avoidance: emergency lane-keeping did not intervene at the road edge, lane-change support only works below 70 km/h, and the car lacks child presence detection, a seatbelt misuse alert and automatic emergency calling. ANCAP chose to test the car after BYD didn't seek a rating, and BYD says it meets all Australian Design Rules.
BYD Sealion 5 warranty
In the UK the Sealion 5 gets BYD's standard cover: 6 years / 93,750 miles on the vehicle and 8 years / 155,000 miles on the high-voltage battery, which has applied to plug-in hybrids since January 2026. In Australia it is 6 years / 150,000 km on the vehicle and 8 years / 160,000 km on the battery.
What reviewers say
UK reviewers rate the Sealion 5 as frugal and good value for money. Auto Express gave it 3.5 out of 5, praising its low running costs and equipment for the price but noting that rivals drive better. If safety ratings matter to you, weigh the 3-star ANCAP result against rivals before you buy.
Buying a used Sealion 5
No Sealion 5 recall had been reported in the UK or Australia as of November 2026. On a used one, decode the VIN to confirm the trim and battery — the cheaper trim has a much smaller battery — check that the software is up to date and look for open recalls. Make sure the car was supplied locally: a privately imported Chinese-market Song Pro DM-i may not be covered by the local warranty.
FAQ
How much is the BYD Sealion 5?
From £29,995 in the UK (Comfort) and A$33,990 before on-road costs in Australia (Essential). The better-equipped Design and Premium cost £32,995 and A$37,990.
Is the BYD Sealion 5 a hybrid?
Yes — a plug-in hybrid. It can drive 38–53 miles (WLTP) on electricity depending on the trim, then runs as a hybrid using its 1.5-litre petrol engine.
Is the BYD Sealion 5 safe?
ANCAP rated it three stars in September 2026, mainly for weak lane-keeping and missing occupant-monitoring features. BYD says it meets all Australian Design Rules.
Has the BYD Sealion 5 been recalled?
No Sealion 5 recall had been reported in the UK or Australia as of November 2026. Check a specific car by VIN with a BYD dealer.
What is the BYD Sealion 5 called in China?
The Song Pro DM-i, with a near-identical twin sold as the Sealion 05 DM-i.
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