BYD will introduce the 2026 Sealion 5 to Australian showrooms in early 2026, positioning it as the brand’s cheapest plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in the country. The BYD Sealion 5 is expected to set a new entry point for families and fleets shifting toward lower-emission motoring.
Sitting below the BYD Sealion 6 in the local line-up, the BYD Sealion 5 is expected to compete directly with Australia’s most affordable electrified mid-size SUVs, and may undercut the current budget PHEV benchmark, the Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV ($39,990 drive-away). Pricing will be revealed closer to launch, with order books opening in December.
Plug-in Hybrid specification highlights
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BYD will be offering the Sealion 5 in two specifications, but both will feature BYD’s DM-i Super Hybrid System with a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a single electric motor for a combined output of 156kW.
| Specifications | 2026 BYD Sealion 5 Essential | 2026 BYD Sealion 5 Premium |
| Battery pack | 12.9kWh | 18.3kWh |
| EV Range (NEDC) | 71km | 100km |
| Fuel Consumption (claimed) | Sub-2.0L/100km | As low as 1.3L/100km |
| Total Range (claimed) | Up to 1000km | Up to 1030km |
Dimensions and practicality highlights
The BYD Sealion 5 is larger than the incoming new-generation Toyota RAV4 across all external dimensions.
Key measurements
| Length | 4738mm |
| Width | 1860mm |
| Height | 1710mm |
| Wheelbase | 2712mm |
| Boot capacity | 463L / 1410L (second row folded) |
| Ground clearance | 170mm |
This positions the BYD Sealion 5 as a family-oriented mid-size SUV, targeting suburban and fleet buyers needing space for prams, sports gear and cargo, with ease of use on urban roads.
Interior and technology highlights
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The cabin of the Sealion 5 has the usual BYD highlights including the rotating infotainment touchscreen.
| Feature | 2026 BYD Sealion 5 Essential | 2026 BYD Sealion 5 Premium |
| Infotainment screen | 10.1-inch | 12.8-inch |
| Digital instrument cluster | 8.8-inch | 8.8-inch |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay | — | Yes |
| Android Auto | Yes | Yes |
| 360º camera | — | Yes |
| Wireless phone charging | — | Yes |
| Digital Key | Yes | Yes |
Safety highlights
All BYD Sealion 5 variants will include the following safety features:
- Seven airbags
- Advanced driver assistance suite
- 360° visibility features (360º camera on Premium)
Market positioning
The BYD Sealion 5 is part of the brand’s latest product onslaught following the launch of the BYD Atto 1 and BYD Atto 2 compact EVs. With the Sealion 6 positioned further upmarket, the BYD Sealion 5 is set to fill the gap for buyers wanting:
- A mid-size SUV
- Lower running costs
- Hybrid assurance over full EV range requirements
- Value-focused pricing
According to BYD Australia COO Stephen Collins, the Sealion 5 is aimed at middle-class families and fleets looking to cut fuel and running costs without compromising on practicality and technology.
Key takeaways for buyers
The 2026 BYD Sealion 5 has the potential to be one of the smartest value plays in Australia’s mid-size SUV segment, especially for buyers ready to embrace electrified driving without fully committing to a battery-electric vehicle. Its long EV-only range, low claimed fuel use, and strong suite of tech make it a compelling pick for families and fleets focused on running costs and day-to-day practicality.
However, there are important considerations: the front-wheel-drive configuration limits dynamic capability off the bitumen, and real-world efficiency may not match the optimistic NEDC figures. Furthermore, the plug-in aspect of the electrified powertrain mandates regular charging for peak efficiency, making it better suited for urban use rather than long distance cruises. Pricing remains unknown, making it difficult to judge the true value until launch, and perceptions of the BYD brand’s resale and long-term durability are still forming in the Australian market.
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