BYD Seal 5 PHEV Review: C-Class Sedan with External Charging

The hybrid car market in Vietnam is accelerating significantly. According to VAMA, in September, association members sold 1,371 hybrid cars, up 5% over the previous month. Toyota Corolla Cross HEV took the lead with 303 cars (up nearly 40% compared to 218 cars in August), followed by Honda CR-V e:HEV RS with 273 cars. The next group includes Toyota Innova Cross HEV with 259 cars, Suzuki XL7 Hybrid with 249 cars and Toyota Yaris Cross HEV with 122 cars. In the first 9 months of 2025, hybrid sales of VAMA members reached 9,785 cars, up 73% over the same period, showing the growing interest of domestic users.

Toyota leads the hybrid segment in Vietnam — Toyota is the king of hybrid car sales in Vietnam.

In that context, a wave of hybrid newcomers continued to appear in October, notably the BYD Seal 5 PHEV. This C-class sedan uses the DM-i Super Hybrid battery system, can operate purely on electricity for 120 km and has a total combined range of up to 1,200 km according to published information. Seal 5 is also BYD's second PHEV model in Vietnam, alongside the Sealion 6 SUV.

Body proportions and size footprint in C-class

The BYD Seal 5 is positioned as a C-class sedan but has dimensions described as outstanding in the segment. The car is 4,780 mm long and has a 2,718 mm wheelbase. These parameters suggest a spacious interior for both the front and rear seats and the luggage compartment, while creating a foundation for better body stability at high speeds, typical of models with a large wheelbase.

BYD Seal 5 PHEV uses DM-i, C-class sedan — BYD Seal 5 is the first C-class sedan equipped with PHEV technology. The car is equipped with DM-i Super Hybrid battery technology, a solution that BYD has applied on SEALION 6 currently sold in Vietnam.

Space and experience: benefit from the 2,718 mm wheelbase

According to the announcement, the 2,718 mm wheelbase allows Seal 5 to optimize legroom in the rear seats and perfect the storage capacity in the luggage compartment. For family users, this is the basis to expect a comfortable cabin for daily travel as well as long trips. Details on finishing materials, amenities and control interface will have to wait for the configuration of the commercial version in Vietnam.

DM-i Super Hybrid powertrain: 120 km of electric range in the city, 1,200 km for long-distance driving

The Seal 5 uses the DM-i Super Hybrid system that is already present on the BYD Sealion 6. The focus of this configuration is the ability to charge externally and operate purely on electricity for up to 120 km, suitable for urban travel, helping to significantly reduce fuel consumption during the work week. When combining the two energy sources, the total travel range reaches about 1,200 km, providing peace of mind for inter-provincial trips without being completely dependent on charging infrastructure.

From a usability perspective, drivers can use electric power for short distances and let the hybrid system optimize efficiency on the highway or when the battery is low, thereby balancing operating costs and convenience. Specific power, torque and energy consumption details have not been released; real-world driving experience will require testing when the car is launched on the market.

Safety and driver assistance: pending configuration announcement

Information about the active safety package, advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) or independent safety assessment ratings for the BYD Seal 5 is not mentioned in the current data. The equipment list will depend on the commercial version configuration when launched in Vietnam.

Price and positioning: BYD's second PHEV, increasing C-class options

BYD Seal 5 is positioned in the C-class sedan segment and is the company's second PHEV model in Vietnam after Sealion 6. The selling price and version configurations have not been announced. In the context of increasing demand for hybrid cars, especially among family customers, the appearance of Seal 5 can help expand the choice for users who prioritize operating costs and flexible travel range.

Main technical specifications (according to published information)

Category	Value
Segment	C-class sedan
Transmission system	PHEV (external charging)
Hybrid technology	DM-i Super Hybrid
Pure electric range	120 km
Combined movement range	1,200 km
Length	4,780 mm
Wheelbase	2,718 mm
Position in BYD product range	Second PHEV in Vietnam (with Sealion 6)

Conclusion: Clear strengths, remaining unknowns

The BYD Seal 5 PHEV enters the C-class sedan segment with three highlights: a pure electric range of 120 km suitable for urban areas, a total range of 1,200 km for long journeys, and a size and wheelbase of 2,718 mm that promise spaciousness. On the other hand, key factors such as power, active safety equipment and price have not been announced, so the actual competitiveness will only be clear when the car is launched and there are detailed performance reviews.

Market landscape: growth platform for PHEVs

Hybrid sales have been growing steadily, with best-selling models ranging from C-segment SUVs to 7-seat MPVs such as the Toyota Innova Cross HEV and Suzuki XL7 Hybrid. This is a favorable platform for PHEV models such as the BYD Seal 5 to reach users, especially households that prioritize fuel economy but still need flexibility for long trips.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/danh-gia-byd-seal-5-phev-sedan-hang-c-sac-ngoai-10308746.html