The subcompact sedan segment has a new challenger.
In a night filled with fireworks, dazzling light display, and rumbling subwoofers, BYD Cars Philippines Managing Director Bob Palanca made a tectonic announcement to a rapt audience full of motoring journalists, enthusiasts, auto executives, and influencers who filled up the BGC Amphitheatre on November 21.
The BYD Seal 5 DM-i plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sedan is priced at Php 948,000 for its well-specced Dynamic variant. A Premium variant with extended range and more advanced features is also available for Php 1,198,000.
With this extremely competitive pricing, BYD’s opening salvo in the subcompact sedan category squarely puts the reigning Japanese subcompact segment kings in its crosshairs.
For under 1 million pesos, the BYD Seal 5 DM-i comes packed to the rafters with tech features that’s above and beyond other sedans in its class such as the DM-i electrified powertrain technology for unbeatable range and fuel savings, EV/HEV mode selector, portable and wall-charger capability, 6-speaker system, rotating 12.8-inch touchscreen (with wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay), full digital instrument cluster, auto climate control, app connectivity for controlling various car functions, drive mode selection (Eco, Normal, Sport), regenerative braking, wireless phone charger, and OTA/4G connectivity. Additional features in the Premium variant include vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, 115 km pure EV range, 7 kW wall charger, 6-way power driver seat, sunroof, cruise control, 360-degree camera system, 6 sensor radar system, and 8-speaker system.
The stated extended range of the Dynamic variant is 1,175 km per full tank, while the Premium variant is 1,240 km. In a test drive supervised by the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP), veteran drivers George and Louis Ramirez managed to drive the Seal 5 DM-i Premium model to an astounding 1,645.2 kilometers on a full tank of gas.
With BYD’s technical prowess on display in the Seal 5 DM-i’s on-road performance, its design and manufacturing chops has also manifested itself well in the car’s exterior and interior. The overall body design strikes a balance between strikingly bold and stately elegant. The cyber-infused front fascia and grill combination is a departure from the look of BYD’s recent vehicles such as the Sealion 6 and Seal. The fastback-like shape of the rear makes it stand out amongst its subcompact sedan competitors with its low sloping back. Inside, the extremely comfy front and rear leather seats give a satisfying premium vibe and feel found in more expensive cars. The fit and finish of the interior is also ace.
For those who want to experience the BYD Seal 5 DM-i firsthand, including a test drive, they can visit the BYD Tech Tour happening at the BHS Centrale Amphitheater at BGC from November 22-24.
More details are available at BYD’s FB page.
