BYD is concluding its successful year with another bombshell, the Seal 5 DM-i. Just in time for its anniversary celebration and sales milestone, the world’s number one marque of electrified models wants to redefine what people know about small sedans. Taking from the popularity of the Sealion 6 DM-i, the Seal 5 DM-i is designed right, drives right, and specced right, but most importantly, it’s priced right, which should shake some ground as it hits the market.
Our quick seat time behind the Seal 5 DM-i’s tiller gave us plenty of impressions, but what boggled us most is the attractive price tags that I only knew about hours before writing this. I don’t use the word game-changer lightly but here I am, claiming that the Seal 5 DM-i is another game-changer that could easily sway buyers into getting one – just like I predicted with the Toyota Raize before.
Sleek, Modern, and Eye-Catching
The BYD Seal 5 DM-i gets a lot right in the looks department. It’s stylish without being over-the-top, with clean lines and a silhouette that feels more premium than you’d expect in its segment. The LED headlights are sleek and functional, but I appreciate the neat execution of the full-width LED taillights. But probably the best thing about this car is its size – it’s even bigger than a popular compact sedan nameplate, which means you’re getting a lot of car for the price.
Sitting on 17-inch alloy wheels (for the Premium variant), the Seal 5 DM-i balances sporty and refined aesthetics. Its compact proportions are ideal for urban settings, but the design isn’t just about utility; it makes a statement. It checks most boxes in exterior design, though we must say there isn’t much option in terms of paint color, with buyers limited to four choices: Quartz Blue (depicted here), Harbour Grey, Cosmos Black, and Arctic White.
Comfort Meets Tech & Practicality
The Seal 5 DM-i feels modern inside, with the cabin wearing its crown jewel of a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and OTA updates. Whether you’re navigating, streaming music, or managing vehicle settings, the system works smoothly – at least during our short time with the vehicle during the shoot. The rotating screen isn’t just a cool gimmick but a genuinely functional feature, especially when using the 360-degree camera. It’s paired with an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, keeping essential info easily accessible.
The driver’s space is thoughtfully designed, with plenty of storage for daily items. Controls are intuitive, and there’s even a wireless charging pad, making it easy to keep your devices powered up. The front passenger area mirrors this practicality, offering ample space and comfortable seating.
The second row isn’t an afterthought. Passengers in the back get leather-upholstered seats, adjustable headrests, and sufficient legroom. There’s also a center armrest in the Premium variant for added comfort. While there’s no third row (this is a sedan, after all), the trunk space is deep for this class, easily accommodating groceries, luggage, or gear for a weekend trip.
The inclusion of BYD Voice Assistant is another plus. Voice commands make it easier to control key functions without taking your hands off the wheel. Smartphone integration is seamless, and the My BYD App offers remote connectivity, letting you monitor and control certain aspects of the car from your phone. Admittedly, we need more time to test these things in real-world driving scenarios.
Comprehensive and Reassuring Safety Feature
Safety is a cornerstone of the Seal 5 DM-i. It comes with six airbags, a comprehensive radar system, and the aforementioned 360-degree view camera (in the Premium trim). BYD’s DiPilot Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) enhances safety with features designed to make driving both easier and safer, though we must note the Seal 5 DM-i doesn’t come with adaptive cruise control, which is fine considering this price point.
The Blade Battery at the core of this range-extended EV, which is not just efficient but also highly durable as we’ve witnessed during a visit in China. It’s been subjected to rigorous tests, including the nail penetration test, which is considered one of the toughest battery safety benchmarks. This level of safety isn’t just about protecting the vehicle—it’s about giving drivers peace of mind.
EV Performance Sans Range Anxiety
Here’s where the BYD Seal 5 DM-i really shines. It’s powered by Super DM-i technology, which pairs an electric motor with a range-extending internal combustion engine. The result? Exceptional performance without the range anxiety that often accompanies electric vehicles.
The Premium variant delivers a total of 197 horsepower and 325 Nm of torque, while the Dynamic trim offers slightly lower but still respectable output. Acceleration is impressive for its class, with the Premium model sprinting from 0-100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds. This isn’t just a commuter car—it’s a hybrid that can keep up with more performance-focused models. And it felt that way during our test runs.
The Seal 5 DM-i includes multiple driving modes: Economy, Normal, and Sport. Whether you’re navigating busy city streets or cruising on the highway, it adapts seamlessly to your driving needs. Braking is enhanced by a regenerative system that isn’t intrusive, which improves efficiency while offering consistent stopping power. In terms of handling, the Seal 5 DM-i performed as expected–nimble and agile, but not too sporty to not compromise comfort.
The Seal 5 DM-i is essentially a plug-in hybrid but with a huge bias on using its permanent magnet synchronous motor for propulsion. With an electric-only range of up to 115 km on the Premium trim, most daily commutes can be covered without using a drop of fuel. For longer trips, the combined range is a claimed to stretch up to 1,240 km.
Charging is straightforward, with support for AC charging and a 7 kW home wall charger included for the Premium trim. The car’s fuel efficiency translates to significant cost savings—BYD estimates up to 40% lower fuel costs compared to traditional sedans. Even better, PMS is only once a year, further barreling down overall ownership costs. For buyers looking to reduce their carbon footprint and monthly expenses, this is a compelling option.
Our Favorite Bit
One of the Seal 5 DM-i’s strongest selling points is its price. Starting at P948,000 for the Dynamic variant, and P1,198,000 for the Premium, it offers premium features and electrified technology at a cost that’s accessible to first-time buyers. When compared to other hybrids or even traditional combustion-engine sedans, it delivers exceptional value without skimping on quality.
The BYD Seal 5 DM-i isn’t just another small sedan; it’s a statement. With its cutting-edge Super DM-i technology, premium interior, and comprehensive tech and safety features, it redefines what you can expect from this category. Whether you’re a first-time car buyer, a family looking for efficiency, or someone intrigued by EVs, the Seal 5 DM-i delivers on all fronts. It’s stylish, practical, and packed with value. For those considering a step into electrification without breaking the bank, the Seal 5 DM-i might just be the perfect fit.
