LONDON: BYD UK has confirmed the launch of its ninth model – the new Sealion 5 DM-i SUV (sport utility vehicle).
The new mid-size plug-in hybrid family SUV offers strong value-for-money.
The DM-i powertrain helps to reduce running costs for buyers, while retaining the flexibility of a petrol engine.
The Sealion 5 DM-i is forecast to become one of BYD’s top-selling models in the UK.
It will be offered in a choice of two trim levels - Comfort and Design.
It offers a generous specification, including 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera, plus electrically adjustable, electrically folding and heated door mirrors.
A 12.8-inch touchscreen display is fitted to all models, and features smartphone mirroring through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus 4G connectivity – all of which can be controlled via the “Hi BYD” intelligent voice control.
Ahead of the driver sits an 8.8-inch LCD instrument panel.
The cabin is luxuriously appointed, too, with vegan leather trimming the seats and steering wheel.
Driver comfort is ensured with six-way electrical seat adjustment as standard, with four-way adjustment on the passenger seat.
The top Design trim level boasts welcome lights, an electric tailgate, front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, wireless smartphone charging and heated front seats.
The cabin is spacious enough for five occupants and their luggage; this includes generous rear leg and headroom, plus a 463-litre boot.
Both trim levels use BYD’s DM-i plug-in hybrid powertrain producing 212PS.
A 1.5-litre petrol engine – whose thermal efficiency of 43 per cent makes it among the most efficient internal combustion engines in series production today – assists an electric motor.
The Comfort model draws its energy from a 12.96kWh battery, which enables a fully electric mode range of over 61km (WLTP cycle).
The Design benefits from a larger 18.3kWh battery, which sees the range rising to 86km.
In both models, the battery can be topped up via a 3.3kW on-board charger.
The Sealion 5 also features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, which allows owners to run various appliances from the car’s on-board battery, for example a portable coffee machine or lawnmower.
