Equipped with BYD’s Super DM (Dual Mode) hybrid technology, the new Sealion 5 is a mid-sized family SUV whose arrival brings to three the number of BYD Super Hybrids on the market here.
Fast, powerful, and efficient, it works by prioritising electric power with minimal reliance on fuel, achieved by the Super DM Technology, developed exclusively by BYD. When the battery is fully charged and switched to EV mode, the vehicle becomes pure-electric. When state of charge is low, it transforms into an ultra-low fuel consumption hybrid vehicle producing a quiet and comfortable drive.
Offered in ‘Comfort’ and range-topping ‘Design’ model trimlines, both provide a practical, sustainable driving solution for daily mobility needs and long worry-free journeys and are introduced at the competitive price of €36,990 (Comfort) and €40,990 (Design).
Configured with differing battery sizes supporting the same total system power output of 212hp, the Comfort model has a battery capacity of 12.96kWh delivering up to 62kms of pure-electric range, and an overall WLTP combined range figure of 992kms. Acceleration from 0-100kms/h is 7.7 seconds with a top speed of 170kms/h.
With its larger 18.3kWh battery, the Design model has a pure-electric range of 85kms and a combined range of 1016kms, with acceleration from 0-100kms/h in 8.1 seconds and the same 170kms/h top speed.
Equipped with an impressive array of standard features, its attractions include technology that helps minimise running costs whilst retaining long-range flexibility with an impressive WLTP-rated weighted consumption figure ranging from 2.1 – 2.7L/100kms.
Comfort versions have metallic paint as standard, with 18-inch alloy wheels, aluminium roof rails, LED headlights and tail-lights, an 8.8” digital instrument panel, a 12.8” infotainment screen, electrically adjustable front seats, front and rear USB charging ports and rear parking sensors.
It also features typical customer-focused BYD technologies, including NFC key that allows access to the vehicle using smartphone. All versions of the BYD Sealion 5 Super Hybrid come with Vehicle-to-Load technology as standard, allowing external devices – everything from a coffee machine to a portable fridge – to be powered at up to 3.3kW.
In addition to its larger battery for a greater pure-electric range, Design models get front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera, an electric tailgate, heated front seats and a 15W wireless smartphone-charging pad.
Measuring 4,738mm long, 1,860mm wide, and 1,710mm high with a relatively long wheelbase of 2,712mm, cabin space makes the Sealion 5 a proper five-seater with room for adults to travel in comfort, even on longer journeys, with excellent levels of headroom and legroom.
Load capacity of 463-litres extends to 1,410 litres when 40:60-split rear seats are folded. Usefully, in this configuration the floor remains flat making it easier to load heavy, bulky items.
Visual features include a ‘textured’ grille and lower-set bumper giving it a wider stance. Others are its crisp surfaces, muscular shoulders that flare over the wheel arches, and a clean, minimalist rear with integrated roof spoiler, full-width light bar and a contrast-colour D-pillar creating a ‘floating’ roof effect.
In addition to its ‘ground-breaking’ hybrid system which operates in EV and in HEV modes – where wheels are driven solely by the electric motor and back-up charge supplied with power from a 1.5-litre petrol engine, other standard items within the range include smartphone connectivity, ‘Hi BYD’ voice commands, seven airbags protection, and a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features. Warranty cover on all BYD cobalt-free, lithium-ion phosphate Blade Batteries is 250,000kms, or 8-years.
Since being introduced by Motor Distributors Limited (MDL) in 2023 as ‘the biggest car brand you’ve never heard of’, BYD is now firmly placed amongst the leading five EV and PHEV brands in Ireland. The brand is supported by a 14-outlet main dealer network that continues to expand, and now the BYD range is expanded to eight models with the arrival of the new Sealion 5 Super Hybrid.
