BYD has confirmed the launch of its ninth model in the UK - the new Sealion 5 DM-i.

Starting from £29,995 the new mid-size plug-in hybrid car offers strong value-for-money in the family SUV class.

The Sealion 5 DM-i is forecast to become one of BYD's top-selling models in the UK, joining a line-up which was already strong enough to see BYD close out 2025 as the country's leading battery electric and plug-in hybrid manufacturer.

It will be offered in a choice of two trim levels, with high levels of standard equipment across the range. The range begins with the Comfort, priced from £29,995 on-the-road. It offers a specification that incldused 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.

Buyers wanting to experience an even more upmarket experience can opt for the Design version, which has an on-the-road price of £32,995.

The top trim level boasts welcome lights, an electric tailgate, front parking sensors, a 360 degree camera system, wireless smartphone charging and heated front seats.

Whichever trim level buyers choose, they will have a car big 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 assists an electric motor in order to give the smooth driving experience of a fully electric vehicle with the versatility of a petrol car.

The Comfort trim covers the 0-62mph sprint in 7.7 seconds, while the Design completes the benchmark in 8.1 seconds.

The Comfort model draws its energy from a 12.96kWh battery, which enables a fully electric mode range of over 38 miles - enough to do the average UK car journey with room to spare. It also emits just 62g/km of CO, resulting in a weighted combined fuel consumption figure of 104.6mpg.

The Design benefits from a larger battery for even greater electric-only potential. Total capacity grows to 18.3kWh, which sees the total range rise to 53.4 miles.

CO2emissions drop to 48g/km, and weighted fuel consumption improves to 134.5mpg. In both models, the battery can be topped up via a 3.3kWon-board charger.

The Sealion 5 also features Vehicle-to-Load technology, which allows owners to run various appliances from the car's on-board battery, for example a portable coffee machine or lawnmower.

Steve Beattie, deputy country manager of BYD UK, said: "The Sealion 5 strengthens the BYD line-up by offering our most accessible entry point into DM-i plug-in hybrid technology to date. Its combination of meaningful electric-only range, outstanding efficiency and everyday usability is matched by a starting price that compares favourably against many similarly sized combustion-engine SUVs. Crucially, it also delivers the advanced technology and high specification that customers expect from BYD."