BYD has officially revealed pricing for the 2026 BYD Sealion 5 plug-in hybrid (PHEV), confirming it to be the country’s most affordable PHEV SUV in Australia. With prices starting from $33,990 before on-road costs, orders for the mid-size SUV are now open nationwide.
The announcement turns the BYD Sealion 5 from a confirmed entry into a fully priced, market-ready contender aimed squarely at Australian families and fleet buyers seeking lower running costs.
From confirmation to pricing in weeks
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BYD had earlier confirmed the Sealion 5 PHEV for an early 2026 Australian launch, positioning it below the Sealion 6 as the brand’s entry-level plug-in hybrid SUV. At the time, pricing was not disclosed, though expectations were that it would undercut key rivals.
That pricing is now locked in, and aggressively so.
2026 BYD Sealion 5 PHEV pricing in Australia
| Model | Price (excl. on-road costs) |
| 2026 BYD Sealion 5 Essential PHEV | $33,990 |
| 2026 BYD Sealion 5 Premium PHEV | $37,990 |
With this pricing, the 2026 BYD Sealion 5 PHEV undercuts key rivals in Australia’s growing plug-in hybrid SUV segment. Looking at competitors such as the Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV, priced at $39,990 drive-away, and the Geely Starray EM-i, from $37,490 before on-road costs, sit several thousand dollars higher.
Powertrain and efficiency highlights
Both BYD Sealion 5 variants are powered by BYD’s latest DM-i 4.0 Super Hybrid system, pairing a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor.
Key performance and efficiency claims:
| Performance & Efficiency | Details |
| EV-only driving range (NEDC) | Up to 100km |
| Combined driving range | Close to 1,000km |
| Claimed fuel consumption | As low as 1.2L/100km |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
This setup is designed to deliver electric-first driving for daily commutes, while retaining long-distance flexibility without range anxiety.
Safety technology
Despite its low entry price, the 2026 BYD Sealion 5 PHEV is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies as standard across the range, reinforcing BYD’s focus on accessibility without compromising occupant protection.
Standard safety features on the BYD Sealion 5 Essential include:
- Multiple airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
These features ensure that even the most affordable Sealion 5 variant meets expectations for active safety in Australia’s competitive mid-size SUV segment.
Additional safety and visibility features (Premium)
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The higher-spec BYD Sealion 5 Premium builds on the Essential’s safety suite by adding enhanced visibility and parking assistance features to improve everyday usability.
Premium-only additions include:
- Surround-view (360-degree) camera
- Front parking sensors
These additions are designed to assist with low-speed manoeuvring and urban driving, particularly for family and fleet users.
Battery technology and durability
Both the 2026 BYD Sealion 5 Essential PHEV and BYD Sealion 5 Premium PHEV are equipped with BYD’s Blade Battery Technology, which uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry. BYD says these are its technology priorities, thermal stability, durability and safety, while supporting long-term reliability under regular charging and discharging cycles.
The use of the Blade Battery aligns with BYD’s broader focus on battery safety and longevity across its electrified vehicle range.
Market positioning in Australia
The BYD Sealion 5 sits below the BYD Sealion 6 and joins BYD’s expanding Australian line-up, which now includes the BYD Atto 1, Atto 2, Atto 3, Dolphin, Seal, Shark 6, Sealion 6 and Sealion 7.
BYD Australia COO Stephen Collins said the Sealion 5 is aimed at Australians wanting a practical step into electrified driving without the higher cost or charging demands of a full EV.
What does this mean for buyers?
With pricing now confirmed and orders open, the 2026 BYD Sealion 5 PHEV steps out of the “coming soon” category and into serious contention as a value-focused mid-size SUV for Australian buyers. Its aggressive entry price makes plug-in hybrid ownership far more accessible, while the EV-only range should comfortably cover daily commuting needs and short urban trips. This affordable PHEV SUV will appeal to families and fleet buyers seeking to reduce fuel costs without transitioning to a full EV.
That said, real-world efficiency, on-road performance and long-term ownership factors such as resale value will only become clear once the BYD Sealion 5 is in customers’ hands, making these important considerations for buyers weighing up its robust headline value.
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