BYD educated me a lot last year. Every car launched is followed up with a drive that always involves a short lecture about their DM-i hybrid system. They even invited me to China last year to see their headquarters and what they’re working on. I swear I was muttering, “DM-i” in my sleep that when they invited me for an “all DM-i” drive, I almost refused.
It’s not that I don’t like them. It’s just that I’ve basically lived and breathed DM-I that I don’t think this experience would bring anything new to the table. That changed once we’re on the road. I’ve heard that the drive to Bicol would be arduous, but I didn’t think it’s going to be that bad for a car. In fact, they even brought in a Shark 6 just to carry backup tires for the fleet.
After everything was driven and done, I realized five things about these BYD hybrids.
Lack of aesthetics pay off
Some BYD hybrids, particularly the Seal 5 DM-i (read our full review), get criticized for their motoring media chunky levels of tire side wall. It doesn’t look aesthetically pleasing, but on our provincial roads it would only compromise ride comfort.
It proved to be crucial going around the corrupted roads going to Bicol. My group had four adults and the Seal 5 still had no problem carrying us. The cabin remained comfortable despite the bumpy roads. We felt a bit like Vince Hizon muttering, “putang-ina” when the suspension bottomed out a few times thanks to ninja deep ruts, but not a single tire was blown during the three-day drive. I can’t imagine our fate if that rubber had thinner side walls. Neil Armstrong would have been proud.
Sealion 6 remains stellar
We were switching cars throughout the drive and our second day ended with the OG DM-i model, Sealion 6 (read our full review). After riding and driving it for hours, it dawned on me that we were more comfortable in it than its two brothers—the Sealion 5 and the Tang DM-i. The price premium over the Sealion 5 is worth it since you have more power, a bigger battery, and more space for all occupants and your cargo.
We were switching cars throughout the drive and our second day ended with the OG DM-i model, Sealion 6 (read our full review). After riding and driving it for hours, it dawned on me that we were more comfortable in it than its two brothers—the Sealion 5 and the Tang DM-i. The price premium over the Sealion 5 is worth it since you have more power, a bigger battery, and more space for all occupants and your cargo.
BYD’s DiSus C is legit but not for everyone
The first car we drove and rode was the eMax 9 DM-i in its Premium trim. I was very impressed with how it rides the bad and bumpy road of SLEX. At our first stop, we had a quick chat with Bob Palanca, the Managing Director of BYD Cars Philippines. He told us that we should try the car’s Comfort Mode as it is very plush. Wait, what?
BYD’s DM-i hybrid system was simply outstanding during the drive. We covered more than 600 kilometers that started in Acacia Hotel in Alabang and drove towards Batangas City, Lucena, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Legazpi, before finally settling on the serene view of Sorsogon. I just get tired thinking about the feat, but imagine we did all that with still half tank of gas to spare.
Except for the eMax 9, all the BYD DM-i cars are a delight to drive. I’m not saying the eMAX 9 is bad, it just leans toward comfort driving or cruising and not really meant for some of the canyon carving we did. They have different power outputs, but none felt underpowered. And that’s a key takeaway here. Despite by clear bias for the Sealion 6, I’d admit, the Seal 5 DM-i is the best one to drive through curves. Whichever BYD you choose, you can be assured, you can drive them without the guilt of fuel burning through your budget.
The first car we drove and rode was the eMax 9 DM-i in its Premium trim. I was very impressed with how it rides the bad and bumpy road of SLEX. At our first stop, we had a quick chat with Bob Palanca, the Managing Director of BYD Cars Philippines. He told us that we should try the car’s Comfort Mode as it is very plush. Wait, what?
My eyes widened at the realization that since we began our trip, the eMax 9’s suspension was on Sport Mode, yet it’s very comfortable. When we switched over to Comfort, the difference wasn’t night and day, but still noticeable. The car was more absorbing of impacts and ruts and can cradle kings of any fauna to sleep, especially those in the second-row Captain Seats; especially if you cue the massage function.
The only trade-off is the handling—it will make the car feel floaty. It will bounce just short of being a waterbed. Some will see its advantages for ride comfort, but others won’t like it especially if you feel a bit like Max Verstappen, or more appropriately, Zhou Guanyu behind the driver’s seat.
DM-i is the best hybrid system right now
BYD’s DM-i hybrid system was simply outstanding during the drive. We covered more than 600 kilometers that started in Acacia Hotel in Alabang and drove towards Batangas City, Lucena, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Legazpi, before finally settling on the serene view of Sorsogon. I just get tired thinking about the feat, but imagine we did all that with still half tank of gas to spare.
BYD’s “electric first” approach is the crucial advantage of the DM-i system. It uses the electric motors only at lower or cruising speeds and will only need the engine if the battery is low or you need more power like for overtaking or an incline. The great thing about it is if you have enough charge, the EV mode of the car won’t let go. You can push past the speed limit, and it won’t switch the engine on. And remember, all BYD cars have a relatively big battery that can absorb all the regenerated braking energy like your neighborhood chismosa. In effect, it gives you more EV power as you go farther. Play it right—braking, throttle, EV mode activation—and you’ll reduce your fuel consumption to a size zero.
Spicy as Bicol Express
Except for the eMax 9, all the BYD DM-i cars are a delight to drive. I’m not saying the eMAX 9 is bad, it just leans toward comfort driving or cruising and not really meant for some of the canyon carving we did. They have different power outputs, but none felt underpowered. And that’s a key takeaway here. Despite by clear bias for the Sealion 6, I’d admit, the Seal 5 DM-i is the best one to drive through curves. Whichever BYD you choose, you can be assured, you can drive them without the guilt of fuel burning through your budget.
Words and Photos by Vincent Villa
What was the SOC setting for that drive?
ReplyDeleteIt started with 100 percent charge, but drivers were allowed to switch between HEV/EV modes as they wished.
Deletewith 3 fuels to choose from. Solar, Electricity and Gasoline. No anxiety from soaring oil prices and threat of oil shortage and brown outs.
ReplyDeleteDM-i is the best hybrid system now.
ReplyDeleteToyota left the group.
Yeah left the group and now millions units ahead. Toyota sold 5M hybrids last year
DeleteLooks like Geely’s EM-i system works the same way…
ReplyDeleteWonder how much are the annual PMS?
ReplyDelete