Car manufacturer BYD recently launched the Sealion 5 DM-i in spectacular fashion. The hybrid car promises exceptional performance for electric cars, with a range exceeding 1,000 km and a very attractive price for consumers. We spoke with Andrei Duica, BYD’s deputy country manager for Romania and Bulgaria, to find out more about the latest model launched and the company’s plans in Romania.
BYD is launching the Sealion 5 DM-i. What are the main advantages of this model?
SEALION 5 DM-i brings BYD’s Super Hybrid DM-i technology into the SUV-C segment, delivering true electric driving for everyday use with up to 86 km of pure EV range (WLTP), while maintaining the flexibility of a petrol engine for longer journeys. Thanks to its highly efficient hybrid system, fuel consumption can be as low as 2.1 L/100 km, helping significantly reduce running costs. With a starting price of EUR 27,600 (VAT included), SEALION 5 DM-i positions itself as the most affordable plug-in hybrid in its class, making the transition to electrified mobility both practical and accessible.
What new technologies are integrated into the Sealion 5 DM-i?
SEALION 5 DM-i delivers a well-balanced technology package that combines practical features such as V2L and a full ADAS suite, a spacious interior, and high plug-in efficiency, at a price level comparable to a conventional combustion-engine model. Its interface is modern and intuitive, built around two digital displays measuring 8.8 and 12.8 inches, complemented by essential physical controls on the centre console, touchscreen gestures for climate control, Hi BYD voice commands, NFC smartphone access, and connected functions via the BYD app, creating a user-friendly setup that gives drivers quick, easy, and logical access to all key functions.
Will the extended range be enough to attract customers who want a family car?
SEALION 5 DM-i offers up to 62 km of pure electric range in the Comfort version and up to 86 km in the Design version, seamlessly integrated into the Super Hybrid DM-i system for efficient everyday driving. With a full tank of fuel, this results in an impressive WLTP combined range of up to 992 km (Comfort) and 1,016 km (Design), delivering both electric convenience and long-distance flexibility. Beyond the extended range, it is the model’s overall practicality, from generous interior space and everyday versatility to useful technology and low running costs, that makes SEALION 5 DM-i a compelling choice for customers seeking a well-balanced, electrified SUV.
What advantages do you offer to those who purchase the Sealion 5 DM-i immediately after launch?
At launch, SEALION 5 DM-i has a promotional price of EUR 26,700 (VAT included) for the Comfort version and EUR 30,100 (VAT included) for the Design version, positioning it as the most affordable plug-in hybrid in the SUV-C segment. This means customers get all the benefits of a plug-in hybrid: electric driving for daily use and long-range flexibility without range anxiety at a price point typically associated with conventional combustion-engine vehicles. Adding to this value proposition, BYD includes as standard an extended warranty of up to 8 years or 250,000 km on the Blade battery, underlining confidence in its durability and reliability. The current offer is valid until 31 March, with the possibility of extension depending on customer interest, as the goal is to give as many buyers as possible the opportunity to experience and discover SEALION 5 DM-i.
How are BYD sales evolving in Romania and Europe? What are your sales targets for 2026?
After just six months of activity, it is still too early to draw meaningful conclusions regarding sales volumes. However, looking at the broader European context, BYD stands out as the fastest-growing brand among the top 10 best-selling EV manufacturers in Europe this year, which provides a strong signal of confidence. Based on this momentum, we expect a similar positive trend to gradually take shape in the local market as brand awareness and customer trust continue to grow.
Which models do you think will win the market in the future, full-electric, hybrid, or PHEV?
I believe the market is still in a transition phase, but 2025 clearly showed a growing appetite for plug-in hybrids. PHEVs have proven to be a very effective bridge toward full electrification, offering electric driving for daily use while removing concerns around range and charging infrastructure. A good example is SEAL U DM-i, which became the best-selling PHEV on the market in December. Looking ahead, I expect PHEVs to play a key role in the near to mid-term, especially for customers not yet ready to go fully electric, while full-electric models will increasingly take over as infrastructure improves and consumer confidence continues to grow.
You have chosen an unusual launch campaign, with live displays of the car on outdoor billboards and elsewhere. Why did you choose this campaign?
Our approach and objectives are fully aligned with BYD’s global scale, capabilities, and positioning, which is why we chose a different path from a traditional launch. Through this initiative, the launch moved beyond a private event and became an urban moment with national impact, designed to bring the brand closer to the public, while supporting BYD’s strategy of building nationwide awareness and making its technology more accessible to consumers.
What are the best-selling BYD models at present?
At the moment, SEAL U DM-i and DOLPHIN SURF are the best-selling models in our portfolio, which is fully in line with customer expectations. SEAL U DM-i has become a preferred choice for customers who value extended range and versatility, making it well suited for both urban use and longer journeys beyond the city, while DOLPHIN SURF appeals particularly to city dwellers looking for a compact, agile, and easy-to-use electric vehicle for everyday mobility.
