BYD Reviews

The two-variant Sealion 5 range is topped by the Premium version which costs $37,990 plus on-road costs. For that, you get the basic Sealion 5's plug-in hybrid driveline, a mid-sized SUV layout, seats for five and some extra gear such as a panoramic sunroof, improved stereo, powered front seats and a powered tailgate.You also get a larger EV battery which takes the potential EV range to a claimed 100km and can be charged on a household socket in less than six hours.The rest of the driveline is the same as the Essential model, including the single electric motor driving the front wheels through a one-speed transmission and a 1.5-litre petrol engine whose main job is the charge the battery-pack. Power is a handy 165kW and torque is 300Nm.Safety gear runs to seven airbags including a front-centre airbag, and the full range of driver aids including autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, rear-cross traffic alert and active cruise-control. There's also an on-board tyre pressure monitoring system. The Sealion 5 has not yet been crash tested by ANCAP.The Sealion 5 carries BYD's six-year/150,000km warranty with an eight-year/160,000km on the EV battery.

At $34,990 plus on-road costs, the Essential trim level is the first step in the BYD Sealion 5 range. The vehicle is a mid-sized SUV with seating for five and features a plug-in hybrid driveline.Powering the vehicle is a 1.5-litre non-turbocharged engine which basically keeps the 12.9 kWh battery charged, although the petrol engine can also drive the wheel if maximum performance is required. A single-speed transmission is fitted and the Sealion 5 is front-wheel-drive. Peak power is 165kW and torque is 300Nm.The Sealion 5 can be charged on a household socket in under four hours, but there's no provision for using a commercial fast-charger.Standard equipment includes a central info-screen and separate driver-display unit, full wireless connectivity, digital radio, alloy wheels and dual-zone climate-control. The front seats are cushy and comfy, although the rear cushion feels a bit flat. There is, however, plenty of room in the rear seat, even for adults.Safety gear runs to seven airbags including a front-centre airbag, and the full range of driver aids including autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, rear-cross traffic alert and active cruise-control. There's also an on-board tyre pressure monitoring system. The Sealion 5 has not yet been crash tested by ANCAP.The Sealion 5 carries BYD's six-year/150,000km warranty with an eight-year/160,000km on the EV battery.

BYD's Sealion 8 is a full-sized family SUV with seating for seven and a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The Sealion 8 Premium is the flagship variant in BYD's seven-seat plug-in-hybrid SUV line-up.

The push towards plug-in hybrids has taken another step with BYD adding just such a powertrain with its Sealion 5 line-up. As well as the EV-only range and equipment levels a lot of families are searching for, the BYD also arrives at a super-sharp price-point. But will that be enough to make it stand out in what is becoming a sea of mid-sized plug-in SUVs?

BYD has held nothing back in extending its Sealion line-up. Not only do the new Sealion 8 variants adopt a plug-in hybrid powertrain, they're also the first to offer a seven-seat solution. There's plenty of choice in trim levels and even a pair of drivelines to choose from; one pretty mild, one very wild. But can the BYD redefine the three-row SUV concept in any meaningful way?

The Premium sits atop the two-model Atto 2 range, listing at $35,990, before on-road costs. It's important to note it shares its motor, battery and driving range with the cheaper Dynamic, so what you're paying for is more included features.

The BYD Atto 2 Dynamic is the cheapest electric SUV in Australia, listing at just $31,990, before on-road costs.

If you instantly associate electric vehicles with an inflated price tag it's time to think again. The compact BYD Atto 2 SUV has taken the crown of Australia's most affordable new EV and we've had a revealing first drive.

Australia gets yet another ute but does the BYD Shark 6 Premium deliver?