BYD Sealion 5 plug-in hybrid 2026 priced in Australia, undercuts MG HS and Chery Tiggo 7

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BYD has today revealed sharp pricing for its Sealion 5 midsize plug-in hybrid SUV, which will start from $33,990 before on-road costs.

The Sealion 5 is available in two grades, Essential and Premium, with the latter priced at $37,990. Both grades of Sealion 5 hence sit below the similarly sized, but better equipped BYD Sealion 6, which starts from $42,990. 

Where the Sealion 6 largely rivals the Mitsubishi Outlander, the cut-price Sealion 5 rivals similarly positioned midsize PHEVs from China, undercutting the $48,990 MG HS Super Hybrid, $37,990 Chery Tiggo 7 CHS, and $45,990 Jaecoo J7 SHS.

Both variants of Sealion 5, like many of their rivals, are limited to front-wheel drive, and pair a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol ‘four with an electric motor and CVT. The system produces 156kW, with the Essential using a 12.9kWh BYD Blade battery, and the Premium a 18.3kWh unit. 

The Sealion 5’s DM-i plug-in hybrid system is similar to that found in the Shark 6, Sealion 6, and forthcoming Sealion 8, but forgoes a turbocharger, likely for greater affordability. 

The Sealion 5 is a five-seat midsize SUV measuring 4738mm long, 1860mm wide, and 1710mm tall, with a 2712mm wheelbase. For context, the midsize SUV segment leading Toyota RAV4 similarly measures 4600mm long, 1855mm wide, and 1680mm tall, with a 2690mm wheelbase. 

While differing equipment is one factor deciding a price difference between the Sealion 5 and 6, a difference in hybrid system battery size – and hence a reduction in EV driving range and fuel consumption – likely plays a larger role.

Where a long-range Sealion 6 Dynamic claims an EV driving range of 140km (on the typically less accurate NEDC standard) and combined range of 1092km (WLTP), the Sealion 5 Essential claims a more modest EV range of 71km (NEDC) and combined range figure of 1000km (NEDC)

The Sealion 5 Premium claims 100km of EV range (NEDC) and 1030km of combined driving. Note that the quoted combined range figures for the Sealion 5 are tested to less accurate and often over-ambiguous NEDC testing standards. 

Key equipment in the BYD Sealion 5 Essential includes a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, digital key functionality, seven airbags, and a suite of driver assistance technology.

Scaling to the Sealion 5 Premium additionally gains a larger 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and 360° camera.

Both models offer 463-litres of boot space, which can be expanded to 1410-litres with the rear seats folded and front seats moved forward and upright. 

BYD Sealion 5 2026: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• Essential: $33,990
• Premium: $37,990