BYD Sealion 5 (2025) Price & Specs

The BYD Sealion 5 is officially South Africa’s most affordable plug-in hybrid SUV. Here’s how much you can expect to pay, plus a look at the features.

New-energy brand BYD will launch its new Sealion 5 before the end of 2025 and thanks to a helpful BYD dealer, we’ve uncovered some specifications as well as a launch price.

In terms of size, the BYD Sealion 5 measures 4 738 mm long, 1 860 mm wide and has a height of 1 710 mm. A wheelbase of 2 712 mm is claimed and these figures make it a little bigger than the Toyota Corolla Cross, Kia Seltos and Chery Tiggo 7 Pro.

Powertrain

The BYD Sealion 5 is powered by a plug-in hybrid petrol engine. The 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol motor makes 72 kW and 122 Nm, and that is complemented by an electric motor which makes 145 kW and 300 Nm. BYD claims a system total max power figure of 156 kW.

There’s a 12.96 kWh battery which offers around 50 km of pure electric driving, and the vehicle is front-wheel driven via a CVT. It also features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) tech to power accessories.

Trim Levels

The Sealion 5 will be offered in two trim levels, Comfort and Dynamic. Customers have the choice of one interior colour and four exterior colours; Atlantis Grey, Obsidian Black, Snow White, Time Grey.

Comfort

  • NFC key access
  • Four airbags
  • ADAS suite (FCW, LDW, ELKA, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, auto emergency brake etc)
  • Stability control, anti-lock brakes, hill descent control, blind spot detection
  • Tyre pressure sensors
  • Rear parking sensors
  • 18-inch wheels
  • Reverse camera
  • Auto LED headlights
  • Auto wipers
  • 12.8 inch infotainment screen
  • Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
  • 6-speakers
  • Two front USB ports (Type A & C)
  • Two rear USB ports (Type A & C)

Dynamic (The above content plus:)

  • Full 360-degree camera
  • Front parking sensors
  • 6-way electric adjustment for driver’s seat
  • Heated & Ventilated seats for driver
  • 4-way adjustment for front passenger
  • Electric sunroof
  • Front 15W wireless phone charger
  • Roof rack
  • Electric tailgate
  • Electric folding mirrors

How much does the BYD Sealion 5 cost in South Africa?

The vehicle is sold with a 5-year/100 000 km vehicle warranty, 8-year/150 000 km battery warranty, and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan.

ComfortR499 900
DynamicR569 900

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BYD Sealion 5 and where does it fit into the local market?

The BYD Sealion 5 is a compact Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) SUV. It is positioned as BYD’s most affordable PHEV in the South African market, sitting below the larger Sealion 6. Its primary purpose is to introduce South African consumers to electric driving without the range anxiety of a pure EV, thanks to its hybrid capability.

What are the expected launch prices for the BYD Sealion 5 in South Africa?

The BYD Sealion 5 is expected to be the first PHEV in South Africa with a starting price under R500,000. Indicative pricing for the two main derivatives is:

  • **Essential Model:** Approximately R499,900.
  • **Premium Model:** Approximately R579,900.

Official pricing and specifications are typically confirmed at the time of the vehicle’s official launch.

What kind of driving range can I expect from the Sealion 5?

The Sealion 5 is offered with two battery options, affecting its pure electric range:

  • The **Essential** model (with a 12.9 kWh battery) offers an estimated real-world pure electric range of approximately 50 km (WLTP equivalent).
  • The **Premium** model (with an 18.3 kWh battery) offers a longer pure electric range, closer to 70 km (WLTP equivalent).

Both models utilise a petrol engine and Super DM-i Hybrid Technology to achieve a total driving range of over 1,000 km.

Does the Sealion 5 come with all-wheel drive?

The initial launch models of the BYD Sealion 5 in South Africa are expected to be **Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)**. They are powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine combined with a single front-mounted electric motor. This setup prioritises efficiency and urban driving performance.

What is the V2L function on the Sealion 5?

V2L stands for Vehicle-to-Load. This function allows the BYD Sealion 5 to use the energy stored in its high-voltage battery to power external electrical devices, such as camping equipment, tools, or even basic household appliances during a power outage. This feature is standard on both plug-in models.