BYD has added a new plug-in hybrid SUV to its UK line-up, squaring off against the Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4.

The Sealion 5 DM-i becomes the Chinese carmaker’s ninth model for the UK and is forecast to become one of its top-sellers.

Available in a choice of Comfort and Design trim levels, it centres around a strong value-for-money proposition in the family SUV class; BYD says it’s priced to compete with similarly sized internal combustion engine-powered SUVs.

The DM-i plug-in hybrid powertrain combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor, producing a total of 212hp and able to cover the 0-62mph sprint in as little as 7.7 seconds.

The PHEV powertrain features two different battery capacities. Entry-level Comfort versions, priced from £29,995, draw energy from a 12.9kWh battery, which enables a fully electric mode range of over 38 miles (WLTP). These also emit 62g/km of CO2 and have a weighted combined fuel consumption figure of 104.6mpg.

Sitting above this, Design versions start from £32,995 and get a larger battery for greater electric-only mileage. Battery capacity grows to 18.3kWh, which sees the total range rise to 53.4 miles and gives a full tank combined range of up to 631 miles. CO2 emissions drop to 48g/km, and weighted fuel consumption improves to 134.5mpg.

In both models, the battery can be topped up via a 3.3kW onboard 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, such as a portable coffee machine or lawnmower.

BYD says both grades are designed to offer strong levels of standard equipment.

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. The driver gets an 8.8-inch LCD instrument panel.

The cabin comes with vegan leather trim for the seats and steering wheel, plus six-way electrical seat adjustment for the driver as standard, with four-way adjustment on the passenger seat.

Entry-level Comfort versions feature 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera, plus electrically adjustable, electrically folding and heated door mirrors

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

The cabin is designed for generous rear leg and headroom, plus a 463-litre boot.

Four exterior colours will be available. Atlantis Blue is available as standard, while three more choices, Obsidian Black, Time Grey and Polar White, are available for £850.

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.”

BYD’s latest model for the UK launches as the carmaker continues to see huge success, both globally and on these shores.

In October, BYD announced that the UK had become its largest international market outside of China for the first time while full-year figures show that the Chinese brand Tesla as the world’s bestselling EV carmaker in 2025.

BYD has also appointed its first head of fleet sales for the UK market alongside its first head of remarketing, supporting a greater focus on both areas.

The Sealion 5 is available to order now and arrives in dealers from 7 February, with customer deliveries due to start shortly after.