Just two years after its local introduction, BYD Cars Philippines has confirmed that it’s almost ready to launch the new Seal 5 DM-i.
Teased alongside the Atto 2—which will be sold in both EV and PHEV variants—the Seal 5 DM-i carries the tagline of “Everyone Can Go Electric.” With this in mind, it’s very clear that they’re targeting the mass market, likely gunning for the heart of the B-segment (sub-compact sedan).
At this point, BYD Cars Philippines is keeping details of the Seal 5 DM-i and Atto 2 under wraps, but it’s very clear that even from their teaser that it’ll wear the Ocean Aesthetics design language spearheaded by Wolfgang Egger. This dynamic, marine-inspired look features fluidic lines and wave-like interior elements inside.
For the new Seal 5 DM-i it means a new front end that puts it closer to the Sealion 5 and 6, design-wise with full LED headlights and daytime running lights. At the back, it has the waterdrop taillights—a continuous LED trip with water-shaped dots.
According to its DOE homologation papers, the Seal 5 DM-i will remain dimensionally the same as its predecessor with exactly the same length (4,780 mm) and width (1,837 mm). It is, however, slightly taller at 1,515 mm (versus 1,495 mm). Its wheelbase is also the same at 2,718 mm. It has a trunk capacity of 508 liters bigger than the current model’s 450 liters.
Moreover, it will come in two variants—the Essential and the Dynamic. This points to the strong possibility of seeing its price remain steady (or even drop slightly) as evidenced by the powertrain.
Shared across both variants is a plug-in hybrid powertrain with an electric output of 161 horsepower (120 kW) and 210 Nm of torque. The 1.5-liter 4-cylinder gas generator provides 100 horsepower (74 kW) and 126 Nm of torque. These figures are slightly lower than both the current Seal 5 Dynamic (179 horsepower) and Seal 5 Premium (197 horsepower) resulting in a slower 0 to 100 km/h sprint of 8.8 seconds (versus 7.3 to 7.9 seconds). Likewise, its BYD Blade Battery shows a smaller capacity. With just 7.42 kWh, the electric-only range is down to 55 kilometers (NEDC), and charging is limited to just 3.3 kW.
Per its official documentation, the Seal 5 DM-i will both feature automatic headlights, sequential turn signal indicators, LED taillights, and a rear fog light. It also gets keyless entry and start, cruise control, single zone climate control with rear vents, 10.1-inch non-rotating touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 4 speakers, rear camera, rear parking sensors, and tire pressure monitoring on both the Essential and Dynamic.
Differentiating the two variants would be different alloy wheel designs (both 16 inchers though) as well as auto up/down power windows, two more airbags (total of 4), power folding sideview mirrors, synthetic leather steering wheel and seats, and an NFC card key for the Dynamic.
Given that the Atto 2 will launch in a similar time frame, it’s the right call for BYD Cars Philippines to make sense of its pricing.
As a reference, the current Seal 5 DM-i is priced between P 958,000 to P 1,198,000. Don’t be surprised if BYD actually reduces it down to the low P 900,000 range to add a bit more breathing room for the Atto 2 EV and DM-i (recently previewed at a BYD Tech Tour stop) which will likely be priced at P 950,000 to P 1.1-million range.
whats the point of this refreshed model where the performance aspect and battery are all downgraded?.. meaning this car will only be all show and no go? all the money goes to the looks only?
ReplyDeleteMaybe for lower price?
DeleteNot everyone's going to need a faster 0-100.
DeleteWe'll see about that..
ReplyDeleteDear BYD, if no one's ever told you, the round airbag/horn-cover steering wheel is ugly. The current Seal 5 looks just fine. If you insist on the round shape, look at what Mazda is doing.
ReplyDeleteCouldn’t agree more
DeleteMaybe because it's Cheaper than putting lots of button in it
DeleteByd has too many products in the market, eventually they will have to discontinue some units due to parts inventory. Now the problem becomes resale value, it will drop like a hot potato. Do you want to get caught with it?
ReplyDeleteDon't sell and there won't be a problem
DeleteFirst come first, Don’t buy and there won’t be a problem
DeleteDo you want to buy a 6-yr old BYD? at how many % compared to its brand new price?
ReplyDeleteAtto 2 BEV is gonna be priced at P1.1M?
ReplyDeleteIf you dont use your car often BYD is not for you... You won't have a return on investment... And resell is probably low. Cars like these are efficient but you need to use them and get your money's worth... Same with Tesla. I travel 50 to 60 km a week,,, so an EV or a hybrid won't be much of a difference... Maybe a 2 yearold japanese hybrid will be uo my alley
ReplyDelete