Suv Plug-In Hybrid e-CVT FWD 5-seat

BYD SEALION 5 DM-i

Price in South Africa, real specs & fuel economy — 2026

Model year 2026 Generation First South African SEALION 5 DM-i generation Current version Original current-generation version Body style SUV
SEALION 5 DM-i is a South African SUV with a suv body and plug-in hybrid power.
ZAR 569,900
On-road in
ZAR 582,594
What makes up this price?
Vehicle price (ex-showroom)
ZAR 569,900
Registration allowance
ZAR 3,500
Licensing allowance
ZAR 1,300
Inspection / roadworthy allowance
ZAR 850
Dealer handling / delivery
ZAR 2,200
Insurance
ZAR 4,844
Other fees
ZAR 0
Ex-showroom ZAR 569,900
Finance estimate from ZAR 9,017/month Based on Comfort DM-i Ex-showroom basis · approx. 20% deposit · 11.5% p.a. · 60 months · no balloon
Engine:1498cc (1.5L) Torque:122Nm (90 lb-ft) Ground Clearance:150mm (5.9″) Power:72kW (97 bhp) Electric Range:52km Battery:12.96kWh Boot463L (16.3 cu ft)

Hover or tap any pill for a plain-English explanation. Bracketed values show common equivalents (bhp, lb-ft, inches, cu ft).

Fuel Economy km/l · US mpg equivalent
Combined 19.2 km/l (45 mpg)
City 14.9 km/l (35 mpg)
Highway 19.6 km/l (46 mpg)

On-road pricing varies by dealer. Fuel figures are manufacturer claims or source-backed estimates where a separate city/highway cycle is not published; your real numbers depend on traffic, terrain and driving style.

Model Range PDF See comparisons with similar cars
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Estimate monthly vehicle finance for the BYD SEALION 5 DM-i in South Africa. The default illustration uses the ex-showroom price, approximately 20% deposit, 11.5% nominal annual interest over 60 months and no balloon payment.

Estimated monthly instalment
ZAR 9,017
Total Interest
ZAR 131,018
Total Payable
ZAR 541,018
Principal Interest

* Illustrative estimate based on the ex-showroom price, approximately 20% deposit, 11.5% nominal annual interest, 60 months and no balloon payment, using the Comfort DM-i. Excludes initiation fees, monthly service fees, credit-life insurance and vehicle insurance. Your lender quotation may differ.

Vehicle specifications and buying guidance • Hagalu

BYD SEALION 5 DM-i

SEALION 5 DM-i is a South African SUV with a suv body and plug-in hybrid power.

The BYD SEALION 5 DM-i entered South Africa in 2025 as a five-seat plug-in-hybrid SUV positioned below the larger SEALION 6. Both combine a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, front-wheel drive and a 12.96 kWh battery. Official combined system output is 156 kW, while BYD separately rates the front electric motor at 145 kW and 300 Nm; combined system torque is not officially disclosed. The published electric-only range is 52 km on the stated WLTP basis. The shared mechanical package matters because a Comfort buyer does not accept lower performance to reach the cheaper price. Boot capacity is 463 litres with the rear seats upright and 1,410 litres when folded. Dynamic adds features such as a panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, surround-view camera and enhanced front-seat comfort, including heating and ventilation for the driver in the official specification. Its battery can support quiet electric travel for many local journeys, then the petrol engine extends the trip after the battery's usable electric window is consumed. Air-conditioning, cold starts, speed, steep hills, traffic pattern, passengers and battery reserve all alter the result. Public charging can be helpful, but a small-battery plug-in hybrid is most convenient when it charges while parked. Buyers should test lane, camera and warning interfaces during a representative drive, make sure child-seat anchors are accessible, and confirm that the rear head restraints and belts fit every regular passenger. At R509,900, Comfort makes the strongest economic argument and is likely to satisfy buyers who prioritise propulsion, space and price. BYD South Africa's published warranty table lists five-year or 100,000 km complete-vehicle cover, eight-year or 200,000 km power-battery cover and five-year or 100,000 km drive-unit cover for the SEALION 5. First South African SEALION 5 DM-i generation, a medium five-seat plug-in-hybrid SUV. A proper look at the SEALION 5 DM-i begins with the local specification, then moves to the owner’s week. Here, Plug-in Hybrid power sits beside a South African price reference of R509,900, while engine of 1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol Plug-in Hybrid sets a practical boundary. Here, a e-CVT transmission sits beside a e-CVT transmission, while a front-wheel drive drivetrain sets a practical boundary for SEALION 5 DM-i. That combination is more useful than treating every derivative as interchangeable for SEALION 5 DM-i. The buyer should compare the actual vehicle offered in South Africa, including its price, equipment and support terms for SEALION 5 DM-i

BYD SEALION 5 DM-i — Quick Facts

BYD SEALION 5 DM-i Specifications

Showing all 219 non-empty supported buyer-facing fields for Dynamic DM-i. Blank contract fields are not fabricated.

Model Introduced Year
2026
Body Style
SUV
Generation
First South African SEALION 5 DM-i generation
Model Year
2026
Production Status
Active
Segment
Medium SUV
Vehicle Type
Passenger vehicle
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Facelift History
No separately marketed South African facelift announced as at August 2026
Length
4738 mm
Width
1860 mm
Height
1710 mm
Wheelbase
2712 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
150 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
150 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
52 l
Boot/Cargo Space
463 l
Kerb Weight
1735 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2145 kg
Payload Capacity
410 kg
Towing Capacity
0 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
6.0 m
Front Headroom
970 mm
Rear Headroom
910 mm
Front Legroom
1100 mm
Rear Legroom
935 mm
Engine
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol Plug-in Hybrid
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Plug-in Hybrid
Hybrid System
Series-Parallel Hybrid
Engine Displacement
1498 cc
Cylinders
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
72 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
122 Nm @ 4000-4500 rpm
Combined Power
156 kW
Combined Torque
Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Type
Permanent Magnet Synchronous
Number of Motors
1
Motor Location
Front
Drive Type
FWD
Transmission
e-CVT
Top Speed
170 km/h
0-100 km/h
8.3 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
89.9 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
12.96 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
LFP
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range
52 km (WLTP)
AC Charging Power
3.3 kW
DC Charging Power
Not Officially Disclosed
AC Charging Time
4 h 30 min
DC Charging Time
Not Officially Disclosed
Regenerative Braking
Yes
LSD Available
Not Available
Gearbox
e-CVT
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Available
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
Not Applicable
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Drivetrain
FWD
Axle Layout
4x2
Low Range
Not Applicable
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission
Front Differential Lock
Not Available
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
3.3
Number of Gears
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Gearshift lever
Gear Shift Indicator
Standard
Range Real World Mixed
912 km
Electric Consumption
11.0 kWh/100 km (owner-reported cumulative)
Charging Type
AC
Charging Port Type
Type 2 AC
Combined Driving Range
1001 km
Range Real World Highway
1071 km
Real-world Mileage
17.5 km/l
Fuel Tank Litres
52
Auto Start Stop
Integrated hybrid engine stop/start
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Fuel Tank Capacity
52 l
Highway Mileage
19.6 km/l
City Mileage
14.9 km/l
Claimed Mileage
19.2 km/l
Brake Assist
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
ABS
Standard
Airbags
6
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
ABS EBD
Standard
BA
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
TCS
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Brake Override System
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
AEB
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
EBD
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Park Assist
Standard
Cruise Control
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Parking Sensors
Standard
Rear View Camera
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Standard
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Auto Wipers
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Reverse Camera
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Around View Monitor
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
Ambient Lighting
Standard
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment
Seat Trim
Synthetic leather
Steering Wheel Material
Synthetic leather
Heated Seats
Standard
Ventilated Seats
Standard
Seat Material
Synthetic leather
Keyless Entry
Standard
Climate Control
Automatic
Power Windows
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Sunroof
Panoramic
Electric Tailgate
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
AC Type
Automatic climate control
Android Auto
Standard
Touchscreen
Standard
USB Ports
Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports
Infotainment System
12.8-inch rotating touchscreen
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Infotainment Screen
12.8
Digital Instrument Cluster
Full LCD instrument display
Roof Rails
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
Atlantis Grey, Obsidian Black, Snow White, Time Grey
Fog Lamps
Rear fog lamp
Headlights
LED
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED Headlamps
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Terrain Modes
Snow
Wading Depth
363.6 mm
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Approach Angle
18 deg
Departure Angle
22 deg
Locking Differential
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Handbrake Type
Electronic parking brake
Tyre Size
225/60 R18
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
Wheel Rim Size
18
Rear Suspension
Multi-link
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
Service Plan
4 years/60000 km service plan (4 scheduled services)
Warranty
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
CO2 Emissions
27 g/km
Pricing Role
higher-equipment derivative
Price Zar
569900 ZAR
Ownership Role
higher-equipment derivative
Starting Price
569900
Starting Price Zar
569900

Imported source and record fields

19 non-empty identity, provenance, and legacy source fields are retained here for review. They are not mixed into the buyer-facing specification table. The supplied pack has no values for 575 of the 813 specification-contract fields on this page, so those blank fields remain omitted.

Market
South Africa
Brand
BYD
Brand Slug
byd
Country
South Africa
Country Slug
south-africa
Make
BYD
Model
SEALION 5 DM-i
OEM URL
https://www.byd.com/za/hybrid-cars/sealion-5-dmi
Source Name
BYD Auto South Africa
Source Page URL
https://www.byd.com/za/hybrid-cars/sealion-5-dmi
Source URL
https://prod.byd.com/material/byd-site/za/product/sealion-5-dm-i/Sealion-5-Specifications-SA.pdf
Variant
Dynamic DM-i
Fuel Economy Combined
5.2
Fuel Efficiency
5.2 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
5.2 l/100km
Combined Consumption
5.2
Claimed Fuel Consumption
5.2 l/100km
Average Fuel Consumption
5.2
Price Source
South African retail-market RRP listing (secondary verification)
Driving fit

Where the BYD SEALION 5 DM-i Fits Best

A practical view of the buyer and roads this model is best suited to.

Who buys this

A shopper researching SEALION 5 DM-i should separate need from showroom appeal. The best buyer for SEALION 5 DM-i can describe a recurring reason for choosing its suv layout. That may be the space for a family, the access needed for work or the cost of keeping a second vehicle for SEALION 5 DM-i. Start with passengers, cargo, parking, monthly kilometres and road surface for SEALION 5 DM-i. Then compare a e-CVT transmission and a e-CVT transmission with insurance, tyres, maintenance and the monthly finance payment for SEALION 5 DM-i

City
Around town, SEALION 5 DM-i should be judged by repetition rather than a single burst of acceleration. The relevance of a e-CVT transmission becomes obvious on a busy weekday, while a e-CVT transmission is worth checking before a purchase built around tight parking or frequent loading. The urban test for SEALION 5 DM-i should resemble the owner’s route: a cold start, queues, kerbs, a narrow turn and a place where people or goods must be loaded. The vehicle’s a front-wheel drive drivetrain is only useful if access and visibility work in practice for SEALION 5 DM-i. Check the mirrors and camera yourself, and remember that short journeys, idling and heavy air-conditioning use can move fuel consumption away from the laboratory figure for SEALION 5 DM-i
Highway
The body measures 4,738 mm long, 1,860 mm wide and 1,710 mm high, with a 2,712 mm wheelbase and a listed 150 mm ground clearance. On a South African freeway or inter-city road, take the SEALION 5 DM-i out with the load it normally carries. A South African price reference of R509,900 gives context, but a number cannot show how engine of 1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol Plug-in Hybrid feels on a gradient
Off-Road
If the SEALION 5 DM-i will leave smooth tar, test the actual road rather than the image around it. Check a e-CVT transmission against the stated drivetrain. The rough-road question has to be answered by hardware for SEALION 5 DM-i. On a known gravel or farm access section, inspect clearance, tyre sidewalls, underbody exposure, approach angles and recovery access for SEALION 5 DM-i. A South African price reference of R569,900 may help, but neither a tall bonnet nor plug-in hybrid alone creates four-wheel drive, low range or a published wading ability for SEALION 5 DM-i. Keep the speed and route within what the exact local derivative can support for SEALION 5 DM-i
4.3/5
Hagalu editorial score 4.3 out of 5 Reviewed by Hagalu Editorial Team · 2026-08-02

BYD SEALION 5 DM-i — Should You Buy It?

4.3/5
BYD SEALION 5 DM-i South Africa expert rating
Hagalu editorial review by Hagalu Editorial Team · 2026-08-02

SEALION 5 DM-i is a South African SUV with a suv body and plug-in hybrid power. Those figures suggest enough room for a small family's normal week, but a buyer should still test a stroller, sports equipment and full-size spare-wheel needs rather than buying from a number alone. SEALION 5 DM-i is easiest to recommend when the buyer can point to a concrete benefit in Plug-in Hybrid power and accept the limitation represented by a power output of 72 kW @ 6000 rpm. The local price should be judged against the equipment that is actually included, not an adjacent trim. That is the difference between a sound purchase and an expensive specification mismatch The conclusion depends on the exact South African derivative, its price and the work it has to do.

Desk research: Scored from verified published sources and Hagalu's South African buyer analysis; this vehicle was not road-tested for this review. This is a Hagalu editorial score, not a customer rating.

Safety 4.2/5 · 20%
4.2/5
Value 4.6/5 · 20%
4.6/5
Practicality 4.5/5 · 20%
4.5/5
Ownership 4.1/5 · 15%
4.1/5
Powertrain suitability 4.2/5 · 15%
4.2/5
Comfort & technology 4.1/5 · 10%
4.1/5

Evidence reviewed: Hagalu maintains the detailed source record internally so this page does not promote third-party vehicle websites.

How this score is calculated · Methodology v1.0

SEALION 5 DM-i deserves a closer look when its price, equipment and powertrain fit the owner’s route.

Those figures suggest enough room for a small family's normal week, but a buyer should still test a stroller, sports equipment and full-size spare-wheel needs rather than buying from a number alone. SEALION 5 DM-i is easiest to recommend when the buyer can point to a concrete benefit in Plug-in Hybrid power and accept the limitation represented by a power output of 72 kW @ 6000 rpm. A fair review of SEALION 5 DM-i should end with the owner’s route, not a universal verdict. The combination of a front-wheel drive drivetrain, a front-wheel drive drivetrain and a South African price reference of R569,900 can be valuable for the right driver for SEALION 5 DM-i. The same package may feel expensive or inconvenient if the vehicle spends its life in a different role for SEALION 5 DM-i. Drive the exact version loaded as it will be used, then read the service, warranty, tyre and insurance costs beside the purchase price for SEALION 5 DM-i

What's Good
  • ✓Body style: SUV
  • ✓Fuel type: Plug-in Hybrid
  • ✓South African price: R509,900
  • ✓Engine: 1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol Plug-in Hybrid
  • ✓Power output: 72 kW @ 6000 rpm
  • ✓Transmission: e-CVT
  • ✓Gearbox: e-CVT
  • ✓Drivetrain: FWD
  • ✓Drive layout: FWD
Watch Out For
  • ✕Exact equipment for SEALION 5 DM-i can vary by derivative.
  • ✕Real fuel use for SEALION 5 DM-i depends on route, load and weather.
  • ✕The written SEALION 5 DM-i quotation should be checked before purchase.
  • ✕Tyre, insurance and service costs need a separate SEALION 5 DM-i budget.
  • ✕A short SEALION 5 DM-i test drive cannot represent every ownership route.
  • ✕SEALION 5 DM-i capability should not be inferred from body styling alone.
  • ✕The adjacent SEALION 5 DM-i grade may suit a different workload.
  • ✕Published SEALION 5 DM-i figures are planning references, not guarantees.
  • ✕Buyers should confirm SEALION 5 DM-i stock and support terms.

BYD SEALION 5 DM-i FAQs

Current recommended retail prices for the BYD SEALION 5 DM-i run from R509,900 to R569,900, depending on the derivative. Compare the exact trim before calculating finance because options, insurance and dealer charges can change the final monthly cost.

The current south african range comprises Comfort DM-i, Dynamic DM-i. Prices and equipment are shown by derivative so buyers can compare the actual local range rather than specifications from another market.

The listed ground clearance for the BYD SEALION 5 DM-i is 150 mm. Use that number as a practical comparison point against similar cars, especially if you regularly deal with steep driveways, gravel roads or uneven parking areas.

The listed engine capacity for the BYD SEALION 5 DM-i is 1498 cc, with output shown as 72 kW (97 bhp). Where a model has more than one derivative, compare the specific variant because fuel type, gearbox and drivetrain can change the way it drives.

The combined fuel-economy figure shown for the BYD SEALION 5 DM-i is around 19.2 km/l.

A shopper researching SEALION 5 DM-i should separate need from showroom appeal. The best buyer for SEALION 5 DM-i can describe a recurring reason for choosing its suv layout.

Around town, SEALION 5 DM-i should be judged by repetition rather than a single burst of acceleration. The relevance of a e-CVT transmission becomes obvious on a busy weekday, while a e-CVT transmission is worth checking before a purchase built around tight parking or frequent loading.

The body measures 4,738 mm long, 1,860 mm wide and 1,710 mm high, with a 2,712 mm wheelbase and a listed 150 mm ground clearance. On a South African freeway or inter-city road, take the SEALION 5 DM-i out with the load it normally carries.

Buyers researching the BYD SEALION 5 DM-i often compare it with rivals such as Volkswagen Taigo , Jetour T1 , Renault Captur , Hyundai ALCAZAR , Jaecoo J7 . Comparing them side by side is the quickest way to see where your money goes — performance, fuel use, price and running costs can differ substantially.

Compare BYD SEALION 5 DM-i with Similar Suvs

Tap any card to see a full head-to-head — specs, scores and a clear verdict on which one's worth your money.

BYD SEALION 5 DM-i
VS
Volkswagen Taigo
SEALION 5 DM-i vs Taigo
Petrol SUV 3 Variants
Volkswagen Taigo from ZAR 514,500
See full specs & who wins →
BYD SEALION 5 DM-i
VS
Jetour T1
SEALION 5 DM-i vs T1
Petrol SUV 4 Variants
Jetour T1 from ZAR 514,900
See full specs & who wins →
BYD SEALION 5 DM-i
VS
Renault Captur
SEALION 5 DM-i vs Captur
Petrol SUV 3 Variants
Renault Captur from ZAR 515,999
See full specs & who wins →
BYD SEALION 5 DM-i
VS
Hyundai ALCAZAR
SEALION 5 DM-i vs ALCAZAR
Petrol SUV 3 Variants
Hyundai ALCAZAR from ZAR 499,900
See full specs & who wins →
BYD SEALION 5 DM-i
VS
Jaecoo J7
SEALION 5 DM-i vs J7
Petrol SUV 3 Variants
Jaecoo J7 from ZAR 519,900
See full specs & who wins →

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Other Current BYD Models in South Africa

Models currently listed for sale in the south african range.

BYD ATTO 2 DM-i plug-in hybrid
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ATTO 2 DM-i
SUV 2 Variants
Starting from ZAR 449,900
BYD ATTO 3 Electric
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ATTO 3
SUV 2 Variants
Starting from ZAR 699,900
BYD ATTO 8 plug-in hybrid
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ATTO 8
SUV 2 Variants
Starting from ZAR 1,059,900
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Data verified against: BYD Official South Africa Website

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