Setting a new benchmark for value: The BYD Seal 5 DM-i

As you may have heard recently, BYD has just launched its latest hybrid sedan offering, the Seal 5 DM-i. A few weeks before though, we were able to get an exclusive first crack at the sedan, and if you were astonished at the price of the Seal 5 DM-i, we’re about to give you a few more reasons to get excited about this new hybrid sedan.

Though our seat time inside the Seal 5 DM-i was a bit quick, it did allow us to experience the sedan’s features, build quality, and most importantly, its power. Without further ado, let’s talk about the Seal 5 DM-i, what this sedan brings to the table, and explore how this sedan redefines the concept of value for money.

Starting with the looks, the BYD Seal 5 DM-i is already off to a great start. Being a compact sedan, it must look striking enough to turn heads, but not too much that it becomes garish. Luckily, BYD did it just right.

The BYD Seal 5 DM-i showcases BYD's "Ocean Aesthetics" design philosophy, drawing inspiration from marine themes with sleek, flowing lines and contemporary details. The front grille features a unique chrome-accented design, complemented by sharp LED headlights that exude a futuristic vibe. At the rear, dynamic LED taillights contribute to its sporty appeal, while stylish alloy wheels (17 or 18 inches depending on the variant) complete its bold and sophisticated look. In the looks department, the Seal 5 DM-i commands a certain degree of attention but still looks discrete enough to fly under the radar most of the time.

Another quality that amazed us with the Seal 5 DM-i is the sheer amount of safety features it has, even in the Dynamic variant. As standard, the Seal 5 DM-i is equipped with six airbags, a comprehensive radar system, and a 360-degree view camera (Rear Camera only in the Dynamic variant). BYD’s DiPilot Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) further enhances safety with features designed to make driving easier and more secure.

Aside from active and passive safety features, BYD also ensured that the Seal 5 DM-i’s components were safe. At the heart of this range-extended EV is the Blade Battery, known for its efficiency and exceptional durability capable of withstanding extreme crushing and penetrating forces. The amount of thought that went into making the Seal 5 DM-i a safe vehicle should make any driver feel confident behind the wheel. 

The interior of the Seal 5 DM-i is crafted to deliver a premium and futuristic experience. A highlight is the innovative rotating infotainment display, which seamlessly transitions between portrait and landscape orientations, offering versatility for navigation, media, and apps. High-quality materials, including soft-touch finishes and leather upholstery, add an upmarket air and enhance comfort. The cabin is generously spacious, providing ample headroom and legroom for up to five passengers. Added conveniences such as wireless charging and multiple USB ports ensure that connectivity and functionality are always within reach. In addition, the entire cabin felt solid and well put-together, we did not detect any loose bits or creaking of the sorts in our quick jaunt with the sedan.

In our short time with the car, all the systems inside that we interacted with worked smoothly, with no screen lag and other maladies to report on both the 12.8-inch touchscreen as well as the 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster. In addition, the Seal 5 DM-i’s climate control was plenty powerful, being able to fully cool the interior in just a few minutes.

We weren’t able to fully test out the infotainment’s smartphone connectivity, or the DiLink Ecosystem included in the car due to the limited time we had with it. Maybe once we put it to the test in a review so watch out for that.

Like its bigger brother the Sealion 6, the Seal 5 DM-i is powered by BYD’s Super DM-i hybrid system. The electric motors are given the sole job of propulsion while the 1.5-liter gasoline engine is there to provide extra juice for the battery. This means you get the power benefits of an EV without having to fear running out of charge.

The Premium variant produces 194 hp and 325 Nm of torque, while the Dynamic trim offers slightly less but still powerful 177 hp and 316 Nm of torque. Acceleration is a major highlight, with the Premium model reaching zero to 100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds, while the Dynamic trim achieves the sprint in 7.9 seconds. The Seal 5 DM-i’s power is immediately evident when you step hard on the accelerator, as the electric motor effortlessly overcomes the tire’s grip, producing a playful and satisfying tire squeal.

If we put on our sensible hats, the Premium trim offers an electric-only range of up to 115 km, so theoretically, you could complete most journeys without ever using a drop of fuel. For longer journeys, the combined range is claimed to extend up to 1,240 km. The Seal 5 DM-i’s impressive fuel efficiency offers substantial savings, with BYD estimating up to 40 percent lower fuel costs compared to conventional sedans. Plus, with PMS required only once a year, overall ownership costs are kept low. 

At the media test drive held a few weeks back, BYD did not give us a concrete answer in terms of price but they did mention that it will undercut most of the competition. At the time, considering the amount of kit and power the Seal 5 DM-i had, we were surprised to hear that. Now that it has launched, our jaws fell to the floor when we learned that the starting price of the Seal 5 DM-i was pegged at P948,000 for the Dynamic variant, and P1,198,000 for the Premium.

When compared to other compact sedans, the BYD Seal 5 DM-i stands out by offering exceptional value without compromising on features or quality. This stylish sedan boasts the performance, power, and safety features typically found in higher-priced vehicles. BYD has not only introduced a strong contender to the sedan market, but they’ve also set a new standard for value for money.

In today’s world, is it possible to get more for less? BYD says yes.

Explore the BYD Seal 5 DM-i on AutoDeal.com.ph for a full list of specs, features, and variants. Click the “Get Quote” button to connect with official BYD sales agents in minutes.