BYD SEALION 5 DM-i Launches in UK From £29,995

BYD launches the SEALION 5 DM-i plug-in hybrid SUV in the UK starting at £29,995, offering up to 53 miles of electric range and 631 miles total combined range.

BYD has confirmed the SEALION 5 DM-i as its ninth model for the UK market. The mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV starts at £29,995 on-the-road, positioning it competitively against similarly sized internal combustion engine vehicles in the family SUV segment.

Highlights

  • Pricing starts at £29,995 for Comfort trim, with Design available at £32,995
  • DM-i powertrain delivers 212PS via a 1.5-liter petrol engine with 43% thermal efficiency paired with an electric motor
  • Electric-only range reaches up to 53.4 miles (Design trim), with total combined range of up to 631 miles
  • Orders open now with retail availability beginning February 7, 2025

Powertrain and Efficiency Specifications

The SEALION 5 DM-i utilizes BYD’s Super Hybrid DM technology, combining a 1.5-liter petrol engine with an electric motor. The system produces 212PS across both trim levels.

Key performance and efficiency figures vary by trim:

  • Comfort (12.96kWh battery): 0-62 mph in 7.7 seconds, 38+ miles electric range, 62g/km CO2, 104.6 mpg weighted combined
  • Design (18.3kWh battery): 0-62 mph in 8.1 seconds, 53.4 miles electric range, 48g/km CO2, 134.5 mpg weighted combined

Both configurations support charging via a 3.3kW onboard charger and include Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology for powering external appliances.

Standard Equipment Across Trims

BYD has equipped both variants with comprehensive technology and comfort features. Standard equipment on all SEALION 5 DM-i models includes:

  • Infotainment: 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 8.8-inch LCD instrument cluster, 4G connectivity, “Hi BYD” voice control
  • Exterior: 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, electrically adjustable and heated mirrors
  • Interior: Vegan leather seats and steering wheel, six-way electric driver seat adjustment, four-way passenger adjustment
  • Safety: Rear parking sensors, rear-view camera, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assistance

Design Trim Additions

The £32,995 Design specification adds welcome lights, electric tailgate, front parking sensors, 360-degree camera system, wireless smartphone charging, and heated front seats.

Interior Dimensions and Practicality

The cabin accommodates five occupants with generous rear legroom and headroom. Cargo capacity measures 463 liters.

Color Options and Pricing

Atlantis Blue is standard at no additional cost. Obsidian Black, Time Grey, and Polar White are available for £850.

TrimPrice (OTR)
Comfort£29,995
Design£32,995

Market Position

Steve Beattie, Deputy Country Manager of BYD UK, stated that the SEALION 5 represents the brand’s most accessible entry point into DM-i plug-in hybrid technology. The model is forecast to become one of BYD’s top-selling vehicles in the UK.

BYD closed 2025 as the UK’s leading New Emission Vehicle manufacturer, encompassing both battery electric and plug-in hybrid sales.

For more information, visit www.byd.com or www.bydglobal.com.

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