The Essential is the entry-level model in the Sealion 5 range. At $43,990 it's $6k cheaper than the Premium we reviewed recently... and about as pared-back as BYD New Zealand can reasonably make it, because more it's aimed mainly at fleets.
"Pared-back" doesn't really mean basic. At least not any more. There's a level of technology and safety built into many modern cars that's there regardless (be glad), but the Essential does have a substantially smaller count of comfort and convenience features than the Premium.
Oh, and there's a major change to the powertrain to this cheaper model that may not worry you at all, or might just be a deal-breaker. Read on.
On the outside: what are the BYD Sealion 5 Essential's main design features?
The Essential is all but identical to the Premium on the outside, right down to the same 18-inch size and style of alloy wheel.
The fundamental difference between Essential and Premium is the DM-i super hybrid system, which draws on a 12.9kWh battery here rather than the more expensive model's 18.3kWh unit.
To tell them apart you need to look... up. The Premium has a panoramic glass roof, which the Essential lacks; same goes for the Premium's standard-fit roof rails.
The Sealion 5 has presence in the right colour, but if it looks a little out of step with BYD's more style-led offerings, there's a reason. Although it was only launched in NZ this year, the Sealion 5 dates back to 2023 in its current form in China (it's called the Song Pro there), and even that model is an update of one launched in 2019.
OVERVIEW
| Price | $43,990 |
| Body style | 5-door medium SUV |
| Wheels and tyres | 18in alloy wheels, 225/60 Hankook Ion Evo tyres |
| Length | 4738mm |
| Wheelbase | 2712mm |
| Weight | 1724kg |
| Website | bydauto.co.nz |
On the inside: what's the BYD Sealion 5 Essential cabin like?
It's a measure of how far the mainstream car market has come when you consider what equipment the Sealion 5 Essential lacks compared to the Premium: 360-degree camera, auto-dimming mirror, power adjustment and heating/ventilation for the driver's seat, and a wireless phone charger are among the missing.
It downsizes in infotainment screen size quite dramatically, from 12.8 inches to 10.1in. You still get full wireless phone projection, though.
In short, stuff you probably would not have expected on your family car anyway a decade ago. The Essential remains a well-equipped SUV, with a multi-function steering wheel, synthetic leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control with vents in the back and the full BYD Digital Key experience.
It does downsize in infotainment screen size quite dramatically though, from 12.8 inches to 10.1in. You still get full wireless phone projection, although the audio quality relies on 6 speakers rather than the Premium's HD 9-speaker setup. Having said that, it's not bad at all.
It's spacious for passengers, with good leg and headroom in the back and a 60/40 split rear seat. The 463-litre boot is decent by segment standards and the back seats fold fairly (not completely) flat.
INTERIOR
| Head-up display | No |
| Infotainment screen | 10.1 inches |
| Phone projection | Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay |
| Wireless phone charger | No |
| USB ports | 1x USB-A and USB-C front plus 12-volt, 1x USB-A and USB-C rear |
| Climate control | Dual-zone |
| Front seat heating/ventilation | No |
| Front seat adjustment | Manual |
| Boot capacity | 463 litres |
| Rear seat split/fold | 60/40 |
| Power tailgate | No |
On the road: what's the BYD Sealion 5 Essential like to drive?
The fundamental difference between Essential and Premium is under the bonnet. Same 1.5-litre petrol engine, but the DM-i super hybrid system draws on a 12.9kWh battery rather than the more expensive model's 18.3kWh unit.
Not that long ago, 60km would have been a good EV range for a PHEV. Now it's merely average.
BYD lists 71km EV range for the Essential (Premium 100km), but that's under the rather lenient NEDC standard. We found 60km to be more realistic in everyday commuting, which is still not bad at all but arguably a bit below the point where you could drive for a few days and not think about charging (assuming you want to maximise electric driving).
That's another way in which the car market has really moved on. Not that long ago, 60km would have been a good EV range for a PHEV. Now it's merely average.
Despite the smaller battery, the electric motor remains the same, so the combined 145kW/300Nm outputs are unchanged. And BYD's super hybrid tech is pretty impressive: the petrol engine is mainly there to generate electricity (although it can drive the wheels if needed), with EV-drive always prioritised.
Put the powertrain under duress - a long uphill stretch or some quick overtaking, for example - and the petrol engine will fire up quite quickly to help out. The default mode is EV, but if you want to keep hybrid (HEV) primed and ready you can do that via a rocker switch on the centre console.
The handling is all about consistency and safety. The steering feels assured and the natural cornering attitude is towards gentle understeer. It's well-sorted rather than sporty.
We do miss the Premium's 360-degree camera in city driving, especially given the Essential also lacks front parking sensors. So watch that wall.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Powertrain type | Plug-in hybrid |
| Capacity or battery | 1.5-litre petrol 4-cylinder, 12.9kWh battery |
| Power | 145kW |
| Torque | 300Nm |
| Transmission | Single-speed, FWD |
| Power to weight | 81kW/tonne |
| Adaptive suspension | No |
| Efficiency | 1.2l/100km (3P-WLTP), 4.5l/100km combined (manufacturer claim) |
| Tank size and fuel type, EV range | 52 litres, 91 octane, 71km (NEDC) |
| Tow rating | 750kg |
On ownership: what's the BYD Sealion 5 Essential warranty and servicing situation?
BYD NZ's warranty covers the complete vehicle for 6 years/150,000km. The traction battery is covered for 8 years/160,000km.
The Sealion 5 requires an initial service check at 6 months/5000km, then every 12 months or 20,000km.
On the whole: what do we think of the BYD Sealion 5 Essential?
The Essential remains a well-equipped and supremely easy-to-drive family car with impressive hybrid technology. But while it has a lower purchase price, it doesn't represent the same value for money you get with the Premium.
Granted, $6k is still a lot of money, but you're getting nearly half-again in EV range, and a whole lot more equipment that will make the ownership experience so much nicer.
BYD Sealion 5 Essential FAQs
What kind of car is the BYD Sealion 5 Essential?
A medium-sized family 5-door SUV.
Does the BYD Sealion 5 Essential have hybrid or EV technology?
It's a plug-in "super hybrid".
What’s the fuel economy of the BYD Sealion 5 Essential?
The Rightcar 3P-WLTP figure is 1.3l/100km, but with PHEVs the real world fuel economy depends on how often you charge them.
Is the BYD Sealion 5 Essential safe?
The Sealion 5 hasn't yet been tested by ANCAP, but it rates 5 stars under NZ's VSRR system.
What safety and assistance features does the BYD Sealion 5 Essential have?
| Intelligent lights | LED |
| Rain sensing wipers | Yes |
| Airbags | Dual front, far side driver, driver and front passenger side, side curtain |
| Adaptive cruise control | Yes |
| Driver attention monitor | Yes |
| Traffic sign recognition | Yes |
| Forward collision warning | Yes |
| Blind spot warning/assist | Yes/no |
| Lane departure warning/assist | Yes/no |
| Rear cross traffic alert/braking | Yes/yes |
| Reverse collision braking | Yes |
| Parking sensors | Rear only |
| Camera system | Rear |
What are the BYD Sealion 5 Essential's main rivals?
- Forthing Taikon Luxury super hybrid ($39,990): So much metal for the money and 180km EV range.
- BYD Atto 2 DM-i Premium ($42,990): Smaller car, but much more modern and larger EV range.
- Chery Tiggo 7 CSH Urban ($39,990, currently on special): Good quality and super hybrid tech, average to drive.
- Geely Starray EM-i Complete ($45,990): More spacious than the BYD, not as dynamic.
- Jaecoo J7 SHS EX+ ($49,990): Getting beyond our budget now, but stylish and big EV range.