BYD Sealion 5 PHEV confirmed for Australia as Chinese language model’s second RAV4 fighter
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The BYD Sealion 5 mid-size plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV has been locked in for Australia as one in every of 4 new fashions from the Chinese language model, with an area arrive scheduled for early 2026.
At 4735mm, the Sealion 5 is barely longer than the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan X-Path, and likewise edges out the Mitsubishi Outlander by 25mm.
When it arrives subsequent 12 months alongside the bigger Sealion 8 PHEV SUV, BYD’s ‘Sealion’ SUV vary will grow to be a household of 4 becoming a member of the similarly-sized Sealion 6 PHEV and Tesla Mannequin Y-rivalling Sealion 7 mid-size electrical SUV.
Just like the Sealion 6 and Sealion 7, the Sealion 5 shall be strictly a five-seater, with the Sealion 8 to grow to be the model’s first seven-seater mannequin in Australia.
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Key rivals will embrace the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV, in addition to its Sealion 6 stablemate and fellow Chinese language PHEV SUVs just like the Geely Starray EM-i and Chery Tiggo 7 Tremendous Hybrid.
Toyota has additionally confirmed it should introduce a PHEV model of the next-generation RAV4 in 2026, lastly giving its best-selling SUV a plug-in choice in Australia. The brand new RAV4 PHEV is, nonetheless, anticipated to be accompanied by worth rises throughout the lineup of as much as $6000 – that means it could possibly be positioned as a extra premium choice relative to the BYD.
In China, the place it’s bought because the Music Professional, the BYD Sealion 5 is priced from ¥102,800 ($A21,812), however it will likely be dearer in Australia, though BYD is but to verify particulars.
It’s powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, matched with a repeatedly variable transmission (CVT) and an electrical motor, producing a mixed 173kW of energy and a claimed 0-100km acceleration time of 8.3 seconds.
Two battery sizes are supplied in China: a 12.9kWh unit providing as much as 61km (WLTP) of electrical driving vary, and an 18.3kWh model stretching this to 94km, each providing claimed gas consumption of 1.4L/100km.
The Sealion 5 has unbiased entrance and rear suspension, with entry-level variations fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED ‘dragon’ headlights and an built-in roof rack.
Cargo capability is 407 litres behind the second-row seats, increasing to 1430L with them folded. An electrical tailgate and power-adjustable driver’s seat shall be commonplace throughout the vary.
Additionally commonplace throughout the vary shall be a 12.8-inch multimedia touchscreen (15.6-inch for the highest mannequin grade, which may also add a wi-fi telephone charger) with voice management, satellite tv for pc navigation and smartphone connectivity.
There’s additionally a considerable record of superior driver help methods listed for abroad fashions, operated by 12 cameras, 5 radars and 12 ultrasonic sensors.
The security suite contains autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise management, rear-cross site visitors alert, door opening warning and lane departure help.
BYD’s ‘DiPilot Assisted Driving’ system contains ‘Get off the bus as park’ modes, which might not be obtainable in Australian fashions.
BYD may also launch its premium sub-brand Denza in Australia subsequent month.
Its first two fashions have been confirmed as a pair of enormous off-road SUVs, with the Ford Everest-rivalling Denza B5 using the identical ladder-frame platform and PHEV powertrain because the BYD Shark 6 dual-cab ute.
The bigger Denza B8, meantime, shall be aimed immediately on the Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol.
MORE: Discover the BYD showroom
