BYD Sealion 5 DM-i review: Bargain plug-in hybrid family SUV with a big range

We road test BYD’s ninth new model in three years – the Sealion 5 DM-I plug-in hybrid

The global rise of Chinese tech and automotive firm BYD has been nothing short of meteoric.

In just a few years, BYD has become the world’s biggest seller of EVs and plug-in hybrids. Or to put it another way, 4.6 million BYD vehicles were sold in 2025.

UK sales alone increased by nearly 485% year-on-year from 2024 (under 8,788) to a record-breaking 51,422 in 2025.

BYD’s latest new model is the confusingly titled Sealion 5 U DM-i family SUV. And just in case you’re wondering, BYD has a nautical naming theme and those letters refer to Utility (SUV body), Dual Mode (plug-in hybrid powertrain), and intelligence (smart energy management).

This is a key car for BYD because it will have to battle it out in a fiercely competitive mid-sized SUV sector with the likes of the Kia Sportage, Ford Kuga, Hyundai Tucson, MG HS, Volkswagen Tiguan, Jaecoo 7 and Chery Tiggo 7.

Starting at just £29,995, it’s marketed as a plug-in hybrid for the price of petrol-powered vehicle.

Value for money is a big bonus, but is the car as a package up to this mammoth task?

In a word, yes. With a potential total range of more than 600 miles and an all-electric mode of up to 53 miles, it’s leading the charge when it comes to plug-in hybrids at this price point.

Externally, it’s a generic, not unattractive SUV shape with more of a chunky emphasis than some of its siblings.

There’s no shortage of space inside, with back seat passengers getting more than enough head and legroom, while the boot is a useful 463 litres, expanding to 1,410 litres with the 60:40 split rear seats folded.

Now consider the generous standard spec list, with an electric driver’s seat, 18-inch alloys, large 12.8-inch display touchscreen, and 8.8-inch driver’s display, plus goodies such as adaptive cruise control, all included on the base Comfort model.

The Design trim is an extra £3,000, adding a 360-degree camera, heated seats and an electric tailgate.

The other difference between Comfort and Design is that the former comes with 12.9kWh battery offering up to 38 miles of electric-only range, while the Design gets an 18.3kWh unit, adding another 15 miles of pure electric travel.

Both use a 1.5-litre petrol engine, paired with an electric motor, giving a combined power output of 209bhp.

The 0-62mph sprint will take 7.7 seconds (Comfort) or 8.1 seconds (Design). Claimed fuel economy ranges between 104.6mpg and 134.5mpg, while CO2 emissions are just 62g/km and 48g/km respectively.

Both versions take their time when it comes to charging the batteries (4.5 hours with the 12.9kWh battery and six hours for the 18.3kWh).

On the road, the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i is comfortable and refined, once you’ve worked out how to switch off the annoying beeps and bongs for things like the over-sensitive driver monitoring system.

The “vegan” leather upholstered seats are fine, though the driving position is a little high for my liking and the steering wheel adjustment isn’t exactly generous.

Performance is perfectly adequate for this type of car and the plug-in hybrid system works really well, giving a smooth EV-ish driving experience.

In fact, the petrol engine acts primarily as a generator to charge the battery, with electric motors driving the wheels most of the time.

The transition between electric and petrol power is seamless for the most part, with the engine only occasionally kicking in under heavy throttle load or when the battery is running low.

BYD is clearly learning how to tune suspension systems, because the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i rides well enough, despite its fairly firm set-up. It manages to cope with most of the lumps and bumps we’ve come to expect from our roads.

What’s more, there’s respectable body control for a relatively tall car in faster corners, and the brakes are effective. It’s just a shame that the steering isn’t a little sharper.

Frankly, the drive modes (Eco, Normal, and Sport), don’t seem to make that much of a difference, so Normal is just fine most of the time.

Ultimately, it’s an easy, relaxed car to drive, but it’s not going to put a smile on your face.

When it comes to efficiency, I reckon you’re likely to see 50-60mpg on a long journey and a potential 600 miles between fill-ups means there’s zero range anxiety.

If most of your trips are local and you can charge from home, then you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of cheap EV motoring.

Oh, and there are two regenerative braking modes (Standard and High). Sadly, these are accessed via the touchscreen (no steering wheel paddles) and there’s no one-pedal option.

Finally, if you want peace of mind, the Sealion 5 DM-I comes with a six-year/93,750-mile warranty and an eight-year/155,000-mile battery warranty.

Verdict: If you’re looking for a super affordable, family-sized plug-in hybrid SUV, then the BYD Sealion 5 DM-I should be top of your shortlist. Spacious, refined, comfortable, efficient and easy to drive, it’s another agreeable car from the BYD stable.

Review in association with AutomotiveBlog