The BYD Sealion 5 received three stars from ANCAP, the first BYD tested by the safety body to fall short of five stars. The rating applies to both Australian grades of the plug-in hybrid SUV and follows testing under protocols introduced in 2026. ANCAP selected the model for assessment after BYD had not put it forward for testing.
The SUV scored 51 per cent for crash avoidance and 48 per cent for safe driving. ANCAP cited, among other shortcomings, lane-keeping that failed to respond in road-edge tests, as well as the absence of child-presence detection, seatbelt misuse alerts and an emergency-call function. The result was announced alongside a five-star rating for BYD’s M9 plug-in hybrid people mover.