BYD's Sealion 5 plug-in hybrid is now Australia's cheapest PHEV SUV, with the Essential grade starting at $33,990 plus on-road costs and the Premium at $37,990. That price undercuts both the MG HS PHEV and the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV, which previously occupied the budget end of the segment.

The Sealion 5 uses BYD's DM-i 4.0 Super Hybrid system: a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 72kW and 122Nm, paired with a front-mounted electric motor delivering 145kW and 300Nm. Combined output is 156kW. The petrol engine charges the battery and assists under heavy load; the electric motor does most of the work in normal driving.

The battery numbers that matter

The Essential variant carries a 12.9kWh battery with 71km of claimed electric-only range. The Premium ups this to 18.3kWh and 100km. In hybrid mode, BYD quotes fuel consumption as low as 1.2L/100km.

To put 71km in context: the average Australian commute is around 20-30km each way. A daily return trip plus a Coles run fits within the electric range without the petrol engine needing to start. For a family that charges at home overnight, most weekly driving costs nothing at the pump.

The Sealion 5 is not compact. It measures 4738mm long, 1860mm wide, 1710mm tall on a 2712mm wheelbase. Boot space is 463 litres with the rear seats upright. Three car seats in the back row is a realistic ask.

Safety and technology

Standard equipment across both grades includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, blind spot detection, driver monitoring, and front and rear cross-traffic alert. The full ADAS suite on the Essential grade is notable at this price point. Most sub-$40,000 PHEVs trim safety tech from the base variant.

ANCAP has not yet rated the Sealion 5 as of the date of this piece.

Cartell Assessment

The Sealion 5 PHEV is not the most exciting car BYD sells in Australia, but it might be the most useful. For a household that does school runs, weekly shopping, and the occasional highway trip, 71km of electric range covers the daily grind and the petrol engine handles everything else without range anxiety. The $33,990 plus ORC starting price is hard to argue with when the ADAS list at that level matches cars costing $50,000 more. The one thing to watch: BYD's dealer network is still thinner than Toyota or Hyundai in regional areas. If you are not near a capital city, factor that into the service equation.

AU Outlook

BYD is delivering a shipment of 5,000 vehicles to Australia in early June 2026, with Atto 2 and Sealion 7 EVs taking the majority of allocation. Sealion 5 PHEV stock is available at dealerships now. The Premium variant with 100km of electric range at $37,990 plus ORC is the pick of the range.