BYD Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic: sustainability without the anxiety

BYD Cars Philippines looks to lead the charge in electrification locally with a salvo of sustainable offerings.

One of the Ayala-led company’s recent releases was the Seal 5 DM-i, and Zigwheels Philippines put the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) through its paces. 

Here is what the author found out after driving the BYD Seal 5 DM-i’s base variant, during a three-day trip up north. 

Zero anxiety 

For the unaware, the BYD Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic uses a hybrid powertrain that combines an electric motor with an internal combustion engine (ICE).

The system takes an electric vehicle (EV)-first approach where the Super DM-i system prioritizes the use of its permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), leaving the 1.5-liter gasoline powerplant to act as the electrified powertrain’s generator. 

It is equipped with an 8.3-kilowatt-hour Blade battery that should cover some 50 kilometers (km). With the high-efficiency generator in play, it should be able to drive up to 1,175 km overall. 

On that note, the BYD Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic was more than capable of taking on a trip from Manila Bay, Zambales, Bataan, and back again. The trip covered about 828 km and required a seat time of approximately 15 hours. 

During the drive, we periodically switched from EV to HEV mode to make the most out of the hybrid system. In doing so, we were able to maximize its battery and the regenerative function of the ICE. 

There was still some fuel left in the tank when we reached Manila Bay on our final day, proving that one can enjoy sustainable driving without the anxiety. Should one run out of range, the driver can simply refuel the tank. 

It is also worth noting that the BYD Seal 5 DM-i’s battery does not solely rely on the regenerative function of its gasoline engine. It can be juiced up at EV charging stations, giving owners plenty of options to power their rides. 

Green can be exciting

The BYD Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic wants to dispel the common misconception that green cars are boring. 

On paper, the hybrid sedan is able to put out the following numbers: 

Maximum power output (in horsepower)	176
Maximum torque (in Newton-meters)	316
Acceleration	0-100 in 7.9 kph

Behind the wheel, the above figures translate to immediate acceleration as the electric motor is able to deliver torque without having to go through the typical revolution buildup that one experiences with traditional ICE vehicles. 

As a result, the BYD Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic can give one confidence when overtaking vehicles on national highways or expressways. 

Further, power delivery remains consistent at both low and high speeds. So, it is easy to maintain pace in various driving situations. 

Deceleration and halting are managed by ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear. These provide ample stopping power, which is still smooth enough that it won’t rock the passengers off their seats. 

Suspension-wise, the BYD Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic is supported by a Mac Pherson strut setup at the fore and a torsion beam arrangement at the back. Both of which are adequate enough for agile and athletic driving. 

Tech-savvy cabin 

Like most of BYD’s offerings, the Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic comes with a wealth of technological features. 

The driver is faced with an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster that displays the following information: 

• Time
• Drive mode 
• Engaged gear
• Temperature 
• Speedometer 
• Battery level 
• Fuel meter 
• Estimated range 

It is complemented by a 12.8-inch rotating infotainment screen with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Audio is blasted to a six-speaker sound system. 

It is worth noting that the BYD Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic is the entry-level variant. Still, it is packed with plenty of tech, which one will be hard-pressed to find with the base trim models from other brands. 

Here are other amenities one will find inside the BYD Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic: 

• Automatic air conditioning 
• Voice assistant
• Over-the-air update capability 
• Leather seats 
• Leather steering wheel 
• Leather door trims 
• Knob-type gear selector

Eye candy 

The BYD Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic boasts a sleek exterior. That said, it was normal to see bystanders eye the cavalcade of cars that were passing through foliage-filled provincial roads. 

Its fascia gets a grille with plenty of horizontal lines. Above it is a pair of headlamps accentuated by a long parallel chrome strip. Here, the BYD emblem can be found. 

To its sides are body-colored door handles and side mirrors, a set of two-tone 16-inch wheels wrapped with 255/60 series tires, some dark-colored pillars, and a touch of chrome appliques on the windows. 

At the back, the BYD Seal 5 DM-i gets taillamps connected by a long horizontal light bar with the BYD logo, as well as the Seal 5 and DM-i badges, finished in chrome. 

Overall, the hybrid car does not look out of place when on the road. It flaunts a stylish exterior that reflects its sustainable nature and its tech-savvy character. 

Price

The BYD Seal 5 DM-i is priced at P948,000. 

Also read:

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BYD Seagull: sole variant on offer

ELECTRIA: How does the BYD Atto 3 perform doing real-world activities?