BYD’s Sealion 5 DM-i Essential, the entry trim of the newly launched plug-in hybrid in Vietnam, is priced at VND 739 million. The first 1,000 customers who place a deposit by November 30 can receive a VND 80 million reduction, taking the price to VND 659 million. The article says the Essential is VND 50 million below the Premium trim.
The lower-priced version keeps 18-inch wheels and LED lights, but omits several convenience and visibility features, including a 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, automatic wipers and an electric tailgate. It has rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. Inside, it uses a 10.1-inch touchscreen with six speakers; wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain. The Premium has a 12.8-inch screen and eight speakers. The Essential also lacks wireless phone charging, power-adjustable front seats and the Premium’s front-seat ventilation.
Its Blade LFP battery is 13.08 kWh, compared with 18.3 kWh in the Premium. BYD quotes an NEDC electric range of 82 km and a combined range of 1,150 km. The 1.5-liter petrol engine is shared by both trims. The Essential weighs 1,675 kg and reaches 100 km/h from rest in 8.4 seconds; it does not support DC fast charging. Its biggest equipment cut is the Premium’s 19-function ADAS suite: the Essential retains conventional cruise control and rear parking sensors, but not those driver-assistance systems.