Our opinion on the BYD Sealion 5
Worthy of your consideration on price alone, there’s plenty to really like about BYD’s ninth new model in three years. The Sealion 5’s accomplished, efficient and refined DM-i plug-in hybrid system is among the very best of its type, while the spacious cabin, long kit list and premium-feeling interior will win it plenty of fans looking for an affordable, easy-to-live-with family SUV. It doesn’t handle as well as its European and Korean counterparts, but for many, that simply won’t matter.
About the BYD Sealion 5
The Sealion 5 is BYD’s challenger to mid-size SUV giants including the strong-selling Kia Sportage. But here’s the hook: this spacious, plug-in hybrid family car starts from less than £30,000.
Measuring just over 4.7 metres long, the Sealion 5 slots in at the top of the C-segment – alongside cars like the Sportage, plus the Hyundai Tucson, Skoda Karoq and Ford Kuga. Yet at that price, you’ll struggle to even find a pure-petrol alternative – let alone a fuel-efficient PHEV with a meaningful electric range.
So, the Sealion 5 is worthy of your consideration on price alone. But is there more to this Chinese newcomer than its bargain billing? Can it battle with the best when it comes to standard equipment, family-friendly features, tech, quality, refinement or driving dynamics? We’ve driven a top-spec Sealion 5 DM-i Design on UK roads to find out.
The BYD Sealion 5 prioritises comfort over dynamic handling, but the PHEV powertrain is smooth
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While some mid-size SUVs have a bit of sporting flair about them, the BYD Sealion 5 is very much a case of function over form. There are few thrills to be had here, unless you’re someone who becomes particularly excited about refinement. If that is the case, this car will put a smile on your face.
| Model | Power | 0-62mph | Top speed |
| BYD Sealion 5 DM-i Comfort | 209bhp | 7.7 seconds | 106mph |
| BYD Sealion 5 DM-i Design | 209bhp | 8.1 seconds | 106mph |
Performance, 0-60mph acceleration and top speed
The BYD Sealion 5 is only offered with one powertrain: a petrol plug-in hybrid with a combined 209bhp and 300Nm of torque. As mentioned, it never feels particularly fast, even if the maker does quote a respectable 8.1-second 0-62mph time for the top-spec Design model. The lighter (smaller battery) model cuts this to 7.7 seconds, and the top speed for both cars stands at 106mph.
Town driving, visibility and parking
The Sealion 5 is pretty uneventful to drive in town. There’s enough shove to get away from the lights in a brisk fashion, and the whole experience is smooth and peaceful enough. The base model gets a reversing camera while the Design gets a 360-degree unit, so parking is mostly drama-free, too.
