BYD has launched its ninth UK model, the Sealion 5 DM-i plug in hybrid SUV, priced from £29,995 on the road and available to order now.
BYD said the new Sealion 5 DM-i is aimed at the family SUV segment, offering plug in hybrid technology at a price point designed to compete directly with similarly sized petrol powered models.
The Sealion 5 DM-i will be offered in two trim levels, Comfort and Design, both featuring high levels of standard equipment.
Entry level Comfort models include automatic LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assistance, rear parking sensors, a rear view camera and 18 inch alloy wheels.
All versions feature a 12.8 inch electrically rotating central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 4G connectivity and voice control, alongside an 8.8-inch digital instrument display. Vegan leather upholstery is standard, with electrically adjustable front seats.
The Design trim, priced from £32,995 on the road, adds features including an electric tailgate, front parking sensors, a 360 degree camera system, wireless smartphone charging and heated front seats.
Both models use BYD’s DM-i plug in hybrid system, combining a 1.5 litre petrol engine with an electric motor to produce 212PS.
BYD said the system is designed to deliver the smooth driving experience of an electric vehicle while retaining the flexibility of a petrol engine for longer journeys.
The Comfort version uses a 12.96kWh battery, offering an electric only range of more than 38 miles on the WLTP cycle, CO2 emissions of 62g/km and weighted combined fuel consumption of 104.6mpg.
The Design model features a larger 18.3kWh battery, increasing electric only range to 53.4 miles, reducing CO2 emissions to 48g/km and improving fuel consumption to 134.5mpg.
BYD said a full tank and fully charged battery can deliver a combined range of up to 631 miles. Both versions support charging via a 3.3kW onboard charger and include vehicle to load functionality.
Steve Beattie, deputy country manager of BYD UK, said: “The Sealion 5 strengthens the BYD line-up by offering our most accessible entry point into DM-i plug in hybrid technology to date.”
The Sealion 5 DM-i is available to order now, with first deliveries to UK retailers from February 7.