As a product and platform, the Tang isn’t new to Filipino car buyers. The Tang, as an EV, has been around ever since BYDs chintzily emblazoned “Build Your Dreams” on the trunk lid. However, with a price tag north of P 3.4-million your love (lust) for one had to be as blind as Jensen Huang’s is for someone named Alice. Call it a flash of brilliance then that when the time came for them to engineer a midsize 7-seater SUV, they simply recycled an aging product, removed some features, and plop in the most coveted powertrain. In gist, that’s what the BYD Tang DM-i is.

In terms of looks, BYD tried trimming out as much of the Tang EV’s Dynasty styling, and for the most part, it worked. Credit is due to the Tang’s modernly cut silhouette which still looks fresh for something that’s been around in the Philippines for at least three years already. The Sealion 5 DM-i-esque grille and blacked out elements—wheels, badges, roof rails—also lends a sense of masculinity to a shape that otherwise shouts “soccer mom” from a mile away.

Of course, that shape is important as the Tang DM-i offers seven seats across three rows. Unfortunately, even in that regard, the experience is quite mixed. The first two rows offer plenty of room with the second row even offering split sliding and reclining functions. The main weakness here has to do with the third-row which is engineered like an afterthought. Getting in and out is inconvenient enough with a second-row that doesn’t tumble. Add to that a particularly thick seatback, and the dexterity of a gymnast is needed to enter the third row. Once in there, the thick rear suspension tower housing protrudes too much that it makes a part of the third-row cushions unusable. But hey, they do make for some convenient armrests (and cup holders). At 170 centimeters, I’m not the most vertically gifted person, but the ceiling low enough to ruin hairdos. Worth mentioning too that there aren’t any air vents which can be a comfort issue even during overcast days. And, because of the small windows, it can get claustrophobic in the back quickly.

Terrible as the Tang DM-i is as a seven-seater, as a 5+2, it’s decent. The interior is bog-standard BYD in that there are plenty of soft-touch paneling and upscale stitching. The decision to outfit a light gray color scheme is gutsy given this is still a family-oriented crossover, but it does successfully lend it a look and feel of airness and space. And save for some minor scuffing and staining, the leather on the steering wheel and seats have held up nicely for a demo unit that’s done more than 20,000 kilometers.

Tech-wise, the Tang DM-i scores high with a large digital driver’s display (with two available views) and an even larger center screen. The screen size alone makes hitting the different icons easy enough; important since most functions are integrated into the 15.6-inch screen. Navigating the on-screen menus and hitting on-screen prompts is intuitive enough if you’re used to BYD’s Android-based system. Customizable shortcuts are also available with a simple swipe down command anytime except when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The driver’s display is legible enough, but because the same bank of controls is used to control both the infotainment and various functions of the display itself, switching between screens require a two-step process. Forget to hit the “Menu” button, and you’ll end up changing the volume or music track.

The part where the Tang DM-i feels its age is with its driving dynamics. Simply put, it’s weak sauce. Now, one could argue that 7-seater crossovers aren’t designed as canyon carvers but unfortunately, the BYD fails at even the most fundamental of things—steering, handling, brakes; something magnified to an exponential extent given its price and positioning. The steering is artificial with zero feel. Even on the heavier Sport setting, it’s way too light that it doesn’t inspire zero confidence. It also lacks precision with a peculiar near-center dead zone. Connected to that is a chassis that’s too softly sprung. This is evident when the tires are inflated to their prescribed 38 PSI. And though it passes for what Filipinos would generally label as “pliant,” drive it fast enough through larger or deeper potholes, and it bottoms out easily. It also tends to float over, as opposed to properly absorbing, undulating road surfaces. There are also plenty of wiggles and knocks emanating from the suspension, but I’m chucking that down to the age of this particular unit and the abuse it’s been subjected too. Finally, the brake pedal feels wooden with heaps of brake dive.

The Tang DM-i’s poor dynamics dulls the luster of its impressive plug-in hybrid powertrain. The setup is composed of a turbocharged 1.5-liter mated to an electric motor putting out a combined total of 271 horsepower and 315 Nm of torque. These figures are mostly generated by the electric motor meaning it doesn’t lack in pulling power be it from a stand still or when merging on the highway. It also makes short work of uphill climbs too. Impressive also is the refinement of the combustion engine which kicks in with little drama. There’s a slight vibration felt through the pedals, but otherwise, the impressive NVH masks whatever the engine’s doing. For those who’d like to keep the ICE off, they can do so by toggling the EV Mode. The 21.5 kWh battery also means it can do more than 100 kilometers (around 120 kilometers at 6.99 km/kWh during our test) between charges. Impressive. When the battery’s charge dips to around 18 percent, it automatically switches to HEV mode. Even then, it barely sips fuel (18.61 km/L) even during a week filled with ASEAN-related road works. Plus, it requires just 91 Octane.

Completing the package is a full set of safety equipment including the BYD DiPilot. Some call the AEB overly sensitive, but once set to trigger as late as possible, it feels well-tuned for day-to-day driving. The lane keeping system is oversensitive, but that can be switched off (permanently) by scrolling through a menu in the center screen. The 360-degree camera too is high-resolution and accurate.

There’s no doubt that the Tang DM-i has the specs to scare the more established competition. And if your buying experience is largely dictated by that, this shapes up to be a runaway winner. However, once you start getting seat time, things aren’t as shiny or glossy as they seem. Impressive as the powertrain is, it can’t mask the number of engineering shortcuts made here. Not only is it as sharp as a butterknife, but it’s about as exciting as lukewarm tap water. Moreover, its interior packaging isn’t fully realized. These shortcomings aside, it’s still well-kitted for the price and carries the least stigma, brand-wise, when it comes to Chinese brands.