BYD Sealion 5 launching in early December as SA’s most affordable plug-in hybrid
The BYD Sealion 5 launches in early December.
Image: Supplied
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are seen as an ideal bridge between internal combustion and electric motoring, particularly for countries such as South Africa, where long-distance driving is the norm and range-anxiety is a real concern.
Although they do have smaller and cheaper batteries than traditional electric vehicles, the cost of incorporating electric and petrol engines means they aren’t necessarily cheap to produce and, at this stage, all PHEVs cost more than R600,000 in South Africa.
That’s set to change with the BYD Sealion 5, which is set to reach local showrooms in early December. Although pricing and specifications have yet to be confirmed, it will almost certainly come in comfortably beneath the R600,000 mark, given that the larger Sealion 6 currently costs from R639,900.
The Sealion 5 is expected to cost less than R600,000.
Image: Supplied
It is also expected to undercut the newly introduced Geely E5 EM-A, which costs R599,999, and the Chery Tiggo 7 CSH PHEV, which retails at R619,900.
In overseas markets, the Sealion 5 is offered in two battery variants, with the 12.9 kWh battery option allowing an electric-only range of up to 71km on the NEDC cycle and the 18.3 kWh version covering up to 100km, according to official claims. Official combined fuel consumption is as low as 1.3 litres per 100km, but that would of course depend on owners charging their batteries regularly.
The vehicle’s Dual-Mode Intelligent hybrid system pairs a 1.5-litre normally aspirated petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 156kW.
The interior features a 12.8-inch floating screen.
Image: Supplied
The interior offers 463 litres of boot space, while features include a 12.8-inch touchscreen, powered by BYD’s DiLink system, and an 8.8-inch digital drive display.
Premium variants boast a 360-degree camera, panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, intelligent voice control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and BYD’s digital key, which allows owners to operate the vehicle using their smartphones.
Keep in mind that these are overseas specifications and that the local model mix could differ.
“BYD is not just a car manufacturer. We’re a technology company focused on creating a cleaner, smarter future. The Sealion 5 represents how innovation can meet real South African needs, combining energy efficiency, advanced safety, and everyday utility,” says Nomonde Kweyi, Marketing Director, BYD Auto South Africa.
IOL Motoring