BYD has revealed its ninth model to arrive in the UK – the compact plug-in hybrid Sealion 5 DM-i – which is now available to order.
Set to rival the sales of mid-size SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson and Volvo XC60, the Sealion 5 DM-i – ‘DM-i’ being the moniker BYD gives to its plug-in hybrid models, standing for ‘Dual Mode Intelligent’ – will be arriving in UK showrooms in early February as one of the brand’s cheaper model options.
The SUV will be offered with two different trim grade choices – the lead-in ‘Comfort’ and top-spec ‘Design – with different powertrain setups. Both make use of a 1.5-litre petrol engine, which is paired with a 13kWh battery should you opt for the ‘Comfort’. This 212hp pairing can muster up to 38 miles of electric only driving, and can complete a 0-62mph sprint in 7.7 seconds.
The ‘Design’ meanwhile comes with a bigger 18kWh battery which boosts the car’s electric-only range to 53 miles, the trade-off being a slightly slower 0-62mph sprint time of 8.1 seconds.
The ‘Comfort’ equipment list includes 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera, plus electrically adjustable, electrically folding and heated door mirrors. Inside, the brand’s 13-inch touchscreen sits front and centre, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and plus 4G connectivity – all of which can be controlled via the “Hi BYD” intelligent voice control. Ahead of the driver sits an nine-inch digital instrument cluster.
The standard car’s seats and steering wheel are also trimmed in vegan leather, and the driver’s seat has six-way electrical seat adjustment, with four-way adjustment on the passenger seat.
The ‘Design’ version adds welcome lights, an electric tailgate and front parking sensors on top of the standard spec, as well as a surround-view camera system, wireless smartphone charging and heated front seats. Opening the boot lid reveals 463-litres of luggage space in the rear.
Pricing for the new range begins at just under £30k, rising to just north of £32k for the ‘Design’. With the SUV arriving so soon, you can be sure that we have an Expert Rating overview for this new BYD in the works. Check back with us at The Car Expert soon for more details!
