► BYD’s UK line-up expands with a ninth model
► Keen sub-£30,000 pricing
► BYD’s cheapest PHEV in the UK… for now
BYD is continuing to expand its line-up of models in the UK, with the Sealion 5 DM-I arriving as its ninth car in the UK.
With the introduction of the plug-in hybrid SUV, it means BYD now sells more models of cars in the UK than Vauxhall, ranging from the tiny Dolphin Surf city car to the Sealion 7 electric SUV.
Priced from £29,995, the Sealion 5 DM-I arrives as a cut-price hybrid SUV, undercutting popular choices such as the MG HS and Kia Sportage, while matching the price of fellow Chinese SUV, the Chery Tiggo 7.
Though two PHEV powertrains are available, each uses the same petrol-electric combination with a 1.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor producing 209bhp. The difference between them is the size of the battery, with the entry-level Boost using a 13kWh battery while the Design grade has an 18kWh battery. Claimed electric ranges are 38 and 53 miles for the Comfort and Boost respectively.
Both models use a fairly weak 3.3kW onboard charger, taking between four and five and a half hours to charge. However, vehicle-to-load (V2L) is included, enabling the car’s battery to be used to charge external electrical equipment.
Standard features on the £29,995 Comfort trim include a 12.8-inch touchscreen, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, artificial leather upholstery and an electric driver’s seat. The Comfort trim starts from £32,995 and, as well as the bigger battery and longer range, it gets a 360-degree camera, heated front seats and electric boot.
BYD expects the Sealion 5 to become one of its most popular models once it’s up and running, aiming to build on a successful 2025, with the Chinese firm’s registrations up 485% last year to more than 50,000 units, overtaking the sales of well-established brands such as Mini and Dacia.
Orders are now being taken for the BYD Sealion 5, with first deliveries expected from mid-February 2026. It will temporarily be BYD’s cheapest hybrid car in the UK ahead of the arrival of the BYD Atto 2 DM-I later in 2026.
New cars editor, car reviewer, news hound, avid car detailer
By Ted Welford
New cars editor for CAR and Parkers. Loves a car auction. Enjoys making things shiny