The BYD Sealion 5 (known as the Sealion 05 or Song Pro DM-i in some markets) arrives as the latest expansion of the Chinese automaker’s “Ocean Series.” Positioned just below the Sealion 6 (Seal U), this compact-to-mid-sized SUV is designed to act as a bridge for buyers who aren’t quite ready to go fully electric but want the benefits of EV driving for their daily commute. By undercutting its larger sibling in price while retaining the core DM-i plug-in hybrid technology, the Sealion 5 targets the sweet spot of the family SUV market currently dominated by the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Corolla Cross.
Exterior Design: Restrained “Ocean” Aesthetics
Unlike the quirky Atto 3, the Sealion 5 adopts a more mature and conventional look. It follows BYD’s “Ocean Aesthetics” design language but interprets it with a slotted, ripple-effect front grille that integrates neatly into the bumper, rather than the fully closed-off face of BYD’s pure EVs.
Measuring approximately 4,738mm in length with a 2,712mm wheelbase, it is physically substantial—longer than a Toyota RAV4—giving it a commanding road presence. The profile features a “floating roof” design with blacked-out pillars and silver roof rails, while the rear is finished with the brand’s signature full-width LED taillight bar. While it lacks the sporty coupe-SUV silhouette of the Sealion 6, its boxier, more upright stance promises better headroom and visibility, appealing to practical-minded buyers.
Interior & Technology
Inside, the Sealion 5 feels familiar to anyone who has sat in a recent BYD. The centerpiece is the trademark 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system, which allows users to toggle between landscape (for navigation) and portrait (for apps like Spotify) orientations. It runs BYD’s latest DiLink software, which is responsive and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The cabin materials lean towards “premium economy”—plenty of soft-touch vegan leather and metallic accents, though some hard plastics appear lower down in the cabin. The front seats are sport-styled one-piece buckets, offering heating and ventilation in higher trims. Behind the steering wheel sits an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster that provides essential driving data without clutter.
Practicality is a strong suit. The rear seats offer generous legroom thanks to the flat floor (a benefit of the dedicated EV platform origins), and rear passengers get their own air vents and USB charging ports. The boot space is rated around 463 liters with the seats up, expanding to over 1,400 liters with them folded flat—sufficient for a weekend family trip, though slightly smaller than some best-in-class rivals due to the battery placement.
Powertrain & Performance
The Sealion 5 is powered by BYD’s Super Hybrid DM-i (Dual Mode Intelligence) technology. This system prioritizes electric driving, using the petrol engine primarily as a generator.
- Engine: 1.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder petrol (72kW/122Nm).
- Motor: Single front-mounted electric motor producing 145kW and 300Nm.
- Battery Options: Buyers can typically choose between a 12.9kWh battery (Essential) or an 18.3kWh battery (Premium).
The driving stats are respectable for a family hauler. The sprint from 0-100 km/h takes roughly 7.7 to 8.3 seconds. More importantly, the pure electric range sits between 70km and 100km (NEDC) depending on the battery size. This allows most owners to complete their daily school runs and commutes without using a drop of petrol. When the battery is depleted, the car operates as a highly efficient hybrid, with fuel consumption figures hovering around a frugal 4.5L/100km.
Driving Experience
On the road, the Sealion 5 is tuned unapologetically for comfort. The suspension is soft and compliant, soaking up speed bumps and city potholes with ease. It feels floaty on the highway, a trait that makes for a relaxing long-distance cruiser but results in noticeable body roll if you tackle corners aggressively.
Unlike the Sealion 6, which offers an AWD performance variant, the Sealion 5 is strictly Front-Wheel Drive (FWD). Steering is light and effortless, making it easy to maneuver in tight parking lots, aided by a high-resolution 360-degree camera system. However, the stock tires (often eco-focused) can struggle for grip under hard acceleration on wet surfaces, a common trait in high-torque front-drive EVs.
Verdict
The BYD Sealion 5 is a pragmatic addition to the lineup. It strips away some of the performance excess of the Sealion 6 to offer a more affordable, efficiency-focused package. While it may lack the sharp handling of a Mazda CX-5 or the rugged reputation of a RAV4, it counters with superior tech, a smoother EV-like powertrain, and the flexibility of V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) capabilities that can power camping gear or laptops.
For families seeking to lower their fuel bills without the range anxiety of a full EV, the Sealion 5 presents a compelling value proposition. It is a comfortable, tech-laden sanctuary that asks very little of its driver, making it an easy recommendation for the daily grind.
