BYD has filled an almost invisible gap in its lineup, and launched Australia’s most affordable plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) in the process.
The BYD Sealion 5 mid-size SUV is the Chinese brand’s new entry-level PHEV in Australia, being only fractionally smaller than the Sealion 6 but a whopping $9000 cheaper at base level.
It’s priced from $33,990 before on-road costs, undercutting the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid ($39,990 drive-away) and Geely Starray EM-i Complete ($37,490 before on-roads), and therefore becoming Australia’s cheapest PHEV.
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It’s available to order now, ahead of customer deliveries in the first quarter (January to March) of 2026.
The Sealion 5 is part of a deluge of new BYDs arriving in Australia, which also includes a pair of electric vehicles (EVs) – the Atto 1 light hatch and Atto 2 small SUV – and the large, plug-in hybrid Sealion 8 three-row crossover SUV.
Unlike those other models, however, the Sealion 5 is based on a vehicle several years old. The Song Pro entered production in 2019, though it has received updates since then to become what we’re now getting as the Sealion 5.
Pricing
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
|---|---|
| 2026 BYD Sealion 5 Essential | $33,990 |
| 2026 BYD Sealion 5 Premium | $37,990 |
Drivetrains and Efficiency
The Sealion 5 uses BYD’s DM-i plug-in hybrid hardware: a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor driving the front wheels through a single-speed reduction gearbox. BYD’s Blade Battery sits under the floor.
The two model grades share the same engine and electric motor motor, but use different-size batteries.
| Sealion 5 Essential | Sealion 5 Premium | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L four-cylinder petrol | 1.5L four-cylinder petrol |
| Engine output | 72kW / 122Nm | 72kW / 122Nm |
| Electric motor output | 145kW / 300Nm (front) | 145kW / 300Nm (front) |
| System power | 156kW | 156kW |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Transmission | Single-speed reduction (e-CVT) | Single-speed reduction (e-CVT) |
| Battery chemistry | Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) | Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) |
| Battery capacity | 12.9kWh | 18.3kWh |
| EV range (NEDC) | 71km | 100km |
| Claimed combined range (NEDC) | 1001km | 1030km |
| 0–100km/h (claimed) | 7.7 seconds | 8.1 seconds |
| Fuel consumption, battery >25% (NEDC) | 1.2L/100km | 1.3L/100km |
| Fuel consumption, battery <25% (NEDC) | 4.5L/100km | 4.6L/100km |
| Fuel tank | 52L | 52L |
| AC charge rate | 3.3kW | 3.3kW |
| DC charge rate | N/A | N/A |
Dimensions
On paper the Sealion 5 is right in the heart of the mid-size SUV segment, similar in length to a Mitsubishi Outlander but with only two rows of seats and a boot that’s competitive with other five-seat family SUVs.
It’s just 37mm shorter and 30mm narrower than BYD’s other mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV, the Sealion 6.
| BYD Sealion 5 | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4738mm |
| Width | 1860mm |
| Height | 1710mm |
| Wheelbase | 2712mm |
| Boot capacity (seats up) | 463L |
| Boot capacity (seats folded) | 1410L |
| Kerb weight | 1724kg (Essential) / 1785kg (Premium) |
Servicing and Warranty
BYD Australia is yet to detail service intervals and capped-price servicing details for the Sealion 5, though other BYD models (including the Sealion 6) have 12-month/20,000km intervals and capped-price programs.
Like other BYD passenger models sold here, the Sealion 5 will be covered by:
- Six-year/150,000km vehicle warranty
- Eight-year/160,000km battery warranty
- Eight-year/150,000km drive unit warranty (electric motor and related components)
Roadside assistance is provided initially and can then be extended when you service the vehicle within BYD’s dealer network.
Safety
The BYD Sealion 5 has not yet been tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.
Standard safety tech includes:
- Seven airbags (front, front-side, curtain and front-centre)
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver attention monitoring
- Lane-keep assist
- Emergency lane-keep assist
- Rear cross-traffic assist
- Safe exit warning
- Traffic sign recognition
- Intelligent speed limiter
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Rear parking sensors
- Reversing camera
The Premium adds front parking sensors and a surround-view camera.
Standard Equipment
There are two members of the Sealion 5 lineup.
Specification highlights for the Essential include:
- Automatic LED headlights
- Automatic high-beam
- 18-inch alloy wheels in Hankook 225/60 R18 tyres
- Keyless entry and start with key fob, NFC card, BYD digital key
- 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Satellite navigation
- 6-speaker sound system
- 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster
- Dual-zone climate control with rear air vents
- Leatherette upholstery
- 60:40 split/fold rear seats
- Rear centre armrest with cupholders
The Premium adds:
- Power tailgate
- Roof rails
- Panoramic sunroof
- Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors
- Heated and ventilated driver’s seat
- 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen
- 9-speaker sound system
- Wireless phone charger
- 6-way power driver’s seat
- 4-way power passenger seat
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
Colours
A black interior is the only option.
Aurora White is the standard exterior paint finish, with the following colours available for an extra $600:
- Atlantis Grey
- Harbour Grey
- Cosmos Black
Opting for Cosmos Black adds black-finish alloy wheels.
MORE: Explore the BYD showroom
