BYD Sealion 5 DM-i

The Sealion 5 DM-i is a plug-in hybrid family SUV, drawn from BYD's Dragon Face design language. It suits households that want electric driving for the school run and a petrol engine for holidays. BYD quotes up to 53 miles (about 85 km) of pure-electric range and a total range of up to 631 miles with a full battery and a full tank.

Hybrid range

Super Hybrid with DM technology works as a hybrid or as an electric car, with the electric range coming from two Blade Batteries. The i in DM-i stands for the intelligent control that improves efficiency during hybrid driving. Combined fuel consumption can drop to 470 mpg.

Space and cabin

The boot holds 463 litres, rising to 1,410 litres with the 40:60 split rear seat folded, and the flat floor eases loading of bulky items. A floating centre console holds a 12.8 inch touchscreen with multi-touch climate controls, and an 8.8 inch digital cluster shows speed, battery level and range. The driver's seat has six-way electric adjustment and heating, the front passenger's seat has four-way power adjustment and heating, and the vegan leather resists wear and stains. A flat rear floor lets three adults sit comfortably. The exterior has full-LED headlights that switch on and off automatically, a contrasting rear pillar for a floating roof effect, and 18 inch two-tone alloy wheels.

Assistance and connectivity

Driver aids include adaptive and intelligent cruise control, lane keep assistance, blind spot detection, traffic sign recognition, automatic emergency braking and forward and rear collision warning, backed by seven airbags. Built-in 4G and BYD cloud services are managed through the BYD app, and voice control, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, NFC entry and vehicle-to-load power are also listed.

Key facts

• Powertrain: plug-in hybrid, BYD Super DM
• Electric range: up to 53 miles (about 85 km)
• Total range: up to 631 miles with a full battery and full tank
• Boot: 463 litres, 1,410 litres with the seats folded
• Airbags: seven