Here are the BYD Tang DM-i’s strengths, weaknesses

The BYD Tang DM-i is the latest addition to BYD Cars Philippines’ lineup as of this writing. For the unaware, it is a mid-size sport utility vehicle that features a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a seven-seater capacity. 

With all the aforementioned qualities, the Tang DM-i will undoubtedly come into the crosshairs of people seeking a tech-savvy and capable ride that’s ideal for family journeys. Additionally, it has a starting price of P2.098 million, undercutting many seven-seater SUVs on the market. 

Serious buyers, however, will be concerned if the vehicle has any particular weaknesses. And many will want to tick the boxes when it comes to the said BYD nameplate’s strengths. So, without further ado, let’s list all of the BYD Tang DM-i’s strengths and weaknesses here. 

Peppy but emissions-free

Being a three-row model, many would-be adopters will be concerned if the BYD Tang DM-i can take the additional load. In this regard, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicle will have no issues as its power train is certified peppy. 

To be exact, its 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and electric motors can generate a combined total of 267 horsepower (hp) and 315 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. With that kind of oomph, it will have no issues with highway overtakes and the occasional sojourns up to Baguio City. 

But apart from its significant output figures, the BYD Tang DM-i will also prove to be attractive to people who want their cars to have fewer emissions. After all, it is a PHEV model with an all-electric range of 110 kilometers, according to the New European Driving Cycle. 

The said range of the Tang DM-i doesn’t sound much, but it's more than enough for driving to and from school, going to the mall, and many other in-city trips. 

Other notable electrified-related components of the BYD-made SUV include a regenerative braking system and a Type 2 charging port. 

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Loads of creature comforts

As a three-row SUV built for families, the BYD Tang DM-i was equipped with a lot of amenities. 

For its seats, those come with perforated leather with the front ones offering ventilation and power-adjustability. Everyone inside is kept cool by a dual-zone automatic climate control system, while a panoramic sunroof and an ambient lighting system ensure mood and optimum enjoyment during road trips and daily drives. 

With regard to driving amenities, the model provides its drivers with a push-to-start button, a keyless entry system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a tilt and telescopic steering column, an electronic parking brake, a drive mode selector, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. 

Handling the vehicle’s on-board entertainment, on the other hand, is a 15.6-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The said screen is capable of accepting voice commands and can handle audio streaming. 

Topping up devices inside the BYD-made model is also done easily thanks to a wireless smartphone charging pad, a series of USB ports, and a 12-volt accessory outlet. 

Apart from its array of creature comforts, the BYD Tang DM-i also boasts a maximum cargo space of 1,655 liters with the third and second row seats folded down. With only the third row down, it can provide up to 940 liters, which is more than enough for several pieces of luggage. 

Plenty of safety equipment

As expected, the BYD Tang DM-i comes with a wide array of safety gear. For its basic kit, it has six airbags, anti-lock braking, ISOFIX, hill-hold control, hill-descent control, tire pressure monitoring, anti-rollover system, vehicle dynamic control, 360-degree view camera, front and rear radar sensors, and an anti-theft system. 

The vehicle’s basic safety kit is also supported by the following advanced driver-assist systems: 

• Automatic emergency braking
• Front collision warning
• Rear collision warning
• Intelligent cruise control
• Lane departure assistance
• Rear cross traffic alert and braking
• Intelligent high beams
• Blind spot monitoring

Cons

No physical AC controls

The BYD Tang DM-i’s one glaring weakness is its lack of physical knobs for its air-conditioning system. Sure, it has automatic climate control functionality and its screen is pretty much lag-free and quick to inputs, but drivers will always prefer having actual knobs or at least buttons. 

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, having physical knobs will always be safer compared to having to turn away one’s attention from the road towards the car’s infotainment just to adjust the AC.  

Ready to purchase a brand-new BYD Tang DM-i? Check out these exclusive offers from Zigwheels Philippines.

 

BYD Tang DM-i: specifications

Model	BYD Tang DM-i
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,870x1,950x1,725
Wheelbase (mm)	2,820
Ground clearance (mm)	182
Wheel size	20-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Ventilated front seats Power-adjustable front seats Electronic parking brake Tilt and telescopic steering column Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning Wireless smartphone charging pad Vehicle-to-load functionality 4G connectivity  BYD Cloud Service Sunroof Ambient lighting 12.3-inch digital gauge Drive mode selector Push-to-start button Keyless entry system 60:40 split-folding second row Dynaudio 12-piece speaker set
Infotainment system	15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Seven
Powertrain
Engine	1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline
Electric motor	Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Transmission	Automatic
Horsepower	267
Torque	315 Nm
Technology
Safety	Six airbags Anti-lock braking ISOFIX Hill-hold control Hill-descent control Tire pressure monitoring Anti-rollover system Vehicle dynamic control 360-degree view camera Front and rear radar sensors Anti-theft system
ADAS	Automatic emergency braking Front collision warning Rear collision warning Intelligent cruise control Lane departure assistance Rear cross traffic alert and braking Intelligent high beams Blind spot monitoring
Price	P2.098 million

Final thoughts

Overall, the BYD Tang DM-i stands as a good option for people looking for a well-equipped, family-friendly PHEV model. Plus, it has the performance chops of being a fun ride, whilst boasting loads of safety gear for extra peace of mind. 

For those who like what they are seeing from the BYD Tang DM-i, do consider giving the SUV a test drive. Who knows, it might just be the right vehicle for you and your family. 

Also read:

Here are BYD’s hybrid offerings in PH

BYD Tang EV vs DM-i: what are the differences

Lynk & Co. 01 vs BYD Sealion 5 DM-i vs Changan Nevo Q05: Chinese hybrid SUV smackdown

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