BYD Sealion 5 hybrid arrives

Since being introduced by Motor Distributors Limited (MDL) in 2023 as “the biggest car brand you’ve never heard of”, BYD is now firmly placed amongst the leading five electric and hybrid vehicle brands in Ireland.

Supported by a 14-outlet main dealer network that continues to expand, BYD is further advancing its position with the arrival of the new Sealion 5 Super Hybrid,the eighth model to launch in Ireland in just three years.

Equipped with BYD’s Super DM (Dual Mode) hybrid technology, the Sealion 5 is a mid-sized family SUV whose arrival brings to three the number of BYD ‘Super Hybrids’ on the market here.

It works by prioritising electric power with minimal reliance on fuel. When the battery is fully charged and switched to EV mode, the vehicle becomes pure-electric. When state of charge is low, it transitions back to a low fuel consumption hybrid vehicle.

The Sealion 5 is introduced at the competitive price of €36,990 for the ‘Comfort’ trim and from €40,990 for the range-topping ‘Design’ model.

Configured with differing battery sizes supporting the same total system power output of 212hp from the 1.5-litre petrol engine, the Comfort model has a battery capacity of 12.96kWh delivering a claimed electric range of up to 62km, and an overall combined range figure of 992km.

With its larger 18.3kWh battery, the Design model has a claimed pure-electric range of 85km and a combined range of 1016km.

Comfort versions have metallic paint as standard, with 18-inch alloy wheels, aluminium roof rails, LED headlights and tail-lights, an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.8-inch infotainment screen, electrically adjustable front seats, front and rear USB charging ports and rear parking sensors.

All versions of the Sealion 5 come with Vehicle-to-Load technology as standard, allowing external devices to be powered at up to 3.3kW.

In addition to its larger battery, Design models get front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera, an electric tailgate, heated front seats and a 15W wireless smartphone-charging pad.

Measuring 4,738mm long, 1,860mm wide, and 1,710mm high with a relatively long wheelbase of 2,712mm, its load capacity of 463-litres extends to 1,410-litres when 40:60-split rear seats are folded. Usefully, in this configuration the floor remains flat making it easier to load heavy, bulky items.

Visual features include a ‘textured’ grille and lower-set bumper giving it a wider stance. Others are its crisp surfaces, muscular shoulders that flare over the wheel arches, and a clean, minimalist rear with integrated roof spoiler, full-width light bar and a contrast-colour D-pillar creating a ‘floating’ roof effect.

Warranty cover on all BYD cobalt-free, lithium-ion phosphate Blade Batteries is 250,000km, or eight-years.