I picked up the BYD Sealion 5 from BYD Grantham after a brief yet in-depth introduction to the new DM‑i hybrid system from their Sales Training Manager. The DM‑i hybrid system is a different take on hybrid tech compared to what most people in the UK are used to, and it made the handover feel more interesting than the usual “here are the keys” routine.
Initial Impressions
The first thing that stands out is how smooth the drivetrain is. There’s no hesitation, no awkward transitions — it feels much more like your “normal EV”. Running purely on electric power, the efficiency has been excellent, consistently between 4 and 5 miles per kWh, which puts it right up there with dedicated EVs (even outperforming my Volvo).
Inside, it feels reassuringly normal in the best possible way. The seats are extremely comfortable, the materials feel solid, and everything is screwed together with the confidence you would expect from a premium German car maker. It doesn’t try too hard to be futuristic or quirky – something many manufacturers should take note of.
Just 2.6 KW/h for 13.4 miles – that’s an impressive 5.15 miles per KW/h
Driving It Like an EV
For the first few days, I’ve been treating it more like a full EV to see how it compares to my Volvo EX30. I haven’t used the full hybrid mode enough yet to form a proper opinion, but the EV‑first setup of the DM‑i system makes the transition into electrified driving incredibly easy. You get the smoothness and efficiency of an EV, with the reassurance of a petrol engine sitting in standby should you underestimate your battery range or need to make that extra unplanned trip.
It’s a genuinely smart gateway into electrified transport. No range anxiety, no planning your life around chargers, and no feeling like you’re compromising. You’re getting the best of what an EV has to offer with the backup of petrol power.
On the Road
People notice it. The name BYD turns heads, and the styling helps too. It’s one of those cars that gets a second look without being loud or shouty. I’m looking forward to seeing how the full hybrid system behaves on longer trips, but right now, I’m not missing the EX30 at all.
Inside the Cabin
The cabin is where the Sealion 5 really settles in as a daily driver. It’s quiet, comfortable, and familiar. Everything is where you expect it to be, and the tech doesn’t get in the way of just driving the car. It feels like a proper family SUV, not a science experiment or tech demo. Coming from my daily EX30, it’s great to see tactile buttons too.
Wrapping It Up
Three days in, the Sealion 5 has made a strong first impression. It does everything you’d expect from a family SUV — space, comfort, ease of use, but the hybrid system adds a level of flexibility that makes the whole package feel smarter, without the sense of taking a leap into the unknown that comes with full EV ownership. Even my wife is impressed.
With fuel prices surging, the combination of EV‑first driving, impressive efficiency, and a sensible purchase price starts to make a lot of sense. You get the relaxed, quiet feel of an EV around town, and the reassurance of a petrol engine waiting in the wings.
If this is how the first few days feel, I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing how it performs once I start using the full hybrid system properly. I’m expecting some serious efficiency figures when we get down to putting it through some proper hypermiling.
For now, though, it’s been a great start with the Sealion 5, and I’m not missing the EX30 one bit.
