The Australian plug-in hybrid market is becoming increasingly competitive, and BYD is firing the next salvo.
The World Sea Lion 5 It’s priced at just $33,990 (excluding on-road costs), which is below the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid ($39,990 on-road) and the Geely Starray EM-i Complete ($37,490 before on-road costs).
That makes it a full $9,000 cheaper than the cheapest Sealion 6, BYD’s other midsize plug-in hybrid SUV.
Orders for the Sealion 5 range are open now, with the price leader Essential coming in below the Premium range at $37,990 before delivery.
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The base Essential features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 72kW of power and 122Nm of torque, paired with a 145kW/300Nm electric motor and a 12.9kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery.
The total output of the system is 156 kW, with an electric range of 71 km on the older NEDC cycle and a combined range of 1001 km. Fuel consumption is 1.2 l/100 km when the battery level is above 25 percent or 4.5 l/100 km when it is below this mark.
The Premium has the same electric motor but is upgraded to an 18.3kWh LFP battery, increasing the electric range to 100km and the combined range to 1040km. Depending on the charge level, fuel consumption remains almost unchanged at 1.3 l/100 km or 4.6 l/100 km.
DC charging is not possible on both Sealion 5s, while AC charging is limited to 3.3 kW.
The Essential’s specification highlights include:
- LED headlights
- Automatic high beam
- 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
The Premium adds:
- Electric tailgate
- 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
- Front parking sensors
- Surround view camera
A range of active safety and driver assistance technologies are available on both Sealion 5 model ranges, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.
BYD already had a mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV on offer in the Sealion 6, which is just 37mm longer and 30mm wider, but the Sealion 5 gives it another option in this busy segment.
The Sealion 5 is based on the Song Pro SUV, which went into production in 2019. Although it has since been updated, this is not the newest model in the BYD stable.
Stay tuned for a detailed article on BYD Sealion 5 2026 pricing and specifications.
Prices
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
|---|---|
| 2026 BYD Sealion 5 Essential | $33,990 |
| 2026 World Sealion 5 Premium | $37,990 |
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