BYD’s Sealion 5 is offered in Vietnam in Essential and Premium trims, both imported from Thailand. The listed prices are VND739 million and VND789 million respectively, while promotional prices are VND659 million and VND709 million—leaving the same VND50 million difference. The SUVs share dimensions of 4,735 x 1,860 x 1,710 mm, a 2,712 mm wheelbase and front-wheel drive.
Both versions use a 1.5-liter plug-in hybrid system with a 160 hp electric motor and a 98 hp gasoline engine. The Premium has an 18.3 kWh BYD LFP Blade battery, compared with 13.08 kWh in the Essential. Their NEDC electric ranges are 110 km and 82 km, while combined figures are 1,200 km and 1,150 km. The Essential is fractionally quicker from 0 to 100 km/h, at 8.4 seconds versus 8.5 seconds.
The Premium’s additional equipment includes adaptive cruise control, lane and collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts and a 360-degree camera. It also brings power-adjustable front seats, a powered tailgate, wireless charging, an 8-speaker audio system and a 12.8-inch infotainment screen; the Essential has a 10.1-inch display and six speakers. Both trims include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the article frames the choice around whether the Premium’s added range, safety technology and convenience justify the extra cost.