The Philippine automotive industry has been witnessing a steady rise in electrified vehicles, and BYD is leading the charge with its affordable yet feature-packed offerings. A drive organized by BYD Cars Philippines and ACMobility let me experience firsthand the capabilities of the new BYD Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic. It is the most affordable plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in the country at just ₱948,000.
The drive was designed to push the Seal 5 DM-i to its limits, covering over 800 kilometers through a mix of expressways, provincial highways, and mountain roads. Our route took us from Ayala Malls Manila Bay to Pangasinan, down to Zambales, through the twisty roads of Mariveles and Bagac Bataan, up to Subic via Morong and back to Manila. This trip was about testing the real-world fuel efficiency, comfort, and performance of BYD’s latest hybrid sedan.
Feels like an EV
BYD’s DM-i hybrid technology is quite different from the traditional hybrid systems we’re used to. Unlike conventional hybrids that rely on the internal combustion engine (ICE) as the main source of propulsion, the Seal 5 DM-i primarily runs on electric power, with its 1.5-liter gasoline engine acting as a generator to charge the battery. This setup allows the car to maximize efficiency while still providing the range needed for long-distance travel.
For the first leg of our trip, we started in EV mode, using only the 8.3-kWh BYD Blade battery to power the vehicle. With a full charge, the Dynamic variant can run up to 50 kilometers purely on electric power, which is enough to get through Manila’s traffic without using a drop of fuel. As we merged onto the expressway, we switched to HEV mode, allowing the gasoline engine to kick in and recharge the battery while still maintaining excellent fuel economy.
Real-world fuel efficiency and driving performance
Throughout the drive, we alternated between EV and HEV modes, taking full advantage of regenerative braking and energy recapture. Even with a fully loaded car and aggressive driving in some sections, the Seal 5 DM-i remained impressively efficient. Our Average Energy Consumption (AEC, combination of electric and fuel) went as low as 4.9 liters per 100 kilometers (20 km/L), after having driven 816 kilometers, 337 of which were on pure EV mode.
In our final 50 kilometers of our last drive, we averaged 3.7 liters per 100 kilometers AEC, which is about 27 km/L. We weren't consciously saving our fuel, and punched the throttle when it was needed. By the time we parked the cars on the third day, we still had 124 kilometers of range left.
On winding mountain roads, the electric motor’s 316 Nm of torque provided instant acceleration, making overtakes effortless even on steep inclines. The steering was light yet precise, allowing for confident cornering. Despite being a hybrid, it handled more like a sporty sedan, staying planted through turns with minimal body roll, thanks to its low-slung battery and dialed-in suspension. This vehicle isn't even on sport tires, but I can't imagine other cars at this price point sporty enough to take what we gave the Seal 5 on the twisties of Bataan.
Comfort and features beyond its price
At ₱948,000, the Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic is priced similarly to entry-level subcompact sedans, yet it offers the space and features of higher-class vehicles. Inside, the cabin feels modern and well-appointed. The dashboard features a mix of soft-touch materials and gloss accents which, gives it an upscale feel. The front and back seats are supportive and comfortable, which was a huge plus for our long drive.
The rotating 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is a signature feature of BYD and helps unify the brand experience across different models. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making navigation and media control effortless. The digital gauge cluster provided all the necessary driving information at a glance, including battery status, fuel levels, and estimated range.
Despite being a base model, the Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic did not feel stripped down. It had automatic climate control, a push-start ignition, and even rear air vents—something rarely seen in its price bracket. There is no ADAS, but standard cruise control is available. And though the 16" wheel setup may appear too modest, the taller sidewalls did provide good comfort specially on rougher roads.
Verdict
After three days on the road with the BYD Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic, it’s clear that this car marks an important crossroads for the Philippine market. It challenges the norm in price, feature set, size, practicality, and efficiency. It delivers the efficiency of an EV, the convenience of a hybrid, and the practicality of a sedan; reframing the idea of what a sub-₱1M vehicle can and should be. For first-time car buyers, fleet operators, or anyone looking for an affordable electrified vehicle, the Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic is a compelling choice. What remains to be seen now, is where this story goes five years down the road. Will the BYD DM-i magic still be there? Only time will tell.