The new BYD Seal 5 DM-i now sets the bar when you want to go father by going over 1,600 kilometers on a single tank of gas.

Let’s tackle the most important bit: the powertrain. The Seal 5 DM-i is the first BYD model in the country to use the fifth-generation Super DM-i technology. It has five key features. First up, it has BYD’s most efficient 1.5-liter gasoline generator that squeezes more out of every drop of fuel. Then, you have a lighter, yet stronger hybrid system with a slimmer, but more powerful electric motor equating to a punchier performance without the extra weight.

Helping coordinate these two powertrains is the work of smarter electronics featuring BYD’s latest chipset. This allows for quicker response and better efficiency. Hand in hand with a more energy dense BYD Blade Battery it allows for more electric range with the same battery size. The smarter brains and stronger heart also unlock predictive energy management allowing the Seal 5 DM-i to optimize the use of the engine, the electric motor, and even manage the battery seamlessly.

The Seal 5 DM-i offers 163 horsepower and 210 Nm of torque enough for a 0-100 km/h sprint in 8.8 seconds and a top speed of 180 km/h. But beyond performance it also has the flexibility offered by an all-electric range of 55 kilometers thanks to a 7.42 kWh BYD Blade Battery. This can be charged using either the complimentary portable or wall box charger.

Likewise, the cost of ownership is made even lower than before. With once-a-year PMS, its 5-year maintenance cost is just P 71,023.77 or about 44.5 percent lower than other sub-compact sedans.

The Seal 5 DM-i is impressively large for its class. It also happens to take on the latest BYD aesthetics. The modern look pioneered by the Sealion 6 DM-i, the Sealion 7, and the Seal EV is present here. It offers full LED lighting with automatic headlights and daytime running lights at the front, and a full-width taillight at the back. Power adjust and folding sideview mirrors (for the Dynamic) are standard and at each corner are 16-inch alloy wheels.

There’s an 8.8-inch instrument cluster in front of the driver, and for infotainment a 10.1-inch touchscreen with 4 speakers. Naturally, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard issue as are USB charging ports and an automatic air conditioning system.

At the back, rear passengers get their very own AC vents on top of adjustable headrests and three-point seatbelts. For added flexibility, the rear bench folds down in a 60-40 split. But even with the rear seats up, the trunk space is quite generous at 522 liters. Fold it down, and it grows to 1,295 liters.

In terms of safety and convenience, the Seal 5 DM-i is well-equipped for its segment. Not only do you get things like multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, and even Vehicle Dynamics Control with Hill Hold Control, but you also get cruise control, rear parking sensors, a rear parking camera, a tire pressure monitoring system, and much more.

The BYD Seal 5 DM-i rewrites the sub-compact sedan formula by offering the best value proposition to first-time car buyers. With its first-in-segment features, particularly its fifth-generation Super DM-i technology, it’s a smarter first sedan that delivers more efficiency, more technology, but with less cost over time.

The Seal 5 DM-i is priced at:

• Seal 5 DM-i Essential: P 898,000 (Introductory), P 948,000 (SRP)
• Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic: P 998,000 (Introductory), P 1,048,000 (SRP)

This is inclusive of a standard 6-year vehicle warranty and an 8-year electric battery and drive unit warranty.

Curious about the new BYD Seal 5 DM-i? Check it at any one of the 80-plus BYD dealerships nationwide or visit the official BYD Cars Philippines website to learn more about the latest models, offers, and activities.