BYD Sealion 5 Review: Practical Plug-in Hybrid SUV

In this episode of One Minute Motors, we take a closer look at the BYD Sealion 5, a mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV that sits below the larger Seal U in BYD's growing UK range. It carries the brand's familiar design language, including a sleek front-end design and a full-width rear light bar that helps it stand out on the road. Keeping things simple, BYD offers the Sealion 5 in just two trim levels: Comfort and Design. Even the entry-level Comfort comes impressively well equipped, featuring vegan leather upholstery, a rotating 12.8-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control and keyless entry as standard. The Design model, like the one featured in this episode, adds a number of useful upgrades including heated front seats, a powered tailgate and a 360-degree camera system. These additions help elevate the ownership experience without dramatically increasing the price. Inside, the Sealion 5 focuses on practicality. Rear passengers have plenty of room to stretch out, while the cabin layout feels intuitive and easy to use. Up front you'll find useful storage spaces, cupholders, a neatly designed gear selector and a responsive infotainment system that's easy to get along with. On the road, the Sealion 5 prioritises comfort over outright performance. The plug-in hybrid system is designed to make everyday driving effortless while also helping improve fuel economy, making it a sensible choice for drivers covering a mix of local and longer journeys. With prices starting at just under £30,000 for the Comfort trim and rising to around £33,000 for the Design, the Sealion 5 enters the market as a well-equipped and competitively priced family SUV. At Leasing Options, our One Minute Motors series focuses on the things drivers genuinely notice when living with a vehicle day to day, helping cut through the specification sheets and focus on the real-world experience. 🚗