2026 BYD Sealion 5 details firm
But pricing for Chinese brand’s “cheapest PHEV” and Toyota-RAV4 rival is still unknownThe News
The arrival of the 2026 BYD Sealion 5 plug-in hybrid SUV is edging closer, with the Chinese carmaker confirming key details of its next mid-size SUV.
The Key Details
- Two grade line-ups confirmed: Essential and Premium
- 156kW combined outputs from a 1.5-litre petrol-electric PHEV powertrain
- Claimed fuel consumption as low as 1.3L/100km and up to 1030km of combined driving range
- Pricing for Australia still TBC, expected to arrive early 2026
The Finer Details?
The 2026 BYD Sealion 5 mid-size SUV will sit below the Sealion 6 already on sale, in terms of both size and price.
Unlike the Sealion 6 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) – which offers both front- and all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrains and targets a more premium buyer – the new Sealion 5 is said to be more value-driven.
The Sealion 5 comes with a single front-wheel-drive ‘DM-i Super Hybrid’ powertrain: a 156kW 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric engine paired with either a 12.9kWh (Essential) or 18.3kWh (Premium) battery pack.
An electric-only driving range between 71-100km is set to be offered depending on the grade. However, because the figure is based on the more lenient New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) test, locally delivered versions of the Sealion 5 are expected to offer slightly less.
Meanwhile, ultra-low fuel consumption is claimed, with as little as 1.3-litres per 100km for the entry-level Essential. Nevertheless, that figure will vary significantly depending on the battery’s state of charge (SoC).
Full specifications are yet to be confirmed, but you can expect 18-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, and a 463-litre boot (1410L with rear seat folded) to feature across the range.
A 170mm ground clearance and compact turning circle are also promised.
Essential variants will come with a 10.1-inch central display, while flagship grades are set to score a larger 12.8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, nine-speaker audio system, app connectivity with access to live vehicle data, wireless phone charging, 360-degree parking camera, electric tailgate, and leather-appointed front seats with power-adjustment.
BYD’s Digital Key will also become standard, giving owners the ability to lock and unlock the car using a smart phone or NFC card.
The Road Ahead
BYD says pricing for the incoming Sealion 5 will be announced closer to its arrival, with the brand currently taking expressions of interest for the new PHEV.
Orders are expected to open in December.
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