Twisting roads, closed motorways, this clever PHEV delivers
Can a second, extended test on UK roads confirm that BYD’s Sealion PHEV confirm the original favourable impression of this SUV?
pricedI first got behind the wheel of the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i during its UK launch in January. A spirited run through Shropshire and into Wales left me with a strong first impression of this sub-£30,000 contender in the crowded mid-size SUV segment.
A few months later, a longer, more revealing drive only cemented that view. This time, the route took in the twisting roads of the Cotswolds and the relentless stop-start misery of a partially closed M40. It proved the perfect testing ground to reassess BYD’s ninth model in the UK - specifically, the range-topping Design trim.
The compact family SUV features a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system as standard, pairing a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined 212bhp (215PS).
Design and styling
Its generous exterior proportions deliver competitive cabin space, but let's be honest: the ubiquitous SUV shape is hard to differentiate.
It won't win design awards, but the signature 'Dragon Face' design – with full-LED headlights, slim daytime-running lights, and a full-width LED light bar at the rear – does at least give it presence.
The Design trim rides on striking 18-inch bi-colour alloy wheels, and an integrated spoiler for a more sporty look.
Priced at £32,995, the Sealion 5 Design undercuts many rivals while offering a wealth of standard equipment: smartphone integration, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assistance, automatic LED headlights, power-folding heated mirrors, parking sensors front and rear, a 360-degree camera and puddle lights.
It hits the sweet spot for those who love their bells and whistles – better equipped and with lower running costs than many rivals.
Interior and technology
The interior has a genuinely upmarket feel with vegan leather upholstery, plus powered and heated front seats. Head and legroom is good, accommodating a family of five in comfort. This model also adds ambient lighting and wireless smartphone charging.
The stylish centre console houses the gearshift and controls, with generous storage underneath. A 12.8-inch multi-touch touchscreen and a clear 8.8-inch full-LCD instrument cluster lead the tech. The touchscreen handles infotainment, navigation and connectivity via built-in 4G and BYD cloud services. Intelligent voice control ('Hi, BYD') adds safety while driving.
The bonus with EVs and many hybrids like this one is the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function – turning the car into a 3.3kW power bank for camping or or power tools
Practicality
A 463-litre boot easily swallows luggage, and the 40:60-split folding rear seats expand space to a generous 1,410 litres with a flat load floor. This model also features a powered tailgate as standard.
Powertrain and performance
The vehicle features an 18.3 kWh battery, extending electric-only range to 53.4 miles.
That contributes to a WLTP fuel economy of 134.5 mpg and CO₂ emissions of just 48g/km.
Official figures claim 134.5 mpg, fine if you keep the battery topped up, but expect around 50-60 mpg in real-world driving once the battery is depleted.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph takes 8.1 seconds, with a top speed of 106 mph. BYD claims a total range of up to 631 miles on a full charge and tank.
The driving experience is generally smooth, with plenty of pace. Around town and at a cruise, it's quiet and refined.
But the Cotswolds' steep gradients and the need for quick overtakes on the M40 revealed the powertrain's character.
Floor the accelerator, and the engine emits a discernible, raucous drone under heavy acceleration. It's not a deal-breaker, but push hard, and the 1.5-litre makes itself heard. On the plus side, it's barely discernible with normal driving.
On twisting B-roads, the Sealion handles well. Stability and agility tackle sweeping and tight curves with aplomb – it always feels well-planted.
Safety
The interior is built around a comprehensive safety suite of active and passive measures.
That said, the lane-keep assist can be quite intrusive on narrow country lanes, and there are constant warnings to keep your eyes on the road.
For peace of mind, the warranty matches its BYD stablemates: 6 years or 93,750 miles.
Verdict
The Sealion 5 Design delivers a comfortable, efficient and usable package – ideal for families wanting one do-it-all vehicle without full EV commitment or hanging on to combustion engines. It's competitively prices and look at that warranty.
Factfile
- Model: BYD Sealion 5 Design PHEV
- Price: £32,995
- Mechanical: 215 PS, 1.5-litre petrol and electric motor, driving front wheels via single-speed auto transmission
- Max speed: 106 mph
- 0-62 mph: 8.1 sec
- Combined mpg (WLTP): 134.5 mpg
- Insurance group: 26D
- CO₂ emissions: 48g/km
- BiK rating: 9%
- Warranty: 6 yrs/93,750 miles