2026 BYD SEALION 5 DM-i

• New SEALION 5 DM-i compact SUV to be priced from just £29,995 on the road
• Strong equipment levels are offered on both Comfort and Design trims, with technology features such as automatic LED headlights, adaptive cruise control and lane keep assistance standard throughout
• Highly efficient DM-i powertrain combines 1.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor (offered with two battery capacities), with a full tank combined range of up to 631 miles and electric mode of up to 53 miles
• The SEALION 5 is available to order now in UK showrooms and in retailers from 7th February

BYD UK has today confirmed the launch of its ninth model in the UK – the new SEALION 5 DM-i. Starting from £29,995 on-the-road, the new mid-size plug-in hybrid car offers strong value-for-money in the family SUV class.

Even with the sophisticated powertrain of its Super Hybrid with DM technology plug-in hybrid system, the SEALION 5 is priced to compete with similarly sized internal combustion engine-powered SUVs. The DM-i powertrain helps to reduce running costs for buyers, while retaining the flexibility of a petrol engine.

The SEALION 5 DM-i is forecast to become one of BYD’s top-selling models in the UK, joining a line-up which was already strong enough to see BYD close out 2025 as the country’s leading New Emission Vehicle (battery electric and plug-in hybrid) manufacturer. It will be offered in a choice of two trim levels, with high levels of standard equipment across the range. The range begins with the Comfort, priced from £29,995 on-the-road. It offers a generous specification, including 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera, plus electrically adjustable, electrically folding and heated door mirrors.

The highest level of on-board technology is to be expected in a BYD, and the SEALION 5 DM-i does not disappoint. A 12.8-inch touchscreen display is fitted to all models, and features smartphone mirroring through Apple CarPlay ™ and Android Auto™, plus 4G connectivity – all of which can be controlled via the “Hi BYD” intelligent voice control. Ahead of the driver sits an 8.8-inch LCD instrument panel.

The cabin is luxuriously appointed, too, with vegan leather trimming the seats and steering wheel. Driver comfort is ensured with six-way electrical seat adjustment as standard, with four-way adjustment on the passenger seat.

Buyers wanting to experience an even more upmarket experience can opt for the Design version, which has an on-the-road price of £32,995. The top trim level boasts welcome lights, an electric tailgate, front parking sensors, a 360° camera system, wireless smartphone charging and heated front seats.

Whichever trim level buyers choose, they will benefit from a cabin spacious enough for five occupants and their luggage; this includes generous rear leg and headroom, plus a 463-litre boot.

Both trim levels use BYD’s DM-i plug-in hybrid powertrain producing 212PS. A 1.5-litre petrol engine – whose thermal efficiency of 43 per cent makes it among the most efficient internal combustion engines in series production today – assists an electric motor in order to give the smooth driving experience of a fully electric vehicle with the versatility of a petrol car. The Comfort trim covers the 0-62mph sprint in 7.7 seconds, while the Design completes the benchmark in 8.1 seconds.

The Comfort model draws its energy from a 12.96kWh battery, which enables a fully electric mode range of over 38 miles (based on WLTP cycle) – enough to do the average UK car journey with room to spare. It also emits just 62g/km of CO₂, resulting in a weighted combined fuel consumption figure of 104.6mpg.

The Design benefits from a larger battery for even greater electric-only potential. Total capacity grows to 18.3kWh, which sees the total range rise to 53.4 miles. CO₂ emissions drop to 48g/km, and weighted fuel consumption improves to 134.5mpg. In both models, the battery can be topped up via a 3.3kW on-board charger. The SEALION 5 also features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, which allows owners to run various appliances from the car’s on-board battery, for example a portable coffee machine or lawnmower*.

Four exterior colours will be available. Atlantis Blue is available as standard, while three more choices, Obsidian Black, Time Grey and Polar White, are available for £850.

Commenting on the latest addition to the BYD range in the UK, Steve Beattie, Deputy Country Manager of BYD UK, said,
“The SEALION 5 strengthens the BYD line-up by offering our most accessible entry point into DM-i plug-in hybrid technology to date. Its combination of meaningful electric-only range, outstanding efficiency and everyday usability is matched by a starting price that compares favourably against many similarly sized combustion-engine SUVs. Crucially, it also delivers the advanced technology and high specification that customers expect from BYD.”

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