BYD Sealion 5 DM-i (2026 - )

The Sealion 5 DM-i, launched by BYD, is a new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV made to attract families seeking improved efficiency beyond what a conventional internal combustion engine can offer. 
With ample space, practicality, and essential features, does it meet the needs of modern families? Well, motoring journalist and family man, Tim Barnes-Clay, went along to the UK media launch to find out. We know, it’s hard to keep up with BYD’s continuous innovation!
 

The Sealion 5 DM-i benefits from BYD's groundbreaking Super Hybrid with DM technology, which combines an EV driving experience with the reassurance and long-range backup of a state-of-the-art petrol-engine-based hybrid system.

DM stands for Dual Mode, and as the name suggests, the system operates in two distinct ways: EV, where the wheels are driven solely by the electric motor, and HEV, where the same principle applies most of the time. In both of these situations, the petrol engine, a 1.5-litre Xiaoyun unit designed specifically for Super Hybrid powertrains and with a thermal efficiency of 43.06 per cent, is supplying charge to the battery and electric motor via an inverter. In this mode, the car has the driving response of a pure EV.

In situations where additional power is required, the HEV can switch from Series to Parallel, combining the petrol engine and electric motor.

I drove the SUV in both trims - Comfort and Design. It's not an overly engaging drive in either grade, and the ride can be pretty harsh over torn tarmac - plus, there's a bit of body lean in corners. But the 5 managed to do itself proud on a test run from Shropshire into Wales and back - taking in more twists and turns than motorways.

It is a car better suited to just 'doing the job', sat happily at 70mph commuting up and down straight roads - but it's not entirely without fun on the backroads either. Take a corner too fast, though, and you'll notice understeer very quickly. To be fair, the Sealion 5 feels like a heavy piece of kit, so it really isn't meant for chucking around bends - and once you accept that, then all is cool with the world.

Both versions of the SUV feature the same 1.5-litre petrol-powered plug-in hybrid (PHEV) engine. The combustion mill generates 96PS, but when you stir the electric motor into the mix, you get a combined output of 212PS.

The Comfort does the 0-62mph dash in quick 7.7 seconds because it has a smaller 12.96 kWh battery and is slightly lighter. The Design, with a bulkier 18.3 kWh pack, is a bit later to the party and achieves the 62mph target in 8.1 seconds. Both have a top speed of 106mph.
 

The Sealion 5 isn't overly sexy in looks - but it's not a pig in a wig either. It has a poised and confident appearance, complemented by a smart design. The vehicle measures 4,738mm in length, 1,860mm in width, and stands at 1,710mm high, with an extended wheelbase of 2,712mm that contributes to impressive rear legroom – but we'll delve into that shortly.

At the front, the design showcases sharp lines beneath the full-LED headlights, accompanied by slender LED daytime running lights, an elegant textured front grille, and a lower bumper that enhances the car's robust stance.

The sides are adorned with crisp surfacing in the lower panels and muscular contours that arch over the wheel wells. Additionally, the contrasting colour of the D-pillar creates a distinctive visual feature, giving the impression that the roof is 'floating'. The rear of the vehicle is sleek and minimalist, featuring a full-width light bar, sharply angled full-LED taillights, and a subtly integrated roof spoiler.

On the technology front, the Sealion 5 DM-i comes standard with Vehicle-to-Load. This innovation allows external devices – ranging from a coffee machine or laptop to a portable fridge – to be powered at up to 3.3kW.

Indeed, no matter which trim level you choose, the Sealion 5 comes equipped with an impressive range of standard features. The Comfort variant includes metallic paint, 18-inch alloys, roof rails, an 8.8-inch digital instrument display, and a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen. Furthermore, it boasts electrically adjustable front seats, four USB ports, and rear parking sensors. Additionally, it incorporates typical BYD customer-centric technologies, such as NFC key access that lets you unlock and start the vehicle with your smartphone.

The Design edition, which comes with a larger battery for an increased pure-electric range, further enhances the list of features by adding front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, an electric tailgate, heated front seats, and a 15W wireless charging pad for smartphones.

The interior design of the Sealion 5 features flowing lines in the front cabin that create an enveloping atmosphere while maintaining an airy feel.
With decent headroom and legroom, the cabin offers ample space for five-up, ensuring a generally comfortable experience even on longer journeys.
Luggage won’t be an issue either, as the well-shaped load bay possesses a capacity of 463 litres, which is more than sufficient for suitcases or a large shopping haul. By folding the 40:60 split rear seats, this space can be expanded to a noteworthy 1,410 litres, with a flat loading floor that simplifies sliding in heavier or bulkier items.
For added convenience, the top-tier Design version of the vehicle features a powered tailgate.
 

The Sealion 5 DM-i has real efficiency, achieving over 53 miles of pure electric range from its larger Blade Battery. Indeed, the vehicle's fuel consumption can reach as low as 134.5 mpg. This thriftiness translates into a range of up to 631 miles when combining electric and petrol.

The economic advantages make this BYD an alternative to traditional combustion motors, allowing many day-to-day journeys to be completed without petrol, significantly reducing running costs.

The Comfort edition, with its 12.96kWh battery, offers up to 38.5 miles of pure electric range and an overall WLTP combined range of 616 miles. Meanwhile, the Design version with its 18.3kWh battery lifts the electric range to the earlier-mentioned 53 miles. The figures don't stretch the truth - similar numbers were seen on the media drive.

When the battery is depleted, the BYD can recharge at 3.3kW. This means that you can put your feet up - or get on with some work - while the car is plugged in to your home wallbox. The smaller battery will take four hours and 30 minutes to fully charge from empty to 100%, while the other will require six hours.
 

Many Chinese cars coming to the UK don't set your world on fire with their looks. BYD's models buck this trend a bit – but the 5 isn’t one of the company’s sexier products. Never mind, though, because, as a dad of three, I'd be looking to buy or lease a car for its space, frugality, and safety. The last of those needs might be a sticking point for some, as the BYD Sealion 5 hasn't been independently crash-tested by Euro NCAP. However, it's stacked with safety gadgetry, including oodles of airbags, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition and blind-spot detection.

The model has more than enough room for five people and their luggage – and delivers a brisk yet sensible ride for all. But topping all that is a car that won't be making regular visits to the pumps, which is only a good thing in this evil economic climate. The hardest part will be forking out for this newest BYD in the first place. £29,995 for the Comfort and £32,995 on the road for the Design is a year's salary for some. But break it down to a deposit of just £1,999 and £299 per month, or £2,999 and £319 per month, respectively, and the Sealion 5 is far more obtainable – certainly for this family man.

The Sealion 5 DM-i should be applauded for its ability to keep running costs low, making it a wise choice for cost-conscious drivers and their families.