Words: Andrew Sluys
Published 29 January 2026
BYD’s slew of new vehicle arrivals in the country has continued with the all-new Sealion 5 PHEV representing the most recent.
The images of the Sealion 5 were first posted to Facebook by a BYD dealer in Hamilton.
Not to be confused with the all-electric Seal, this new Sealion 5 is the smallest in the Sealion range, which currently consists of the 6, 7, and 8.
Like the Sealion 6 and 8, this 5 is a plug-in hybrid SUV, and is offered in two specification levels locally.
The range starts with the Essential at $39,990, which pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, and a 12.9kWh battery.
This combination produces 145kW/300Nm, and is rated to an electric driving range of 71km (NEDC).
The Premium is the range-topping model, and starts from $45,990.
This model gets the same hybrid powertrain, but gets a larger 18.3kWh battery to provide an electric range of up to 100km (NEDC).
At 4738mm long, and 1860mm wide, the Sealion 5 is similar in size to a Volkswagen Tiguan.
Despite its compact footprint, it gets a 600-litre rear boot, expandable to 1410 litres when the rear seats are folded.
On the inside, it’s a familiar BYD cabin layout, plus wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto come as standard.
BYD New Zealand backs the Sealion 5 with a six-year/150,000km vehicle warranty, and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty.
