)
)
BYD Sealion 5 DM-i: price, range, specs, and full review
Apr 3, 2026
)
BYD Sealion 5: Complete Buying Guide for the Plug-in Hybrid SUV
The BYD Sealion 5 DM-i is the family-friendly plug-in hybrid SUV shaking up the French market in 2026. Its selling point: offering the features of a €50,000 vehicle for just over €30,000. With its DM-i Super Hybrid technology, Blade Battery, 1,016 km of total range, and a very comprehensive feature set starting with the Comfort trim, the Sealion 5 is aimed at families who want a large SUV without breaking the bank. Find all the essential information here: price, WLTP range, technical specifications, fuel economy, charging, and our review.
)
Introducing the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i
The Sealion 5 is the latest addition to the Super Hybrid range from BYD, the Chinese manufacturer that has become the global leader in electric and hybrid vehicles (surpassing Tesla since 2024). Measuring 4.74 m long with a 2.71 m wheelbase, this SUV competes with the Peugeot 5008, Dacia Bigster, and Skoda Kodiaq, but at a significantly lower price.
Its "Dragon Face" design, BYD’s signature style, gives it a muscular front end and a sleek profile, enhanced by two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels and a full-width rear LED light bar. The styling remains understated and versatile, which may appeal to families but will disappoint those seeking an SUV with a bold design. The interior, on the other hand, surprises with its high-quality finish and generous space, featuring a completely flat rear floor.
BYD Sealion 5 pricing: new and used
Version | Battery | List price | Launch price\* |
|---|---|---|---|
Sealion 5 DM-i Comfort | 12.9 kWh | €30,990 | €29,990 |
Sealion 5 DM-i Design | 18.3 kWh | €33,990 | €31,990 |
Introductory offer valid for all orders placed between January 15 and March 31, 2026, at participating BYD dealerships.
With a long-term lease, the Sealion 5 is available starting at €329/month (Comfort trim, 49 months, 40,000 km, no down payment) or €369/month for the Design trim. With a WLTP-certified CO₂ emission of 48 g/km, the Sealion 5 is exempt from the environmental penalty. The weight-based penalty amounts to approximately €1,250 (with the 200 kg weight reduction granted to plug-in hybrids in 2026).
Used cars: The Sealion 5 DM-i has just been launched (deliveries in early 2026). There is not yet a structured used car market for this model. The first units are expected to appear on the used car market by late 2026 or early 2027.
BYD Sealion 5 Specifications: Everything You Need to Know
Specifications | BYD Sealion 5 DM-i |
Type | Plug-in hybrid SUV (PHEV) |
Length / width / height | 4,740 / 1,890 / 1,710 mm |
Wheelbase | 2,710 mm |
Internal combustion engine | 1.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle, 98 hp |
Electric motor | Permanent magnet synchronous, 197 hp |
Combined power | 212 hp (156 kW) |
Battery | Blade Battery LFP, 12.9 kWh (Comfort) / 18.3 kWh (Design) |
WLTP electric range | 62 km (Comfort) / 86 km combined, 131 km city (Design) |
Total range (WLTP) | 1,016 km (battery + 52 L fuel tank) |
WLTP combined fuel consumption | 2.1 L/100 km (combined cycle) |
CO₂ emissions | 48 g/km WLTP |
AC charging | 3.3 kW (full charge in ~6 hours via wallbox) |
Trunk | 463 L (1,410 L with seats folded down) |
V2L | Yes, 3.3 kW (standard) |
Screens | 8.8” (instrument cluster) + 12.8” (central touchscreen) |
Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Yes, wireless |
Safety | 5-star Euro NCAP |
Warranty | 6-year vehicle warranty / 8-year battery warranty |
Trim levels | Comfort / Design |
Sources: BYD France, L’argus, Les Voitures. Prices and data as of March 2026.
The interior design features a 12.8-inch central screen integrating navigation, multimedia, and "Hi BYD" voice control. The Comfort trim level comes well-equipped: power front seats in vegan leather, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Design trim adds a 360° camera, a panoramic sunroof, and the larger 18.3 kWh battery.
Range and Charging of the BYD Sealion 5
The DM-i Super Hybrid technology works in the opposite way to most conventional plug-in hybrids: the electric motor provides the primary propulsion, with the internal combustion engine acting only as a generator or for support at high speeds. In practice, in the city, you drive almost entirely on electric power. On roads and highways, both engines work together to optimize energy consumption.
In the Design trim (18.3 kWh battery), the range in 100% electric mode reaches 86 km in the WLTP combined cycle and up to 131 km in the urban cycle. This is superior to most plug-in hybrids on the market, sufficient to cover daily commutes without consuming a drop of fuel. The total range (battery + 52-liter fuel tank) exceeds 1,000 km in the WLTP cycle.
The weak point: charging. The Sealion 5 DM-i only supports 3.3 kW AC charging. It is not compatible with DC fast charging. Expect about 6 hours for a full charge of the 18.3 kWh battery using a home wallbox. It’s slow, but logical for a plug-in hybrid with a small battery designed to be charged overnight. This vehicle isn’t intended for Electra fast-charging stations, but rather for daily home charging.
Comparison with competitors:
Model | Power | WLTP Electric Range | Combined fuel economy | Price |
BYD Sealion 5 DM-i | 212 hp | 62–86 km | 2.1 L/100 | starting at €30,990 |
Peugeot 5008 PHEV | 225 hp | 91 km | 1.2 L/100 | Starting at €45,190 |
MG EHS Hybrid+ | 224 hp | n/a (HEV) | ~6 L/100 | Starting at €29,490* |
Dacia Bigster Hybrid | 155 hp | n/a (HEV) | ~5 L/100 | Starting at €24,990 |
With current manufacturer discount.
Performance and driving: how does the Sealion 5 stack up?
With a combined 212 hp and the electric motor’s instant torque, the Sealion 5 offers smooth acceleration and a pleasant driving experience for everyday use. The absence of a transmission (a fixed gear ratio provides the mechanical connection) eliminates jerks. In the city, driving comfort is close to that of a 100% electric vehicle: quiet, smooth, and responsive.
On the highway, the Sealion 5 clearly prioritizes comfort over sportiness. The suspension is well-tuned, the sound insulation is adequate for the segment, and handling remains safe without being particularly engaging. The steering is light, suitable for city maneuvers but feels a bit disconnected at high speeds.
Testers (L’argus, Les Voitures, PDLV, Auto Mag) agree on one point: the Sealion 5 isn’t exciting, but it’s solid across the board. Real-world fuel consumption in mixed driving is remarkably low. However, several testers point out that the driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are too intrusive: the adaptive cruise control is excessively cautious, and lane-departure warnings are constant. This is a flaw that can be fixed with a software update, but it’s annoying in daily use.
Review of the BYD Sealion 5: Editorial Team and Profiles
The Electra editorial team’s take. The BYD Sealion 5 DM-i is a rational choice, not an emotional one. It’s a vehicle that solves a simple equation: for €31,000, you get a spacious family SUV, equipped like a €45,000 model, with unbeatable real-world fuel economy and the ability to drive in electric mode every day. If you’re looking for character, thrills, or spectacular design, this isn’t the car for you. But if you’re looking for the best value for money in the plug-in hybrid SUV market in 2026, the Sealion 5 is very hard to beat.
Who is the Sealion 5 for?
Profile | Is the Sealion 5 right for you? |
Families on a tight budget | Yes, this is its natural habitat. Space, features, and an unbeatable price. |
Frequent highway driver | Yes, thanks to a total range of 1,016 km, with no charging anxiety. |
Daily city commutes | Ideal: 86 km of electric range covers most commutes. |
Sports driving enthusiast | No. The Sealion 5 prioritizes comfort and efficiency, not thrills. |
100% electric driver | No, it’s a PHEV. For a 100% electric BYD, check out the Seal U or the Atto 3. |
Frequently Asked Questions About the BYD Sealion 5
Is the BYD Sealion 5 available in a 100% electric version?
No. The Sealion 5 is only available in the DM-i (plug-in hybrid) version. For a 100% electric BYD SUV, check out the Seal U EV (71.8 kWh, 420 km WLTP) or the Atto 3 (60.5 kWh, 420 km).
What is the Sealion 5’s real-world fuel consumption?
In mixed driving conditions with a fully charged battery, press tests report approximately 2 to 3 L/100 km. With an empty battery and no recharging, fuel consumption rises to about 6.5 L/100 km (Les Voitures test). The key: recharge the battery regularly to take advantage of electric mode.
Where can I find a BYD dealership in France?
BYD currently has about 90 dealerships in France, with a goal of 200 by the end of 2026. The main partner groups are BYmyCAR, Chopard, BPM Group, and Bodemer. The complete list is available at byd.com/fr.
Can the Sealion 5 charge at an Electra fast-charging station?
No, the Sealion 5 DM-i does not have a DC fast-charging port. It is a plug-in hybrid designed for home charging (AC 3.3 kW). However, if you own another 100% electric vehicle in your household, Electra stations are ideal for fast charging during your long-distance trips. With the Electra+ Boost subscription (€9.99/month), you can charge at €0.29/kWh. See all Electra rates. First month free with the code PLUS2.
Key Takeaways
The BYD Sealion 5 DM-i isn’t the most exciting SUV on the market, but it’s probably the smartest. For just over €30,000, it offers generous family space, efficient plug-in hybrid technology (86 km on electric power, 1,016 km total range), a 463-liter trunk, and a full range of features. All backed by the reliability of the Blade LFP battery and a 6-year warranty (8 years for the battery). If you’re torn between a Dacia Bigster and a more ambitious plug-in hybrid SUV, the Sealion 5 is definitely worth a test drive at a BYD dealership.
Written by Nicolas, Electra mobility expert
The only charging app you will need
4.5/5
on the stores