BYD is focused on having an offering in almost every segment here in the Philippines. They already have something for MPVs in the eMax 7, compact crossovers in the Sealion 6, compact EV crossovers in the Atto 3, and an attainable EV in the Seagull. It’s only natural that they set their sights on a market where the old guards still reign supreme—the 7-seater midsized SUV segment.
Instead of bringing in an all-new car, BYD devised a new formula. Why not revise their flagship EV SUV by plopping in a plug-in hybrid powertrain, and have it compete with seasoned players. This is basically how the Tang DM-i came about.
We were given the chance to drive it from Quezon City to Subic via Bataan in a 350-kilometer road trip. It’s no surprise that the Tang DM-i lived up to expectations, but also how it came up short. Let me explain.
Design is a matter of taste, but I can’t help but point out that the Tang DM-i’s exterior is closer to the Sealion 5 DM-i rather than the Tang EV. Gone is the Dynasty Look from the latter and in its place is this huge grille with dragon-scale like cues. Because of this deliberate style change, the Tang DM-i isn’t much of a head-turner the way the Tang EV is, or even the Sealion 6 DM-i or the Atto 3 for that matter.
The cabin fares a bit better since the main aesthetic is the same as the Tang EV. They did remove the LED ambient lighting accents on the dashboard surface itself, but the overall look is still as premium as its P 3.321-million EV sibling I also like how they retained the two-spoke steering wheel, complete with the gloss dimple accent at the bottom section.
Another big difference in here, especially when compared to other DM-i models is the absence of the rotating touchscreen. A frivolous party trick found in BYDs of late, the carmaker themselves probably realized that the rotating function is just as useful as eating noodles with a spoon, especially since Apple CarPlay and Android Auto don’t work when the screen’s set in portrait mode.
The cabin is also where BYD started to miss the marks. First, the cover for the panoramic sunroof isn’t solid, but more curtain-like. It’s fine for roads with tons of shade, but it stood no chance under the clear sky at noon.
Then there’s the rear air vents behind the center console. I’d prefer them by the headliner, but most Chinese brands just put them here. Moreover, the air coming out of these second-row vents are noticeably weaker. Combine that with the lingerie-thin sunshade, and it’s not a great place to be in on a sunny day.
Go to the third row and it becomes worse. Aside from the child-like space, there’s no air vent to speak of back here. With the tailgate glass close to the occupant’s head position, things will get hot. Honestly, it makes it feel like the third row was done out of compliance as opposed to genuine thoughtfulness.
Driving the Tang DM-i flaunts a different side of the car. The first row is a great place to be in, especially because of the now-signature BYD bucket style seats.
The steering is light and responsive, while the body itself feels stable at corners even at speed. The ride is also definitely better than the Sealions that came before it. The tuning is different as it’s far cushier over potholes and road ruts. Honestly, the feel is close to that of the CR-V.
While the Tang DM-i is the first locally available to have a turbocharged engine, the 1.5-liter 4-cylinder only acts as a generator. The grunt, is still mostly provided by the front-driven electric motor which puts out 271 horsepower and 315 Nm. These figures are close to its EV sibling, with just a 45 Nm drop in torque. The switch from EV to hybrid and back is also seamless and almost inaudible, especially if you have music playing.
Now, BYD rates that the Tang DM-i can go for 110 kilometers in EV only mode, while combined it has a range of 1,160 kilometers. It’s the fourth model to produce these sort of numbers, and all I can say is, these things go farther than their published range figures—even in traffic.
Honestly, during this drive, the only thing that hampered my driving experience was the Automatic Emergency Braking or AEB. There were several instances where it activated despite me having a good distance from the car in front of me. The other features in BYD’s DiPilot Advanced Driver Assist System are all good though, especially the 360-camera system that’s high-resolution and accurate.
BYD said the price for the Tang DM-i is at P 2,098,000. That number’s generally good as most top-of-the-line mid-size SUVs, this BYD’s rivals, have gone around or beyond P 2.5 million. Sure, this may not come with monstrous torque, but it’s more responsive, doesn’t falter uphill, has better range, and rides way better. That’s why it’s frustrating they cut corners when it came to passenger comfort.
They were so focused on offering a more affordable SUV that they completely failed to consider the second and third-row passengers. Ventilation is just one thing, but it’s one that weighs a lot, especially considering it’s the kids, the lolos, and the lolas that will sit there. And for those looking at the Tang DM-i as an executive car, it’s where the big boss will sit. Unless you want to start living like Dracula—leaving the house only before sunrise and after sunset, it’s a big shortcoming. Of course, someone will say to just crank the aircon up so more of it will circulate in the car, but that will consume more energy, defeating the purpose of efficiency.
The BYD Tang DM-i will certainly find its home at a few garages, perhaps for those who’re DINK (double income, no kids) couples who don’t love their friends or extended family that much. If you’re a family considering a bigger 7-seater with more efficiency, it would be wise to look at alternatives for now as BYD’s contender in the mid-size SUV segment needs a take two.
Words and Photos by Vincent Villa.
Same features and dimension ng 1.6M chery tiggo rev CDMI. Byd tang a wagon, tiggo rev a proper SUV
ReplyDeleteTiggo REV PHEV is just a Chery Fulwin version of the aging old Tiggo 8 Pro platform 🤣🤣
DeleteBYD Tang PHEV is bigger,newer and much safer than the Chery Fulwin 8 PHEV and Jetour X70 Plus PHEV
Obviously you didn't check out the Chery. I checked out both. Chery has better tech. And a better 3rd row. It can seat an adult up to 5ft6in. Don't comment if you dont have the proper data.
DeleteChery REV PHEV/Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV/Chery Fulwin 8 PHEV isn't a huge vehicle as its smaller than the BYD Tang DM-I
DeletePHEV technology of BYD is far more superior than the PHEV technology of Chery Group
You guys obviously don't know anything about these cars. Chery is a mobile phone supplier and Tang is a Juice. Do your homework kids!
Deletelol
DeleteHindi same company ang cherry mobile sa cherry auto wala silang kinalaman sa isat isa 🤦
Deleteits not a SUV, its a wagon.
ReplyDeleteThis just made the Sealion 6 and Emax 7 even better options within the brand for majority of users and at lower asking prices. Otherwise it's hard to convince Innova/Zenix buyers to switch beyond the tempting extended range.
ReplyDeletemain reason why SL6 sold a lot is from its pricing, its way better priced than ICE competitors but Tang price gap is not as big to overcome its chinese identity
Deleteagree 100%. but maybe many people reserved ahead of the launch.
DeleteExpensive for what it is.
ReplyDeleteThis current gen has been around for almost 7 years. Its not even the new facelifted model available in China.
3rd row of Sorento Hybrid is better (still tight) which is 100K cheaper (base model) than Tang, not to mention the Sorento looks better and from a brand with more prestige than BYD.
exactly, why risk ur 2M for a chinese car. ppl who can afford 2M will go for better quality
DeleteThis is the 2023 facelift version because the tail lamps follow their latest design. I can't find a newer face-lifted version past this, so maybe you're talking about the Tang L? But then the L is positioned higher than the normal Tang.
Delete@anon 2:29 PM
DeleteYou can say that for any amount (people who can afford; 1M, 1.5M, 2M, etc) but people will buy what they want which is why you see a lot of Chinese cars on the road anyway.
The BYD Tang DMi was first introduce in China in 2022. The model launched in the Philippines is the new 2025 model. The old version has a Build Your Dreams spelled out at the back. The 2025 model only has BYD inscription instead.
DeleteKia Sorento uses an unreliable turbocharged gasoline engine from Hyundai aside from being bare and uses a weaker hybrid motor and battery combination
DeleteIf we're talking 7-seater SUV, there is also a Hyundai Santa Fe 2.5 GL that's not quite as efficient. It also won't blow your socks off with gadgets and doodads, but it has everything you'll need for P2 million. Most importantly, whether it sits in your dream or in your garage, it is a proper 7-seater SUV.
DeleteThey got it wrong. 1.7m or lower will be more forgiving.
ReplyDeleteUnlikely that they'll price it at 1.7 Million Pesos unless they remove the ADAS and give it steel wheels in that price range
DeleteNo separate rear AC is a dealbreaker. The console mounted vent is just plumbing from the front AC, which means that airflow there will be much weaker than the front and than a dedicated rear AC system.
ReplyDeleteSad that they removed the rear overhead aircon vents. Tang EV have overhead vents for 2nd and 3rd row. Might be a deal breaker, the aircon vents of the 2nd row behind the center console is just like an extension from the front aircon, hence the weaker air.
ReplyDeleteI agree. This system is acceptable in a subcompact or pickup because of their smaller cabins, but for this rather big 7 seater, it needs to have proper rear AC.
DeleteWould there be any infringement with BYD Tang using a well known orange juice drink name Tang?..
ReplyDeleteNone of course.
DeleteHow does this DM-i tang compare to the BEV version and which is better?
ReplyDeleteTang na pakainit sa likod
ReplyDeleteOld stocks, zero mileage remnants?
ReplyDeleteThis is the newer version for foreign export markets.
DeleteI would wait for Geely EX5 EMI which is set to be released in Ph this December or January.
ReplyDeleteThe only exceptional about the lackluster tang is the high price🤑🤑🤑
ReplyDeleteThe general consensus here is that this 2025 (actually 2024 or even 2023 body shape & engineering) Tang DM-I falls much short on features as well as value for money (significantly overpriced).
ReplyDeleteThere's no 2 ways about the above, and many more as well as I, concur.
I'm not surprised though, as Product Development/Marketing teams of Philippine automobile dealers/distributors have a dismally low batting average. It appears that they are asleep, or reside in another Asian country.
BYD Philippines's other miss is the relatively slow selling Sea Lion 5 DMI which is heavily de-contented but still overpriced( once one adds all the features of the Sea Lion 6 has, plus the larger size and upscale interior/exterior) as against. their own Sea Lion 6.
Note also that this Tang DM-I is at best a 2024 model still with BYD's Super DM-I tech which appears to be the same BYD Super DM-I tech of the Sea Lion 6 in 2024. If I am not mistaken, BYD has a V 5.0 of their Super DM-I.
So you have a 2024 (masquerading as a 2025) Tang DM-I using the same Super DM-I Tech (check the specifications of both Tang DM-I and Sealion 6 at the BYD Phils. website), are given a few more driving aids & an additional 2 child seats and price it at P550K more !
If the Sealion 5 at P1.2M was off the mark being from P100K-P150K more expensive for what one gets, the Tang DM-I is out of the ballpark for being at least P300K-PP350K pricier for what one gets.
What the others here comment is that the 7-Seater Chery Tiggo REV is only P1.648M with slightly roomier 3rd row seats, which is clearly much better value than this Sealion 7 DM-I as it is P450K less.
Also, a day or 2 ago the price of the 7-Seater Jetour X7 Lightning DM-I was lowered to P1.498M. A vehicle worthy of consideration as against the Tang DM-I as it's P600K less than the Tang DM-I.
Note that I have a Sea Lion 6 in my garage, and was waiting for an AWD PHEV from BYD. An AWD Sea Lion 6 (which is sold in other countries like Australia at 10%-11% more than the FWD) would have fit my needs even at 15%-17% (P1.78M- P1.8M to provide some profit for BYD Philippines) more than the P1.548M Sea Lion 6.
If you're listening BYD, time to replace the Product Development and Product Marketing Groups with personnel that are more relevant to today's market. Part of Product Development is as simple as BYD's Sales Executives taking a survey among their buyers as to what new vehicle (Crossover, SUV or Sedan, still FWD or AWD. Too many Crossover FWDs as it is.) the buyers would be interested to purchase, then just gift the buyer with a coffee cup, key chain, T-Shirt, Cap, etc. for their time.
Also, vehicle buyers are now more savvy than 5 or 6 years ago, so super hyping up an obviously overpriced (for what it is) vehicle with an obsolete design and tech is no longer going to translate to more sales.
Please wake up BYD.
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The Philippines almost never gets a fully up to date model (for any brand). Getting a 'newer' model 1-2 years later than the rest of the world (or longer for stuff like the 4th gen Vios) is pretty standard for our market.
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