BYD SEALION 5 DM-I Launches at $33,990 as Australia's Most Affordable Plug-In Hybrid

BYD Australia has opened orders for the BYD SEALION 5 DM-i plug-in hybrid SUV, starting at $33,990 AUD (excluding on-road costs). The pricing positions the SEALION 5 as the lowest-cost plug-in hybrid vehicle available in the Australian market across all segments. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in Q1 2026.

The SEALION 5 features BYD's DM-i (Dual-Mode Intelligent) 4.0 Super Hybrid technology, powered by a Xiaoyun 1.5-liter high-efficiency engine paired with a permanent magnet synchronous motor. Combined system output reaches 156 kW across both variants. The plug-in hybrid architecture enables pure electric driving for daily use while maintaining extended range capability for longer journeys without charging infrastructure dependency.

BYD Sealion 5 Pricing

Two-Variant Structure Targets Different Range Requirements

BYD offers the SEALION 5 in ESSENTIAL and PREMIUM configurations, differentiated primarily by battery capacity and resulting electric range. The ESSENTIAL variant utilizes a 12.9 kWh battery pack delivering 71 km of pure electric range (NEDC), while the PREMIUM variant incorporates an 18.3 kWh battery extending electric-only driving to 100 km. Both variants achieve combined fuel consumption as low as 1.2 L/100 km when operating in hybrid mode with battery state of charge between 100% and 25%.

The PREMIUM variant is priced at $37,990, positioning it at a similar price point to the entry-level Geely Starray EM-I and $2,000 below the base Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid. Beyond the larger battery capacity, the PREMIUM specification adds heated and ventilated driver seat, panoramic sunroof, and front parking sensors over the entry-level Starray configuration.

Technical Specifications and Performance

Both SEALION 5 variants employ front-wheel drive with MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. The ESSENTIAL variant accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds with a kerb weight of 1,724 kg. The PREMIUM variant completes the same sprint in 8.1 seconds, reflecting its additional 61 kg mass from the larger battery pack and enhanced equipment. Combined range approaches nearly 1,000 km when accounting for both electric and petrol-powered operation.

The DM-i 4.0 system enables the SEALION 5 to function as a pure electric vehicle for urban driving cycles, eliminating fuel consumption for buyers with daily driving patterns within the electric range threshold. For extended journeys, the 1.5-liter engine operates as a range extender, removing charging infrastructure constraints that affect battery electric vehicles.

Detailed Specifications

A Full EV or PHEV for Every Segment

The SEALION 5 expands BYD's plug-in hybrid offerings in Australia following the introduction of the ATTO 1 and ATTO 2 battery electric vehicles last month. The pricing strategy positions plug-in hybrid technology at an accessible entry point for Australian buyers seeking low-emissions driving and can offer further range than a typical full EV can provide. BYD's approach appears to be filling out various price point and vehicle segments with more affordable advanced drivetrain technology options for Australian buyers

The SEALION 5 launch precedes the anticipated pricing announcement for the SEALION 8 DM-P, expected early next year. The sequential introduction of plug-in hybrid models across different size segments will BYD's offer a dual-mode hybrid option in each the main SUV segments in the Australian market, providing buyers with electrified options spanning from compact to mid-size to full-size SUV categories.

BYD Australia is taking orders now with full specs and info available on their website.