First drive: BYD Sealion 5 DM-i

After launching the Sealion 6 dual-mode intelligent (DM-i) as its first-ever plug-in hybrid model in the local market, BYD Cars Philippines followed it up with two more units. 

By now, the said compact crossover and even the newer Seal 5 DM-i sedan have already established themselves as market movers for the ACMobility-owned company. Both, after all, have already become familiar sights on roads in big cities such as Metro Manila. 

As proven by our road test reviews of the Sealion 6 DM-i and Seal 5 DM-i, both vehicles also have plenty of elements that prospective buyers would want. But what about the latest one - the Sealion 5 DM-i?

To answer the question, Zigwheels Philippines was given the opportunity to spend time with the all-new BYD Sealion 5 DM-i on a long road trip, organized by BYD Cars Philippines, to Subic, Pampanga. Without further ado, here are our first impressions of the aforementioned subcompact five-seater crossover. 

Exterior

Typically, manufacturers with multiple nameplates under a “series” will tend to recycle the look of the lineup’s first model. BYD, however, clearly took the effort to provide the Sealion 5 DM-i with its unique identity and style. 

Specifically, the smaller subcompact crossover somewhat appears more aggressive compared to its elegant Sealion 6 DM-i sibling. The said quality is especially apparent from its front fascia, which is largely dominated by its sizable grille. Complementing the grille are angular details on both far ends of the front bumper, a silver-colored bar bearing the BYD logo, and a pair of stylish-looking LED headlamp clusters. 

From the rear, the Sealion 5 DM-i tones it down a bit with a rather smooth trunk door, but its side portion gets a decent amount of black-plastic claddings for that hefty sport utility vehicle-like stance. It likewise bears a notably subtle but tasteful matte silver trim piece that makes up its rearmost pillar. 

The exterior equipment of the BYD-made crossover also felt comprehensive. During the heavy rains we had to deal with on the second day of the drive, we made heavy use of its front and rear wipers. Other Sealion 5 DM-i units were also made more visible on the road thanks to the model’s LED daytime running lamps and LED taillights. 

Likewise wrapping up the handsome looks of the ride are a set of 18-inch wheels, which is unusual for the said model’s price point. 

Other notable exterior equipment of the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i includes the following: 

• Rear fog lamps
• Rear windshield defogger
• Roof rails
• Power-adjustable side mirrors with heating
• Automatic headlamp functionality
• Side mirror-integrated turn signal lamps

Interior

Another surprising detail about the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i is its interior. Specifically, the model, while relatively affordable for what it is, virtually has no hard, scratchy, hollow-sounding plastics found in its rear cabin and cockpit. 

The fit and finish of the dashboard is also particularly noteworthy. All of its physical buttons are well-arranged and pleasurably tactile. There was also a wealth of stylish trims inside, which did wonders for the atmosphere inside the vehicle. It sounds cliche, but it definitely feels “upmarket.” 

Additionally, the dashboard’s topmost rubberized surface is a nice touch. The crossover did have some piano black plastic on the center console, but it didn’t appear to get smudgy even after hours of use. 

All seats and contact points were also clad in supply leather. It doesn’t have power adjustability, but the heavy-set, five-foot, 11-inch-tall author easily found his preferred driving position due to the model’s tilt and telescopic steering column. Seating at the back posed no issues in terms of head and legroom as well. 

For cooling everyone inside, the model was also equipped with a dual-zone automatic air conditioning system featuring rear vents. 

Here are other creature comforts available to the Sealion 5 DM-i: 

• 8.8-inch digital gauge cluster
• 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Voice assistant
• 4G connectivity
• 60:40 split-folding rear seats
• Front and rear center armrests
• Sun visor with vanity mirror and lighting
• Foot well lamps
• Six-piece speaker system

All of the aforementioned sound well and good, but the subcompact crossover did display some input lag on its infotainment system. No, it doesn’t appear to be caused by its operating system itself, but rather the screen’s relatively low sensitivity to touch inputs. 

With the car lacking dedicated toggles for its air conditioning system’s temperature and fan speed, the screen’s slight lag to touch commands can get annoying, especially for first-time users. After a day of using the screen, however, we got around its issue with deliberate screen presses, but only when parked or stopped. 

The central display’s wireless smartphone integration also worked well, with no random disconnections. Additionally, its speakers provided a balanced sound quality that can be enhanced by fiddling around with the infotainment’s equalizer. 

On the other hand, the BYD-made model didn’t have wireless smartphone connectivity. Its lack of a Type-C USB port for its front cabin is also inconvenient. Otherwise, the vehicle did have a Type-C port accessible by rear seat occupants. 

Regarding storage, the Sealion 5 DM-i provides a decently sized trunk with a default capacity of 520 liters. In real-world terms, the author and two car mates had two pieces of luggage (three backpacks and three other various bags) each - all of which fit inside the trunk with room to spare. 

Safety

As standard, the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i comes with anti-lock braking, a total of six airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, hill hold control, hill-descent control, tire pressure monitoring, vehicle dynamic control, cruise control, and traction control - among others. 

It likewise supplied four rear parking sensors and a parking camera, which we found to be capable of showing crisp video. 

Notably, the model lacks a suite of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS), but this didn’t detract from the overall driving and riding experience. 

Powertrain, driving

Under the hood of the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i is a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine paired with an electric motor and a 12.96 kilowatt-hour (kWh) Blade battery. At maximum, the said setup can generate up to 194 horsepower (hp) and 300 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. Plus, it has an all-electric mode with a range of 71 kilometers (km), according to the New European Driving Cycle. 

From the said figures alone, the BYD-made subcompact crossover sounds peppy. On the two-day drive with the vehicle, it handled highway cruising with aplomb, with overtaking maneuvers as easy as pie. 

Interestingly, the front MacPherson strut and multi-link rear suspension systems of the model felt somewhat stiffer compared to those on its larger Sealion 6 DM-i sibling. It was, however, still pliant and comfortable, even when taking on road imperfections in the naturally gorgeous back roads leading up to Kamana Sanctuary in Subic. And due to its stiffness, the ride didn’t return too much in the way of body rolls during cornering, or squatting during hard acceleration. 

The one big thing about the said model, however, is the same fuel efficiency we’ve come to expect from BYD’s DM-i system. To put this into perspective, we achieved an average fuel efficiency of 20 kilometers per liter, combining in-city and highway driving. There were three occupants aboard the car.

The said figure was calculated by the personnel of BYD Cars Philippines, together with Ramirez and Cutter Events, who led the drive. 

At one of the event stops, the vehicle-to-load feature of the model was also highlighted by supplying power to a large coffee machine. As one can imagine, this particular element of the car will be put to great use during outdoor excursions. 

BYD Sealion 5 DM-i: specifications

Model	BYD Sealion 5 DM-i
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,738x1,860x1,710
Wheelbase (mm)	2,712
Ground clearance (mm)	156
Wheel size	18-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning Voice assistant Push-to-start button Keyless entry NFC card reader 12-volt accessory outlet Tilt and telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel 60:40 split-folding rear seats 8.8-inch digital gauge cluster Foot well lamps Bottle/cup holders Roof rails Front and rear armrests Cruise control
Seating capacity	Five
Powertrain
Engine	1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline
Hybrid system	Electric motor, Blade battery
Drivetrain	Front-wheel-drive
Horsepower	194
Torque	300 Nm
Technology
Safety	Dual front airbags Side airbags Side curtain airbags Anti-lock braking ISOFIX Electronic stability control Hill-hold control Hill-descent control Tire pressure monitoring Vehicle dynamic control Anti-rollover control Reverse camera
Price	P1.198 million (introductory price)

Final thoughts

With the build quality of its interior, its peppy powertrain, and its impressive fuel efficiency, the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i is poised to be another smash hit. Additionally, it is relatively inexpensive for a plug-in hybrid vehicle, with a starting price of P1.198 million (introductory price). 

Sure, the model does have some compromises, but the modern car buyer who is concerned about fuel economy and lowering their carbon footprint will get a lot out of this offering. The same is also the case for people on the hunt for an affordable coding-exempt ride that isn’t too spartan. Lastly, enthusiasts who need an alternate daily chariot when not roaming around on their prized cars will appreciate the Sealion 5 DM-i for being quick on its feet. 

Also read:

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