New Models / 4 December 2025 / Michael Taylor

BYD launches the new Sealion 5 – the cheapest plug-in hybrid in South Africa

BYD has officially launched the new Sealion 5 in South Africa.

The Sealion 5 is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV available in two specifications – the Comfort and Dynamic – with prices starting at R499,900.

It is the first PHEV in South Africa to retail for under R500,000, costing far less than the nation’s two other “entry-level” plug-in models – the Geely E5 EM-i and the Chery Tiggo 7 CSH.

For reference, the Geely asks for a minimum of R599,999 while the Chery starts at R619,900, meaning that the BYD is R100,000 cheaper than its closest competitor.

Powertrain

The Sealion 5 pairs a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with a single front-mounted electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 156kW.

This power is transmitted to the front wheels via an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (E-CVT).

Both versions are fitted with a 12.96kWh “Blade” battery, which affords an all-electric driving range of 52km on the WLTP cycle.

Charging the battery can be done via a 3.5kWh AC outlet, which can top up the cells from 30% to 80% in approximately four hours.

It’s also worth noting that the BYD supports V2L (vehicle to load) charging, which means owners can use the battery to power external devices.

A 3.5kWh wall charger and V2L adaptor is included in the purchase price.

The automaker claims that the SUV has an average fuel consumption of just 1.2l/100km, but this assumes that customers will make ample use of the hybrid system.

If you rely almost entirely on the combustion engine, the Sealion achieves a still-frugal consumption figure of around 5.2l/100km.

Features

The Comfort trim level comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, automatic LED headlights, and LED daytime running lights, while the Dynamic throws in silver roof rails, auto-folding mirrors, and an electric tailgate.

Standard features across the range also include keyless entry and start, an imitation leather multifunction steering wheel, climate control, six speakers, voice commands, USB Type-A and Type-C ports, an 8.8-inch digital driver display, and a 12.8-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Additionally, the BYD has a driver assistance suite with adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed limit control, forward and rear collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot detection, hill hold control, hill descent control, ABS, electronic stability control, tyre pressure monitoring, a rearview camera, and four rear parking sensors.

Upgrading to the Dynamic will then add a six-way electric driver’s seat with heating and ventilation, a four-way electric front passenger seat, two front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, and an electric sunroof.