Bet you didn’t realise that BYD now has a much larger model range than most other UK manufacturers…
And this is is ninth model to join the ranks. The BYD Sealion 5 is another plug-in hybrid SUV, but smaller and cheaper than the Seal U.
Starting from £29,995, the Sealion 5 significantly undercuts the Ford Kuga, Peugeot 3008 and Kia Niro plug-in hybrids. It’s also a little bit cheaper than the MG HS PHEV.
That buys you the entry-level Comfort trim, with 18-inch alloy wheels, a reversing camera, automatic LED headlights, and a 12.8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a voice assistant.
Upgrading to the Design trim brings a powered bootlid, wireless phone charging, heated front seats, front parking sensors and a 360-degree parking camera.
Design, which costs £32,995, also brings a larger battery, so it’s well worth choosing the higher-spec model.
The larger 18.3kWh battery gives an electric range of 53 miles, compared to 38 miles for the 13kWh battery fitted in the Comfort model. With both the petrol tank and battery topped up, BYD says you’ll manage up to 631 miles.
Total power stands at 212hp, and the 0-62mph sprint takes around eight seconds. The 1.5-litre petrol engine is in a backup role, with BYD promising ‘the smooth driving experience of a fully electric vehicle with the versatility of a petrol car’.
The Sealion 5 also offers Vehicle-to-Load capability, so you can use the high-voltage battery to charge other electricals such as ‘a portable coffee machine or lawnmower’ if you buy the optional adaptor. Because we’ve all needed to charge a lawnmower from a car…
First models will reach dealers in February. Four colours are available; this blue is the free one, and you have to pay £850 extra for black, grey or white.
Want an economical SUV for even less?
Browse our wide range of used hybrid SUVs for sale, many of which cost less than a new Sealion 5 DM-i. Or, read our guide to the SUVs with the best MPG.
