The new BYD Sealion 5 DM-i SUV arrives in Romania with an unbeatable price
Over 1.000 km of autonomy and starting price of 27.600 euros: BYD Sealion 5 DM-i was officially launched in Romania
The Chinese from BYD (Build Your Dreams) are not playing around. After testing the waters with models like the Atto 3 or the luxurious Seal, the manufacturer that is competing with Tesla for the world's first place in electrified car sales has officially launched an extremely dangerous player in Romania for the mid-range SUV segment: the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i.
It's not just another SUV, but a Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV) that promises to eliminate "range anxiety" with a starting price that makes the European competition look twice over its shoulder: 27,600 euros (including VAT). Deliveries will officially begin in February.
Exterior Design: "Dragon Face" in a modern twist
The Sealion 5 DM-i adopts the "Ocean Aesthetics" design language, overseen by the famous Wolfgang Egger (former designer at Alfa Romeo and Audi). The result? An SUV that looks fluid yet imposing.
Front: It is distinguished by its signature “Dragon Face”, with sharp LED headlights and a sophisticated textured lower grille that gives it an aggressive yet clean presence.
The profile: We notice sculpted lines that direct airflow and a strategically painted D-pillar to create that floating ceiling effect so popular today.
Rear: Takes a minimalist approach, with a continuous LED strip joining the taillights, giving the car greater visual width.
Dimensions: With a length of 4,738 mm and a wheelbase of 2,712 mm, the Sealion 5 is generous, offering interior space that rivals models in higher segments.
Interior Design: Technology that spins (literally)
If the exterior design is balanced, inside BYD has "thrown" everything it has in terms of gadgets. The piece de resistance is, without a doubt, the 12.8-inch central screen that can be rotated by simply pressing a button, switching from landscape format (ideal for navigation) to portrait (perfect for menus or social media in the parking lot).
Materials: The seats are upholstered in vegan leather and are electrically adjustable as standard.
Digitization: The 8.8-inch dashboard is clear, and the multimedia system natively supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Practicality: The trunk offers a volume of 463 liters, enough for an active family, and by folding the seatback you reach a generous 1.410 liters.
Engines and Performance: BYD Super Hybrid
Under the hood we find the DM-i (Dual Mode intelligence) system. It is designed to prioritize electric propulsion, with the 1.5-liter internal combustion engine (petrol) often functioning as a generator or only intervening at high loads.
Here's how the two versions available in Romania compare:
| Feature | Comfort Trim | Design Trim |
| Powertrain | 1.5L + Electric Motor (Super Hybrid) | 1.5L + Electric Motor (Super Hybrid) |
| Combined Power | 212 hp | 212 hp |
| Battery Capacity | 12.96 kWh | 18.3 kWh |
| Electric Range (WLTP) | 62 km | 86 km |
| Total Range (Combined) | 992 km | 1,016 km |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | 7.7 seconds | 8.1 seconds |
| Top Speed | 170 km/h | 170 km/h |
| Average Fuel Consumption | 2.1 L/100 km | 2.1 L/100 km |
| Key Features | 18" Alloys, 12.8" Rotating Screen | 360° Camera, Wireless Charging, Power Tailgate |
The Comfort version is faster in the 0-100 km/h sprint because it is lighter, having a smaller capacity battery.
Charging technology and special functions
A big advantage over many PHEV competitors is support for fast charging (DC), which means you can "fill up" the battery at a public station in a time comparable to a shopping session.
The Sealion 5 DM-i also comes with the V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) function. Basically, your car becomes a giant external battery. You can power an espresso machine at a picnic, charge an electric bike, or even provide power to another car in an emergency.
Safety and Equipment
Safety is not optional at BYD. As standard, the SUV comes with a generous package of ADAS systems:
Adaptive and Intelligent Cruise Control.
Front/rear collision warning and emergency braking.
Blind spot monitoring and lane assist.
The Design equipment adds that extra comfort: 360° camera, front parking sensors (in addition to the rear ones on the Comfort), wireless phone charging and electric tailgate.
Prices and Availability in Romania
BYD is aggressively entering our market with prices that include VAT:
BYD Sealion 5 DM-i Comfort: from 27,600 euros.
BYD Sealion 5 DM-i Design: from 30,100 euros.
Given the car's dimensions and Plug-In Hybrid technology (which allows electric driving in the city for most daily commutes), the Sealion 5 positions itself as an extremely solid alternative to classic gasoline or diesel SUVs.
BYD models available on the Romanian market
In addition to the newly launched Sealion 5 DM-i, the BYD range in Romania has expanded rapidly, now offering options for almost every segment, from affordable city cars to luxury limousines and performance SUVs.
Here are the main models available on the official network and their indicative prices (VAT included, before any government subsidies):
1. 100% Electric Models (BEV)
BYD Dolphin Surf: Recently named "Car of the Year 2026 in Romania", it is the brand's most affordable model. It is a compact car ideal for the city, with an urban range of up to 500 km. Starting price: approx. 18,990 – 19,400 euros.
BYD Atto 2: A compact electric SUV, versatile and with a youthful design, positioned below the Atto 3 in the range. Starting price: approx. 27,000 euros.
BYD Seal: A sports sedan that competes directly with the Tesla Model 3. It impresses with its lightning-fast acceleration and Cell-to-Body technology (the battery is part of the car's structure). Starting price: approx. 45,800 euros.
BYD Sealion 7: A high-performance electric SUV with a coupe-like design and premium features, the top of the range for fans of pure electric propulsion. Starting price: approx. 48,000 – 50,000 euros (depending on version).
2. Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) models
BYD Seal 5 DM-i (Sedan): The sedan version of the technology found on the Sealion 5. It is an elegant sedan with remarkable efficiency. Starting price: approx. 29,900 euros.
BYD Seal 6 DM-i & Touring: Upper-class models, available as both a sedan and a station wagon (Touring). They are ideal for fleets or families that make frequent long trips. Starting price: approx. 32,000 – 35,000 euros.
BYD Seal U DM-i: A more spacious SUV than the Sealion 5, focused on ultimate comfort and luxury features. Starting price: approx. 37,100 euros (through active promotional offers).
In Romania, BYD is represented by strong partners such as ATP Group (with centers in Baia Mare, Oradea, Satu Mare) and Autoglobus (Timi?oara), but also by dedicated dealers in Bucharest and Cluj.
Conclusion: A new era of electrified accessibility in Romania
The launch of the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i marks a turning point in the local auto market. At a time when new car prices seem to be escalating without stopping, the Chinese manufacturer demonstrates that a modern SUV, equipped with cutting-edge technology and a highly efficient hybrid system, can be offered at a price that directly undermines the established European and Asian competition.
Through its diverse range — from the agile Dolphin to the imposing Sealion 7 — BYD is no longer just an exotic name in brochures, but a pragmatic alternative for Romanians who want:
Uncompromising efficiency: Over 1,000 km of combined range for the Sealion 5 DM-i.
Cutting-edge technology: Blade battery (recognized for safety) and fully digitalized interiors.
Real value: A features/price ratio that forces the rest of the market to rethink their strategies.
With first deliveries scheduled for February, the Sealion 5 DM-i has every chance of becoming a "best-buy" in the mid-size SUV segment, offering the perfect transition for those who are not yet ready to take the step towards a 100% electric car, but want to drastically reduce visits to the gas station.