BYD has filled an almost invisible gap in its offering by launching Australia’s most affordable plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV).
The World Sea Lion 5 The mid-size SUV is the Chinese brand’s new entry-level PHEV in Australia. It’s only slightly smaller than the Sealion 6, but a whopping $9,000 cheaper at the base level.
Priced at $33,990 (excluding on-road costs), it falls below the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid ($39,990 drive-away) and the Geely Starray EM-i Complete ($37,490 before on-road costs), making it Australia’s cheapest PHEV.
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It is available to order now ahead of delivery to customers in the first quarter (January to March) of 2026.
The Sealion 5 is part of a flood of new BYDs arriving in Australia, which also includes two electric vehicles (EVs) – the Atto 1 light hatch SUV and the Atto 2 small SUV – as well as the large plug-in hybrid Sealion 8 three-row crossover SUV.
However, unlike these other models, the Sealion 5 is based on a vehicle that is several years old. The Song Pro went into production in 2019 but has since been updated to become what we now get as Sealion 5.
Prices
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
|---|---|
| 2026 BYD Sealion 5 Essential | $33,990 |
| 2026 World Sealion 5 Premium | $37,990 |
Drives and efficiency
The Sealion 5 uses BYD’s DM-i plug-in hybrid hardware: a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor that drives the front wheels via a single-speed reduction gear. BYD’s Blade battery is located under the floor.
The two model levels have the same engine and electric motor, but use different sized batteries.
| Sea Lion 5 Essential | Sea Lion 5 Premium | |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | 1.5 liter four-cylinder petrol engine | 1.5 liter four-cylinder petrol engine |
| Engine performance | 72 kW / 122 Nm | 72 kW / 122 Nm |
| Electromotive power | 145 kW / 300 Nm (front) | 145 kW / 300 Nm (front) |
| System performance | 156kW | 156kW |
| Drive type | Front wheel drive | Front wheel drive |
| transmission | Single-speed reduction (e-CVT) | Single-speed reduction (e-CVT) |
| Battery chemistry | Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) | Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) |
| Battery capacity | 12.9 kWh | 18.3 kWh |
| EV range (NEDC) | 71km | 100km |
| Claimed Combined Range (NEDC) | 1001km | 1030km |
| 0-100 km/h (claimed) | 7.7 seconds | 8.1 seconds |
| Fuel consumption, battery >25% (NEDC) | 1.2L/100km | 1.3L/100km |
| Fuel consumption, battery <25% (NEDC) | 4.5L/100km | 4.6L/100km |
| Fuel tank | 52L | 52L |
| AC charging tariff | 3.3kW | 3.3kW |
| DC charging rate | N/A | N/A |
Dimensions
On paper, the Sealion 5 sits at the heart of the midsize SUV segment, similar in length to a Mitsubishi Outlander but with just two rows of seats and a trunk that’s competitive with other five-seat family SUVs.
It’s just 37mm shorter and 30mm narrower than BYD’s other midsize plug-in hybrid SUV, the Sealion 6.
| World Sea Lion 5 | |
|---|---|
| length | 4738mm |
| Width | 1860mm |
| Height | 1710mm |
| wheelbase | 2712mm |
| Trunk volume (seats) | 463L |
| Trunk volume (seats folded down) | 1410L |
| Curb weight | 1724 kg (Essential) / 1785 kg (Premium) |
Maintenance and warranty
BYD Australia has not yet announced service interval and maximum price details for the Sealion 5, although other BYD models (including the Sealion 6) have 12-month/20,000km intervals and maximum price programs.
Like other BYD passenger models sold here, the Sealion 5 is covered by:
- Six year/150,000 km vehicle warranty
- Eight year/160,000 km battery guarantee
- Eight-year/150,000 km warranty on the drive unit (electric motor and associated components)
Roadside assistance is provided initially and can then be extended as you service the vehicle at the BYD dealer network.
Security
The BYD Sealion 5 has not yet been tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.
Standard security technologies include:
- Seven airbags (front, front side, curtain and front center airbag)
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind spot monitoring
- Monitoring driver attention
- Lane keeping assistant
- Emergency lane departure warning
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Safe exit warning
- Traffic sign recognition
- Intelligent speed limiter
- Tire pressure monitoring
- Rear parking sensors
- Rear view camera
The Premium also has front parking sensors and an all-round view camera.
Standard equipment
There are two members of the Sealion 5 series.
The Essential’s specification highlights include:
- Automatic LED headlights
- Automatic high beam
- 18-inch alloy wheels with Hankook 225/60 R18 tires
- Keyless entry and start with key fob, NFC card, BYD digital key
- 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Satellite navigation
- 6 speaker sound system
- 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster
- Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents
- Faux leather upholstery
- 60:40 split/folding rear seats
- Rear center armrest with cup holders
The Premium adds:
- Electric tailgate
- Roof rails
- Panoramic sunroof
- Heated, electrically folding exterior mirrors
- Heated and ventilated driver’s seat
- 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen
- 9 speaker sound system
- Wireless phone charger
- 6-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat
- 4-way electrically adjustable passenger seat
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Colors
A black interior is the only option.
Aurora White is the standard exterior paint finish. The following colors are available for an additional $600:
- Atlantis Grey
- Harbor gray
- Cosmos Black
If you choose Cosmos Black, black alloy wheels are also available.
MORE: Explore the BYD showroom
