New BYD plug-in hybrid SUV to launch in South Africa this November

BYD’s previously announced Sealion 5 will launch in South Africa in November 2025.

A BYD dealer confirmed earlier this year to MyBroadband that the Sealion 5 was coming to South Africa, but no release date was given.

It also said that it was targeting a starting price around R550,000, undercutting the larger, already available Sealion 6 by R90,000.

This would make the Sealion 5 the most affordable PHEV (plug-in hybrid) vehicle in South Africa, around the same price as the country’s best-selling hybrid – the Toyota Corolla Cross.

While the carmaker has now confirmed that the Sealion 5 will launch locally in November, the price has not yet been announced.

The BYD Sealion 5 is a dynamic plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV built on BYD’s DMI (Dual-Mode Intelligent) hybrid platform.

The Sea Lion 5 represents how innovation can meet real South African needs, combining energy efficiency, advanced safety, and everyday utility,” said Nomonde Kweyi, the Marketing Director for BYD Auto South Africa.

The Sea Lion 5 adds to BYD’s growing lineup of electric and PHEV vehicles in South Africa. This lineup includes the BYD Atto 3, Dolphin, Dolphin Surf, Seal, Sealion 6, Sealion 7, and Shark 6.

Sea Lion 5

While BYD said the full specifications and pricing for the Sea Lion 5 will only be revealed in November prior to the launch, we know that the new PHEV is an SUV designed for urban terrain.

It is ideal for South Africans who want performance, practicality, and sustainability, and offers a wide range of technology and features.

This includes a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, wireless charging, a voice control system, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, eight-way electronically adjustable seats, and a large 15.6 rotating infotainment system.

It also comes with a Level 2 driving assistance suite, which offers adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot detection, lane-keep assist, parking sensors, and a reversing camera.

In terms of power, it offers a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with a 120kW electric motor.

This combination produces 144kW with an electric-only range of 64km on a single charge in the entry-level models and a 93km range on the higher-spec model.

One of the standout features of the BYD Sea Lion 5 is its impressive 1,400km range, compliments of its dual energy sources and 52-litre petrol tank.