FURTHER sealing its place in the Philippine electric vehicle market, BYD Cars Philippines unveiled the BYD Seal 5 DM-I last week in ceremonies at the BGC.
The an advanced electric sedan “promises to reshape the electric vehicle (EV) market in the country” with its innovative, practical yet premium driving experience at a price point designed for first-time car buyers, with a starting price of P948,000 for the Dynamic variant and P1.198M for the Premium model.
“The partnership between BYD and ACMobility represents a momentous step toward establishing a strong foundation for electrified mobility in the country,” Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, CEO of ACMobility said as he emphasized how the launch also marks a significant step in BYD’s expansion into Southeast Asia. ACMobility is the electric mobility platform of Ayala Corporation. It serves as the exclusive distributor of BYD electric vehicles locally and oversees the brand’s sales and service operations.
“Together, we’re committed to enhancing customer experience and making electric vehicles a mainstream choice, offering options that meet the diverse needs of the modern Filipino driver,” Ayala said about the partnership.
The BYD Seal 5 DM-i stands out with its combination of performance, technology, and safety features.
The sedan’s length of 4,780 mm, width of 1,837 mm, and height of 1,495 mm, along with its 2,718 mm wheelbase, provide a spacious interior that ensures comfort for drivers and passengers alike. It also boasts bold LED headlights and full-width LED taillights, which not only add to its futuristic aesthetic but improve visibility on the road.
Inside, the Seal 5 DM-i continues to impress with its 12.8” rotating touchscreen, which comes standard on both trims. This intuitive interface offers seamless navigation and entertainment features. The Premium variant takes it a step further with an 8-speaker sound system and an 8.8” LCD digital gauge cluster that provides drivers with clear, easy-to-read information. Both variants also feature Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring that drivers stay connected wherever they go.
When it comes to performance, the BYD Seal 5 DM-i delivers impressive results. The Dynamic variant features a 179 PS engine with 316 Nm of torque, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds. The Premium variant enhances this with 197 PS and 325 Nm of torque, reducing acceleration time to 7.3 seconds. Both variants are electronically limited to a top speed of 185 km/h, offering an excellent balance of power and efficiency.
The electric range is also noteworthy, with the Dynamic variant capable of traveling up to 1,175 km and the Premium variant reaching up to 1,240 km on a single charge, ensuring that long-distance drives are just as effortless as daily commutes.
For safety, the BYD Seal 5 DM-i is equipped with a comprehensive suite of features. Both variants include rear sensors, a rear camera, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and multiple other systems such as Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA). The car also includes six airbags and an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), providing drivers and passengers with peace of mind on every journey.
In line with BYD’s commitment to sustainability, the BYD Seal 5 DM-i comes with an extensive warranty package, including an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty for the Blade battery, an 8-year or 150,000 km warranty for the drive unit, and a 6-year or 150,000 km warranty for the vehicle. This extensive warranty ensures that customers can rely on the vehicle’s longevity and performance for years to come.
“We are proud to bring the BYD Seal 5 DM-i to the Philippine market, a significant step forward in our mission to make electrified mobility accessible to everyone,” Aiffy Liu, Country Head of BYD Philippines said, expressed excitement about the model’s potential.
The introduction of the Seal 5 DM-i comes at a time when BYD is strengthening its foothold in the global EV industry. It has sold its 10-millionth New Energy Vehicle (NEV) recently and is the world’s largest producer of EVs, including commercial vehicles. As of 2023, BYD surpassed Tesla in total vehicle sales—selling and delivering 3,024,417 vehicles, versus Tesla’d 1,845,985 vehicles made and delivered.
“As BYD continues to expand its global footprint in its 30th year, we are even more committed to providing eco-conscious Filipinos with innovative, sustainable, and affordable electric vehicles that will shape the future of transportation in the country,” Liu concluded.