BYD Cars Philippines, under the ACMobility banner, has officially introduced the Sealion 5 DM-i to the local market. This plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) represents BYD’s commitment to making electrified mobility more accessible in the Philippines. Sitting between the larger Sealion 6 DM-i SUV and the Seal 5 DM-i sedan, the Sealion 5 DM-i offers a compelling balance of advanced hybrid technology, stylish design, practical dimensions, and value-oriented pricing—geared particularly toward young professionals and first-time EV buyers.
Powertrain & Performance
The BYD Sealion 5 DM-i is equipped with the brand’s innovative Super DM-i powertrain, which combines a highly efficient internal combustion engine with a strong electric motor for optimized fuel economy and performance.
- It features a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine, primarily serving as a generator to recharge the battery and support extended driving range.
- The permanent magnet synchronous electric motor delivers impressive output figures: 197 PS and 300 Nm of torque, enabling the SUV to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds.
- Power is drawn from a 12.96 kWh lithium iron phosphate (Blade) battery, which enables a pure electric range of up to 71 kilometers (NEDC cycle).
- In combined hybrid mode, the total range exceeds 1,000 kilometers, making the Sealion 5 DM-i ideal for both city commutes and long-distance trips.
- Real-world fuel efficiency has been recorded at approximately 25.27 km/l, reflecting excellent economic benefits.
Charging Capabilities & V2L Functionality
The Sealion 5 DM-i supports practical charging options and advanced features that increase its usability in everyday life:
- The onboard 3.3 kW AC charger allows a full battery recharge in about 4.5 hours, using a standard wall socket or home EV charger.
- A standout feature is its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability. This allows the car to supply electricity to external devices or appliances—ideal for outdoor activities like camping or as a backup power source during emergencies.
Exterior Design & Dimensions
The BYD Sealion 5 DM-i embraces a bold, modern SUV design with proportions and aesthetics that blend urban elegance with off-road readiness.
- Overall dimensions measure 4,738 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,710 mm in height, with a 2,712 mm wheelbase for added cabin space and stability.
- It rides on 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/60 R18 tires, enhancing both visual appeal and grip.
- The suspension setup includes MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear, ensuring balanced ride comfort and handling.
- Ground clearance is 156 mm, offering decent road clearance for local terrain.
- Cargo space is generous with 520 liters of trunk volume, expandable to 1,339 liters with the rear seats folded.
Interior Features & Technology
The cabin of the Sealion 5 DM-i is thoughtfully designed, offering a mix of comfort, convenience, and digital innovation.
- The interior is finished with leather upholstery, and includes dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air-conditioning vents, and ample cabin storage.
- A centerpiece of the dashboard is the 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Other tech highlights include push-button start, NFC card key entry, and an intelligent BYD Cloud system for seamless app-based connectivity.
- A wireless phone charger, multiple USB ports, and customizable ambient lighting further enhance the user experience.
- BYD’s smartphone app enables remote access to vehicle functions like climate control and real-time status monitoring.
Safety & Driver Assistance
BYD prioritizes safety in the Sealion 5 DM-i, equipping it with a robust suite of passive and active safety features:
- Standard safety features include six airbags, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), traction control, hill-start assist, and hill-descent control.
- Additional features include cruise control, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), ISOFIX child seat anchors, and anti-roll protection.
- Though not equipped with advanced ADAS features yet, the Sealion 5 offers comprehensive safety coverage for its price point.
Pricing, Variants & Availability
At launch, BYD is offering a single fully-loaded variant of the Sealion 5 DM-i with attractive introductory pricing:
- Launch Price: ₱1,198,000
- Regular SRP: ₱1,248,000
- Down Payment Offer: As low as ₱88,000 through financing plans
- Available Colors: Arctic White, Harbour Grey, Cosmos Black, and Deep Sea Blue
This pricing strategy undercuts many competitors in the hybrid and electric SUV segments, making the Sealion 5 DM-i one of the most accessible plug-in SUVs in the Philippines.
Market Positioning
The Sealion 5 DM-i aims to bridge the affordability gap in the Philippine EV market. It targets consumers who want:
- A cleaner, more sustainable vehicle
- The convenience of electric driving in the city with the freedom of long-distance driving using hybrid mode
- Minimal dependence on EV charging infrastructure, thanks to its extended range and gasoline backup
- Cost-effective ownership, including lower maintenance frequency, fuel savings, and once-a-year preventive maintenance service (PMS)
This model stands out from fully electric vehicles by eliminating range anxiety while offering greener mobility and fuel efficiency compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
Ownership Experience & Warranty
Owners of BYD vehicles in the Philippines report:
- Strong battery reliability, often lasting beyond 100,000 km with negligible performance drop
- Low fuel costs and infrequent visits to the pump in regular use
- Mixed reviews on after-sales service, making it important to choose dealerships with strong reputations for service (e.g., Quezon Avenue dealership)
BYD backs the Sealion 5 DM-i with an impressive warranty package:
- Vehicle Warranty: 6 years or 150,000 km
- Battery and Motor Warranty: 8 years or up to 160,000 km
Infrastructure Expansion and Support
BYD Philippines is investing in a nationwide charging infrastructure network to support EV and PHEV owners:
- Targeting 100 charging stations and 25 dealerships by the end of 2024
- Currently operating over 50 charging locations across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao
- Plans to deploy more than 300 public and private charging ports
This strategy helps improve confidence among buyers considering plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles.
Conclusion
The BYD Sealion 5 DM-i is a smartly priced, well-equipped PHEV that meets the evolving demands of Filipino motorists. It delivers a seamless hybrid experience with excellent electric range, practical SUV capabilities, and sophisticated tech, all at a price point that undercuts its competitors.
For buyers ready to enter the world of electric mobility without fully committing to battery-only vehicles, the Sealion 5 DM-i offers the best of both worlds: sustainable driving and total versatility. As BYD continues to push the envelope in the EV sector, models like the Sealion 5 DM-i set the stage for a cleaner, more efficient future on Philippine roads.
FAQs
Q1: What is the electric-only range of the Sealion 5 DM-i?
The EV-only range is up to 71 kilometers on a full charge, ideal for daily commutes.
Q2: How long does it take to charge the battery?
Using the 3.3 kW onboard charger, it takes about 4.5 hours to fully charge.
Q3: What kind of fuel efficiency can I expect?
Real-world testing shows an average of over 25 km/l in hybrid mode.
Q4: Can the car power external devices?
Yes. It includes a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function that allows it to power household appliances or electronics.
Q5: What warranty comes with the vehicle?
The vehicle includes a 6-year/150,000 km warranty, with the battery and motor covered for 8 years/160,000 km.
