BYD currently has 5 models in its DM-i hybrid lineup. I’ve driven them before but usually, they make us take them up north or the near south like Laguna, Cavite, or Batangas. This time, they made us drive up to Sorsogon in Bicol.
It allowed me to see the different faces of BYD’s DM-i hybrid system. It reminded me of the movie Split as we changed from one car to another throughout the 3 day drive. I had some realizations about the lineup as we covered more than 600 kilometers.
The Go Getter – Seal 5 DM-i
It’s easy to dismiss the Seal 5 DM-i as the “budget option” simply because it’s the most affordable in the hybrid lineup of BYD. That changes quickly once you get on the driver’s seat of this sedan.
The 325 Nm of torque is easily available thanks to BYD’s “electric first” approach in hybrid technology. In low speed or cruising, the DM-i system prioritizes using the electric motor to propel the wheels, resulting in faster throttle response and power delivery. It also won’t let go even if you go past the speed limit as long as there’s enough charge in the batteries. That is the same for all BYD DM-i models. What makes it exceptional in the Seal 5 is the car’s power relative to its weight. It can accelerate faster and give you a more spirited drive if you go canyon carving on the weekends, bringing out the go-getter in you.
A logical choice for PH – Sealion 5 DM-i
The corruption in our country has resulted in many bad roads, which paved the way for many to prefer SUVs than sedans. If you belong to that school of thought and budget is a bit tight, the Sealion 5 DM-i is the logical choice.
The Sealion 5 DM-i has the same powertrain as the Seal 5, but has a smaller battery for some reason. It’s also 1 second slower in a 0-100 kph sprint against the sedan. But you’re getting this not for its speed, but comfort.
Cabin space is almost the same as the Seal 5, to be honest. Where the Sealion 5 shines is the ride. You have a more upright seating position thanks to the bigger headroom. Suspension is also revised at the back with a multi-link setup instead of the torsion beam found in the Seal 5. Both of these things make for a better rear riding experience. Its form factor also gives it more vertical space for the cargo area, letting you load bigger things even without folding the back seats. For a nation that thrives on fresh pasalubongs, a cargo area that’s involved in air circulation is crucial to avoid going home and seeing your food is already spoiled.
Peak adulting – Sealion 6 DM-i
ACMobility’s panganay in their BYD lineup is still stellar. After driving the eMAX 9, Seal 5, and Sealion 5, the Sealion 6 is a breeze of familiarity and comfort. The premium it commands over the Sealion 5 is well worth it as it’s more spacious, has more power, more range, the drive and ride is just better overall.
But what makes it really stellar are 2 things. First is the bigger battery that allows it to go in EV mode longer, and stores more regenerative energy as well, minimizing your fuel consumption. The second thing is the presence of the Advanced Driver Assist System that’s absent in the Sealion 5 to meet a price point. I think the Sealion 6 is the perfect middle-ground in terms of EV capability, price, comfort, and power in the DM-i lineup. It’s a bit up there in terms of price but people adulting or starting a family will see its merits.
Modern family – Tang DM-i
Single income households won’t cut it these days and so nannies have become almost mandatory. Add to that our tendency to have relatives in our home, and we’ll need more seats in our car. Having 1 car seat already decreases the seating capacity by 2 since the middle space of the second row will be too tight.
Good thing the Tang DM-i gives you a third row while having the prowess of the DM-i system. The whole family can go out for a weekend trip. Now none of us sat in the third row during the drive but the upside to that is more cargo space with the third row folded. Neat feat when the parents are out on their own for a little personal time.
Red Carpet Star – eMAX 9 DM-i
It’s not the fastest, doesn’t have the best combined range, but the eMAX 9 DM-i will certainly leave an impression once you experience it. It may have similar appointments as other MPVs like the leather upholstery and captain seats, but it’s the quality that makes the difference. The soft leather doesn’t burn as hot when the car is left under the sun, and the cushion of the seats are very plush to anyone’s body contour. Add to that the massage function and you’ll be truly relaxed even in rush hour, holiday rush, payday traffic on a Friday.
This is rounded up by looks that will certainly turn heads and catch eyes no matter where it goes. For the opulent family, celebrities, and executives, the eMAX 9 DM-i is an option that’s hard to resist.
