Sure, one other new BYD stands earlier than you.
Say good day to the 2026 BYD Sealion 5, yet one more new SUV within the Chinese language auto model’s ever-growing lineup. This mid-size plug-in hybrid household crossover is trying to attraction to the budget-conscious, and sits beneath the bigger Sealion 6.
Resulting from land in Australian showrooms early subsequent yr, the Sealion 5 is across the identical dimension because the Nissan X-Path and Mitsubishi Outlander, however it’s strictly a five-seater and can supply two plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain choices with as much as 100km of EV vary.
BYD can be promising it is going to be fairly inexpensive as effectively, hinting at a value level not far off the newly launched Atto 2 small SUV– doubtlessly pointing to a ~$35,000 start line, which might make it the most cost-effective new PHEV in Australia.
Forward of its official launch in 2026, BYD Australia invited us to have a fast spin of the Sealion 5 – in addition to a variety of different incoming new merchandise – on the outdated Holden proving floor in Lang Lang, Victoria.
Does the Sealion 5 have the makings of a household favorite? Or is it oversaturating BYD’s presence within the hotly-contested medium SUV section?
How a lot does the BYD Sealion 5 value?
We’re undecided simply but, however based mostly on BYD’s clues we reckon you’ll be trying on the $35,000-$45,000 bracket for the Sealion 5, which properly slots below the Sealion 6 ($42,990-$52,990 earlier than on-road prices).
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2026 BYD Sealion 5 Important | $TBC |
| 2026 BYD Sealion 5 Premium | $TBC |
The Chinese language model’s native arm has confirmed two variants for launch, each working 1.5-litre PHEV drivetrains. The Important will get a smaller 12.9kWh ‘Blade’ battery, whereas the Premium will get a bigger 18.3kWh unit.
Extra on the drivetrain particulars additional down, however as famous earlier the Sealion 5 can be a cut-price PHEV different to the likes of the X-Path and Outlander, competing on value with the likes of similarly-sized Chinese language rivals within the Chery Tiggo 7 Tremendous Hybrid (from $39,990 drive-away) and Geely Starray EM-i (from $37,490).
Allow us to allow you to discover your new automotive
Purchase your new automotive with out the stress. It is quick, easy and utterly free.
Nice service from Travis and crew, second time I’ve used this enterprise wouldn’t hesitate to advocate them to anybody
Craig C.
Bought a Ford Ranger in Sunshine Coast, QLD
CarExpert helped Craig save hundreds on his Ford Ranger, now allow us to prevent in your subsequent new automotive.
What’s the BYD Sealion 5 like on the within?
The Sealion 5 hails from BYD’s older vary by way of design, which is smart given it dates again to 2019 within the Chinese language home market, the place’s it’s referred to as the Track Professional.
We solely had a take a look at the higher-spec ‘Premium’ on the drive day, which has confirmed options like a 12.8-inch touchscreen, 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, energy entrance seats, a wi-fi telephone charger, and 360-degree cameras.
The sweeping dashboard design and curved traces are someplace between these within the Atto 3 and Sealion 6, and regardless of its extra budget-leaning anticipated price ticket there’s a very good stage of perceived high quality in the way in which every thing is screwed collectively.
Leather-based-look surfaces with distinction stitching characteristic all through, and whereas the local weather controls are accessed through a devoted digital toolbar on the touchscreen, there are many tactile buttons and toggles for key features each on the steering wheel and centre console.
The Sealion 5 affords good outward visibility from the driving force’s seat, with its extra upright physique and taller glasshouse making it really feel a bit extra open and ethereal than the curvier Sealion 6, for instance.
Having a panoramic roof in Premium spec solely emphasises it additional, and it doesn’t actually really feel like headroom is impacted because of this, because of the tall roofline.
Consolation from the chunky entrance seats is respectable although the bolstering isn’t as sturdy because the seats’ sporty design may recommend; and the slim digital instrument cluster is… primary.
Storage is alright however not spectacular, with a number of slim cubbies strewn about and two phone-sized slots below the touchscreen with a type of doubling up as a wi-fi telephone charger.
I’ll additionally notice that whereas BYD has accomplished a very good job at minimising the usage of piano black trim on high-traffic surfaces within the cabin, the shiny black lacquer throughout the dashboard appears prefer it’ll entice fingerprints, smudges and scratches fairly shortly you probably have passengers that prefer to poke and prod round, or throw schoolbags in.
Sadly I don’t have a photograph of the rear seat to point out you (thanks BYD), however there’s loads of room for six’1″ me to take a seat comfortably behind a 6’1″ driver or entrance passenger.
Once more that boxy type issue means there’s good area in all dimensions, that means rising households ought to have room for the youngsters and their associates. ISOFIX and top-tether baby seat anchor factors characteristic, too.
You additionally get rear air vents and a USB cost port within the rear, along with map pockets behind each entrance seats and bottle holders within the doorways.
Additional again there’s a 463-litre boot which expands to 1410L with the rear seats folded, which in five-seat format is definitely greater than the BYD Sealion 6 (425L).
| Dimensions | BYD Sealion 5 |
|---|---|
| Size | 4738mm |
| Width | 1860mm |
| Top | 1710mm |
| Wheelbase | 2712mm |
| Cargo capability | 463-1410L |
What’s below the bonnet?
The Sealion 5 is powered by a 1.5-litre PHEV drivetrain with two out there battery sizes relying on variant.
| Specs | Important | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L 4cyl PHEV | 1.5L 4cyl PHEV |
| Engine outputs | 72kW + 122Nm | 72kW + 122Nm |
| Electrical motor outputs | 145kW + 300Nm | 145kW + 300Nm |
| System outputs | 156kW | 156kW |
| Battery | 12.9kWh LFP | 18.3kWh LFP |
| Transmission | – | – |
| Drive kind | FWD | FWD |
| Weight | 1724kg – kerb | 1785kg – kerb |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 7.7s | 8.1s |
| Gas financial system 100-25% SoC (claimed) | 1.2L/100km | 1.3L/100km |
| Gas financial system | 4.5L/100km | 4.6L100km |
| Electrical driving vary (NEDC) | 71km | 100km |
| Gas tank capability | 52L | 52L |
BYD’s ‘DM-i Tremendous Hybrid’ expertise is acquainted from varied merchandise together with the Sealion 6 and a few of its different upcoming fashions, with the drivetrain relying extra on the electrical motor and largely utilizing the petrol engine as a generator fairly than a drive motor.
Apparently, BYD additionally quotes a gas consumption determine when the battery is depleted to 25 per cent cost or much less with no usable electrical vary. Rated at 4.5-4.6L/100km, that’s fairly spectacular claimed consumption when the automotive defaults to ‘Hybrid’ or ‘HEV’ mode.
How does the BYD Sealion 5 drive?
I’ll preface this with the truth that our drive was restricted to a 30-45 minute stint on a skid pan with some 0-100km/h runs, in addition to a slalom, motorkhana and a splash across the trip and dealing with observe – so briefly, it wassn’t very complete.
Having pushed the way more highly effective Sealion 8 first, the Sealion 5’s acceleration is much extra leisurely and progressive than its dual-motor stablemate.
That mentioned, the 0-100km/h declare of high-7.0 to eight.0 seconds feels about proper by the seat of the pants, and aggressive with rival hybrids from Toyota, Hyundai and Kia.
BYD has tuned the throttle and drivetrain to put on the facility progressively even for those who attempt to boot it off the road, serving to to minimise wheelspin and torque steer, which is smart for this class of automotive.
Beneath arduous acceleration you’ll hear the engine hearth up and spin away whilst you’re hammering it, and the ‘Xiaoyun’ petrol motor is a bit coarse and unrefined – however except you’re foot to the ground on a regular basis, you gained’t actually hear it.
The tuning could be very gentle and comfort-focused, so the tight dealing with course marked out by cones was not the place the Sealion 5 felt essentially the most snug. It’s not that partaking and it’s a bit rolly-polly in fast, tight turns.
A lap across the trip and dealing with course reiterated the Sealion 5’s extra humble and comfort-focused pretentions, with its delicate trip and easy acceleration making it a snug cruiser and a comparatively impartial, if underwhelming steer.
Its tall physique and softly sprung chassis makes for some lean within the bends, whereas the smaller 18-inch wheels and chubby Hankook eco tyres aren’t actually conducive to partaking dealing with. Nonetheless, it’s correct, predictable, and can swimsuit the goal market.
The trip and dealing with observe has some patchy surfaces and stuff like simulated practice tracks and sine waves, which have been a very good check of the trip. The Sealion 5’s softer tune remoted bumps comparatively effectively however conversely meant it felt a bit wallowy and free, significantly over the sine waves at 120-130km/h.
I’d additionally notice the sound deadening isn’t all that nice over coarse highway surfaces, with noticeable tyre and wind noise on the dealing with course. For a ‘low-cost’ SUV that’s not a deal-breaker, however it’s worthy of a point out.
We didn’t get an opportunity to trial the help programs given the circumstances and time constraints, so we’ll have to attend for the BYD to formally launch earlier than we drive one in the true world.
What do you get?
Two grades can be out there from launch, however we solely have preliminary particulars for the up-spec Premium.
2026 BYD Sealion 5 Premium gear highlights:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- 225/60 R18 Hankook tyres
- 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.8-inch touchscreen
- incl. DiLink sensible system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
- Wi-fi Android Auto
- 9-speaker audio
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Energy entrance seats
- 1 x wi-fi telephone charger, entrance
- V2L performance
Is the BYD Sealion 5 protected?
The Sealion 5 hasn’t been crash examined by ANCAP or Euro NCAP as but.
Trusted Critiques, Smarter Selections, Higher Costs
The place skilled automotive opinions meet skilled automotive shopping for – CarExpert offers you trusted recommendation, personalised service and actual financial savings in your subsequent new automotive.
Confirmed security options embrace:
- 7 airbags
- 360-degree cameras
- ‘Superior Driving Help System’
How a lot does the BYD Sealion 5 value to run?
The Sealion 5 needs to be coated by BYD Australia’s six-year, 150,000km new car guarantee and eight-year, 160,000km high-voltage battery guarantee.
| Servicing and Guarantee | BYD Sealion 5 |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 6 years or 150,000km – car 8 years or 160,000km – battery |
| Roadside help | 12 months then service activated |
| Service intervals | TBC |
| Capped-price servicing | TBC |
| Whole capped-price service value | TBC |
CarExpert’s Tackle the BYD Sealion 5
It’s a bit early to make a definitive name on the Sealion 5’s competitiveness in Australia’s largest new car section, however ought to BYD be capable of carry the Sealion 5 in for the value of an entry-level Japanese or Korean rival, it may very well be an actual disruptor.
The gross sales figures and client analysis doesn’t lie. Now, greater than ever, Australian new automotive consumers are very open to making an attempt new powertrain applied sciences, in addition to new makes and fashions together with Chinese language challengers.
With value being such a important issue for Australians, a $35,000 start line for the Sealion 5 might make it unimaginable worth for cash, because of loads of usable EV vary in a car the scale and value of a base Outlander.
All can be confirmed almost about pricing and specs within the coming months, however our first impressions are constructive and the promise of a discount will little doubt assist garner loads of curiosity.
In any case, that is the type of automotive that should simply work and be inexpensive to run, so restricted razzle-dazzle is simply advantageous.
Click on the pictures for the total gallery
