BYD DM-i lineup conquers Southern Luzon

BYD Cars Philippines is no doubt riding high at the moment, being the third-largest brand in terms of car sales in 2025. The aforementioned numbers reflect the widespread acceptance of its new energy vehicle (NEV) models by the mass market. 

Then again, the BYD local arm, as distributed by the Ayala-owned ACMobility, isn’t resting on its laurels just yet. Instead, it has staged a recent media drive in which members of the local motoring beat had the chance to test not just one but all of the brand’s Dual-Mode intelligent (DM-i) plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV). 

The said journey, however, isn’t your run-of-the-mill drive to Baguio or Tagaytay. Instead, the company, with the help of professional automotive events organizers Ramirez & Cutter Events (Ramcut), guided participants on an epic journey from Alabang, Muntinlupa, all the way down south to Sorsogon. 

So, how did the BYD DM-i lineup of cars handle this gruelling but fun three-day journey? Let’s find out.

BYD Seal 5 DM-i 

The BYD drive down to Sorsogon was organized so that all participants could drive all DM-i cars for the entire event. Zigwheels Philippines’ representative (the author) and three other media practitioners got first dibs on the Seal 5 DM-i, which we drove until the first entry point to Quezon Province. 

As expected, the BYD Seal 5 DM-i, despite being classed (and priced) as a sub-compact sedan, provided its three occupants with comfort and space. 

We were, of course, piloting the top-spec Premium model, which definitely goes beyond the definition of an “affordable mobility product.” Specifically, the vehicle comes with plenty of amenities, such as a 12.8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a digital gauge cluster, drive mode selector, LED exterior lighting fixtures, a wireless smartphone charging pad, automatic climate control, and many other comfort-oriented features. 

Moreover, the model features a slew of safety gear, a 360-degree-view camera, and a cruise control system. 

However, the model’s business end is its 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with a single permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). Altogether, this setup can produce up to 194 horsepower (hp) and 325 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque - far more compared to most sedans in its class. 

When we drove the Seal 5 DM-i, it was the first leg of the trip. As such, it mostly cruised on the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and through the entry points of Quezon Province. And with a relatively peppy output given its curb weight of 1,620 kilograms (kg), the model also had no issues overtaking. 

Its smaller size, at least compared to larger BYD vehicles, was likewise an advantage on tight two-lane provincial roads. 

BYD Sealion 5 DM-i 

As the large media drive group entered Quezon province, we got our first taste of the area's notorious bad roads. So, by the luck of the draw, we got to switch to the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i, a subcompact crossover that is markedly taller and a tiny bit larger compared to the Seal 5 DM-i. 

Mind you, a lot of roads in the Philippines are in such bad condition that they're just plain old dirt roads. The ones that we encountered in Quezon Province, however, were something else. 

Per our guides from Ramcut, these are called “crocodile crackings,” and they look like the actual skin of a croc, complete with uneven undulations and the occasional bumps and potholes sprinkled throughout. 

Regardless, the Sealion 5 DM-i could handle the poor road conditions thanks to its generous 156 millimeter (mm) ground clearance. 

The one thing about this subcompact crossover, however, is that it is markedly less agile compared to the Seal 5 DM-i. It has just about the same maximum output as the sedan, but it is heavier, with a curb weight of 1,675 kg. 

Comfort inside, though, was just as good as it was with the BYD-made sedan. It carries over most of the amenities found on its smaller sibling, sans the power-adjustable driver’s seat, and includes a smaller 10.1-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

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BYD Sealion 6 DM-i

Deep into Quezon Province and its challenging roads, we drove the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i. 

For reference, the larger and more popular crossover of BYD Cars Philippines also uses a 1.5-liter mill and a single PMSM. Otherwise, it produces a combined 214 hp and 325 Nm of torque - which is heaps more compared to the two other models. 

We likewise took advantage of the vehicles' on-board advanced driver assist systems (ADAS), which were not present in full on the first two rides. For reference, the Sealion 6 DM-i’s ADAS suite consists of: 

• Lane keep assist
• Lane departure assist
• Automatic emergency braking
• Front collision warning
• Traffic congestion assistance
• Traffic sign recognition
• Intelligent speed limit control
• Adaptive cruise

For sure, not much of the provincial roads have continuous markings, but these systems are good to have especially for the populated towns we passed through. 

Also, the model has markedly more amenities, including an ambient lighting system, power-adjustable front seats with ventilation, and a larger 15.6-inch central display - among others. 

Driving the larger DM-i crossover was also noticeably more comfortable as it had a softer suspension that can eat up road imperfections. The one downside to it is its tendency to have body roll on curvy roads, which we had to navigate through in the well-known section as “bitukang manok.”

BYD Tang DM-i 

The third car and second crossover we drove is the BYD Tang DM-i. At this point in the journey, we transitioned from the poorly-maintained provincial roads of Quezon province to the smooth asphalt of Northern Bicol. 

In this regard, the Tang performed admirably on the crocodile-crackling road. Sure, it has a sportier (harder) suspension than the Sealion 6 DM-i, but that meant it didn’t feel floaty over road bumps. 

On the smoother roads, however, the BYD Tang DM-i was a hoot and a holler to drive thanks to its 1.5-liter engine and single PMSM package. At most, it can put out 267 hp and 315 Nm of torque, which translates to easy overtakes. 

And due to its stiffer suspension, it also returned minimal roll on curves. Braking and acceleration also didn’t cause the Tang to become too imbalanced in terms of dive and squat, respectively. 

Moreover, the BYD Tang DM-i is by far the most feature-complete crossover in BYD Cars Philippines’ lineup. It has three rows - good for the entire family, a comprehensive ADAS suite, larger 20-inch wheels, an attractive cockpit that combines black and grey leather, a large 15.6-inch central display, and a 12-piece Dynaudio speaker set - among others. 

Thankfully, we also got to drive and ride the BYD Tang DM-i on the third and final day, which consisted of a two-hour drive from our sea-side hotel in Sorsogon to Bicol International Airport. On this stretch, the Tang also continued to highlight its fun factor via windy roads. 

BYD eMAX 9 DM-i

For our journey from our overnight stay in Naga City, Bicol to Sorsogon, we took turns in piloting and savoring the second row captain seats of the BYD eMAX 9 DM-i. 

By far, this is the cushiest car in the lineup, with its opulently roomy interior and, as mentioned above, its second-row captain seats. 

The said seats are what the author and his car mates have described as the biggest highlight of the eMAX 9 DM-i. This section has the most room, and the seats themselves offer power-adjustability, ventilation, massage function, and a lounge mode that practically turns the chair into a relaxing throne. Specifically, the said mode raises the chair’s Ottoman (leg rests) and positions the seat-back to give the occupant a lying position. And yes, the second row of this model also has a multi-mode massage function. 

Apart from its comfortable second row, the BYD eMAX 9 DM-i also comes with an ADAS suite and a similar array of creature comforts as the rest of the BYD DM-i lineup. 

And while it is the largest vehicle currently sold by BYD, it does have some performance features that help it keep up with its smaller compatriots. 

For one thing, the BYD-made multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) has the same power output as the Tang DM-i. It also boasts the BYD DiSus-C Intelligent suspension system, which reduces body roll and minimizes vibrations from rough roads. The aforementioned, of course, is great for driveability and comfort. 

BYD DM-i lineup: Price

For those interested, here are the prices of the BYD DM-i lineup for the Philippine market: 

Model	Price/Price range
BYD Seal 5 DM-i	P948,000-P1.198 million
BYD Sealion 5 DM-i	P1.248 million
BYD Sealion 6 DM-i	P1.548 million
BYD Tang DM-i	P2.098 million
BYD eMAX 9 DM-i	P2.678 million-P2.998 million

Final thoughts

So, what have we learned from driving the BYD DM-i lineup to Sorsogon? Well, a lot actually. 

For starters, we got to witness the durability of these cars. Sure, they are all advanced PHEV models, but the terrifyingly bad roads in Quezon province were the perfect avenue to demonstrate how robust these vehicles are. 

On that note, this will assuage the thoughts of a small group of naysayers who continue to say that PHEVs aren’t as durable as traditional internal combustion vehicles. 

Additionally, the path we took is also a testament to BYD’s advancements in suspension technology. The DiSus-C system in particular comes to mind. However, the other models with passive front MacPherson struts and rear torsion beam/multi-link components still did swimmingly well considering the conditions. 

And of course, BYD reiterated the strength of the DM-i system. 

To put this into perspective, we drove a total distance of 678.1 kilometers. All vehicles that went this distance required no refuelling and had enough to spare for our drive to Bicol International Airport on the third day. 

If that isn’t added value on top of the comfort and performance these PHEV models can provide, we don’t know what is. 

Also read:

All-electric MPV battle: BYD eMAX 7 vs. VinFast Limo Green

EV Love: PHEVs from Bentley, BMW, BYD

Check out the BYD eMAX 9 DM-i’s 2 trims

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