Here's a close look at the Sealion 5 DM-i’s strengths, weaknesses

BYD Cars Philippines has further expanded its lineup with the local launch of the Sealion 5 DM-i. To be more exact, the ACMobility-led car brand now has an entry to compete in the very highly contested subcompact crossover segment. 

From the get-go, there are plenty of things to like about the all-new BYD-made crossover. For starters, it comes with the same DM-i powertrain as the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i. Plus, it is currently being sold with an introductory price of P1.198 million, which is quite a steal, considering the model’s features and its coding-exempt status. 

As discerning buyers tend to do, however, they’d want to examine every single thing about the vehicle before committing to a final decision. As such, it is also important to ask: Does the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i have any weaknesses? And what are its key strengths? Let’s find out here. 

Pros

Elegantly designed

At face value, anyone looking at the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i will describe it as a stylish ride. It still carries eye-catching details, especially from the front end, but overall, it definitely leans more towards elegance. 

For starters, the Sealion 5 DM-i’s front grille comes with plenty of chrome details, while being capped from the top and bottom with silver-colored trim pieces. Further up, the model gets a pair of LED headlamps with attractively styled L-shaped elements. 

From the side, the newly launched BYD nameplate bears the familiar high-riding crossover silhouette. It is well-proportioned, and despite the usual black plastic claddings, it is relatively sleek, albeit with some portions getting visible character lines. 

The rear of the model, meanwhile, continues the quiet styling cues of its side section. In this part of the crossover, it doesn’t have many angular details, but it does have an LED taillight bar and a roof-mounted rear spoiler. 

Completing the exterior style of the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i is a set of 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/60R18 tires. 

To help the model become more usable in daily driving, it also comes with the following: 

• Automatic headlamp functionality
• Power-folding and heated side mirrors
• Side mirror-mounted puddle lamps
• Rear wiper and defogger
• Roof rails

Loads of amenities, safety gear

Another key strength of the all-new BYD Sealion 5 DM-i is its abundance of comfort-oriented amenities. 

For example, its five-seater cabin was equipped with leather upholstery, featuring a generous spread of soft-touch materials throughout its dashboard and interior door cards. 

Everyone inside, meanwhile, is kept cool by a dual-zone automatic climate control system with rear vents. As is typical with BYD nameplates, the newly introduced crossover also has particulate matter 2.5 filters. 

Handling the entertainment and navigation needs for those aboard the Sealion 5 DM-i is a 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen linked to a six-piece speaker system. The said display comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. 

Other noteworthy interior conveniences available to the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• 4G connectivity
• Over-the-air software updates
• BYD Cloud Service (BYD app)
• 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

Apart from its wide array of creature comforts, the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i also comes with a comprehensive safety kit. To be more exact, it has 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, an anti-theft system, and anti-rollover control - among others.

Peppy powertrain

When compared to many of its rivals in the subcompact crossover segment, the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i is a relatively peppy ride. 

At maximum, its 1.5-liter engine, which is paired with a permanent synchronous motor, can generate up to 194 horsepower and 300 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. The front-wheel-drive nameplate also has an electric-only range of 71 kilometers, according to the New European Driving Cycle. 

Additionally, the model features a dedicated Type 2 alternating current charging port, regenerative braking, and a vehicle-to-load feature for powering small tools and devices. 

Braking power for the model is ensured by front and rear discs. Ride quality, meanwhile, is provided by a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. 

Cons

No physical controls for AC

The interior of the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i complements its elegant exterior well. However, some drivers might see some issues with its lack of physical controls for its air-conditioning system. 

Sure, not having buttons will make for a sleeker center console. Otherwise, it can be argued that physical buttons are easier to fiddle with, instead of having to navigate the menus of the BYD model’s touchscreen display. 

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

For the price, the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i is good value for the money. It has a great balance of performance and amenities, plus, it looks handsome at any angle. So, if you’re the type of buyer who does not mind the lack of physical controls for its air-conditioning system, this crossover is a great buy. 

On the one hand, we encourage you to visit the nearest BYD dealership to give the Sealion 5 DM-i a test drive first. Doing so, after all, is just good practice when it comes to shopping for cars. 

Also read:

BYD Cars PH rolls out Sealion 5 DM-i

You are looking at the 10,000th BYD NEV retailed in PH

Here are the BYD eMAX 7's strengths, weaknesses

Connect with us through our various social media pages:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZigWheelsPhilippines

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zigwheelsph/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zigwheels

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZigWheelsPhilippines/