ADVERTISEMENT
Manila Bulletin devider Drive devider BYD Sealion 5 DM-i lands in the Philippines

BYD Sealion 5 DM-i lands in the Philippines

The tech-packed plug-in hybrid SUV for practical drivers

Published Jul 1, 2025 10:03 am

At A Glance

  • BYD Cars Philippines recently revealed the Sealion 5 DM-i plug-in hybrid (PHEV) subcompact SUV, hoping to attract first-time buyers with a claimed 1,000+ kilometers of range.
BYD Cars Philippines, a subsidiary of ACMobility, recently revealed the Sealion 5 DM-i plug-in hybrid (PHEV) subcompact SUV, hoping to attract first-time buyers with a claimed 1,000+ kilometers of range. Combining BYD’s proprietary Super DM-i technology with everyday versatility, this new entry positions itself as a practical gateway to electrified mobility.
Engineered for efficiency
The Sealion 5 DM-i features BYD’s Super DM-i plug-in hybrid powertrain, integrating a high-efficiency generator with a 12.96 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate Blade Battery. This system delivers a total output of 197 PS and 300 Nm of torque, enabling acceleration from 0–100 km/h in 8.3 seconds. Drivers can select between Economy, Normal, and Sport modes while benefiting from a total driving range claimed to exceed 1,000 kilometers. The battery provides up to 71 kilometers of pure electric range (NEDC standard), ideal for daily commutes around the city. The DM-i system supports up to 3.3 kW AC charging, giving the battery a full charge from 15% in approximately 4.5 hours. The Sealion 5 DM-i’s Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality also allows powering external devices during emergencies or outdoor activities.
Bob Palanca, Managing Director of BYD Cars Philippines, emphasized its value proposition: The BYD Sealion 5 DM-i delivers exceptional value — combining advanced technology, everyday functionality, and a size advantage that’s perfect for first-time buyers. Powered by BYD’s proven Super DM-i technology, the Sealion 5 offers more of what matters to cost-conscious and practical car owners – a reliable and sustainable long-range driving companion.
Validated performance
The plug-in hybrid’s efficiency claims were verified in a recent Automobile Association Philippines-supervised test. Racing veterans George and Louis Ramirez drove the Sealion 5 DM-i 1,409.7 kilometers around Luzon – covering urban, highway, and mountain roads – achieving 25.273 km/liter on a single charge and full tank. This efficiency translates to 20–40% savings on fuel and maintenance versus conventional vehicles, with only one annual Preventive Maintenance Service required.
Design and connectivity
Measuring 4,738mm long, 1,860mm wide, and 1,710mm tall, the Sealion 5 DM-i features 18-inch alloy wheels, full LED lighting, heated power-adjustable mirrors with integrated puddle lamps, and roof rails. Inside, leather seats and dual-zone climate control complement a tech-forward cabin. The 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the embedded BYD Store offers downloadable apps like Stingray Karaoke, music streaming services, and navigation tools. NFC card entry, push-start ignition, and BYD Cloud Service with over-the-air updates enhance convenience. Remote vehicle control is available via the BYD App.
Safety and warranty
Safety systems include Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, six airbags, Hill Hold and Descent Control, and a real-time Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Additional features include a rear camera with radar sensors, ABS, EBD, anti-rollover protection, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. BYD backs the plug-in hybrid with an 8-year or 160,000-kilometer warranty for the Blade Battery, 8-year or 150,000-kilometer coverage for the electric motor and control systems, and a 6-year or 150,000-kilometer new vehicle warranty.
Pricing and availability
The Sealion 5 DM-i plug-in hybrid starts at P1,248,000, with an introductory cash price of P1,198,000 or a P88,000 down payment option. Four exterior finishes are available: Arctic White, Harbour Grey, Cosmos Black, and Deep Sea Blue, all paired with a beige and brown two-tone interior.
From left Lovelyn Labrador, General Manager, BYD Philippines; Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, CEO, ACMobility; Adam Hu, Country Head, BYD Philippines; and Bob Palanca, Managing Director, BYD Cars Philippines.
From left Lovelyn Labrador, General Manager, BYD Philippines; Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, CEO, ACMobility; Adam Hu, Country Head, BYD Philippines; and Bob Palanca, Managing Director, BYD Cars Philippines.
Adam Hu, BYD Philippines Country Head, stated: The Sealion 5 DM-i is yet another proof of how easy and convenient it is to switch to electrified mobility with BYD. With the strength of BYD Super DM-i technology and our growing lineup of electric vehicles, we continue to offer Filipinos a worry-free electric mobility experience for their every need.
The Sealion 5 DM-i is BYD’s most accessible plug-in hybrid SUV yet, putting itself in a great position to target cost-conscious drivers seeking to transition from conventional vehicles without compromising range or practicality.

Related Tags

BYD Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
ADVERTISEMENT
.most-popular .layout-ratio{ padding-bottom: 79.13%; } @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px) { .widget-title { font-size: 15px !important; } }

{{ articles_filter_1561_widget.title }}

{{ item.title }}
.most-popular .layout-ratio{ padding-bottom: 79.13%; } @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px) { .widget-title { font-size: 15px !important; } }

{{ articles_filter_1562_widget.title }}

{{ item.title }}
.most-popular .layout-ratio{ padding-bottom: 79.13%; } @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px) { .widget-title { font-size: 15px !important; } }

{{ articles_filter_1563_widget.title }}

{{ item.title }}

{{ articles_filter_1564_widget.title }}

{{ item.title }}
.mb-article-details { position: relative; } .mb-article-details .article-body-preview, .mb-article-details .article-body-summary{ font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; font-family: "Libre Caslon Text", serif; color: #000; } .mb-article-details .article-body-preview iframe , .mb-article-details .article-body-summary iframe{ width: 100%; margin: auto; } .read-more-background { background: linear-gradient(180deg, color(display-p3 1.000 1.000 1.000 / 0) 13.75%, color(display-p3 1.000 1.000 1.000 / 0.8) 30.79%, color(display-p3 1.000 1.000 1.000) 72.5%); position: absolute; height: 200px; width: 100%; bottom: 0; display: flex; justify-content: center; align-items: center; padding: 0; } .read-more-background a{ color: #000; } .read-more-btn { padding: 17px 45px; font-family: Inter; font-weight: 700; font-size: 18px; line-height: 16px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border: 1px solid black; background-color: white; } .hidden { display: none; }
function initializeAllSwipers() { // Get all hidden inputs with cms_article_id document.querySelectorAll('[id^="cms_article_id_"]').forEach(function (input) { const cmsArticleId = input.value; const articleSelector = '#article-' + cmsArticleId + ' .body_images'; const swiperElement = document.querySelector(articleSelector); if (swiperElement && !swiperElement.classList.contains('swiper-initialized')) { new Swiper(articleSelector, { loop: true, pagination: false, navigation: { nextEl: '#article-' + cmsArticleId + ' .swiper-button-next', prevEl: '#article-' + cmsArticleId + ' .swiper-button-prev', }, }); } }); } setTimeout(initializeAllSwipers, 3000); const intersectionObserver = new IntersectionObserver( (entries) => { entries.forEach((entry) => { if (entry.isIntersecting) { const newUrl = entry.target.getAttribute("data-url"); if (newUrl) { history.pushState(null, null, newUrl); let article = entry.target; // Extract metadata const author = article.querySelector('.author-section').textContent.replace('By', '').trim(); const section = article.querySelector('.section-info ').textContent.replace(' ', ' '); const title = article.querySelector('.article-title h1').textContent; // Parse URL for Chartbeat path format const parsedUrl = new URL(newUrl, window.location.origin); const cleanUrl = parsedUrl.host + parsedUrl.pathname; // Update Chartbeat configuration if (typeof window._sf_async_config !== 'undefined') { window._sf_async_config.path = cleanUrl; window._sf_async_config.sections = section; window._sf_async_config.authors = author; } // Track virtual page view with Chartbeat if (typeof pSUPERFLY !== 'undefined' && typeof pSUPERFLY.virtualPage === 'function') { try { pSUPERFLY.virtualPage({ path: cleanUrl, title: title, sections: section, authors: author }); } catch (error) { console.error('ping error', error); } } // Optional: Update document title if (title && title !== document.title) { document.title = title; } } } }); }, { threshold: 0.1 } ); function showArticleBody(button) { const article = button.closest("article"); const summary = article.querySelector(".article-body-summary"); const body = article.querySelector(".article-body-preview"); const readMoreSection = article.querySelector(".read-more-background"); // Hide summary and read-more section summary.style.display = "none"; readMoreSection.style.display = "none"; // Show the full article body body.classList.remove("hidden"); } document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", () => { let loadCount = 0; // Track how many times articles are loaded const offset = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]; // Offset values const currentUrl = window.location.pathname.substring(1); let isLoading = false; // Prevent multiple calls if (!currentUrl) { console.log("Current URL is invalid."); return; } const sentinel = document.getElementById("load-more-sentinel"); if (!sentinel) { console.log("Sentinel element not found."); return; } function isSentinelVisible() { const rect = sentinel.getBoundingClientRect(); return ( rect.top < window.innerHeight && rect.bottom >= 0 ); } function onScroll() { if (isLoading) return; if (isSentinelVisible()) { if (loadCount >= offset.length) { console.log("Maximum load attempts reached."); window.removeEventListener("scroll", onScroll); return; } isLoading = true; const currentOffset = offset[loadCount]; window.loadMoreItems().then(() => { let article = document.querySelector('#widget_1690 > div:nth-last-of-type(2) article'); intersectionObserver.observe(article) loadCount++; }).catch(error => { console.error("Error loading more items:", error); }).finally(() => { isLoading = false; }); } } window.addEventListener("scroll", onScroll); });
Join Our Newsletters

Sign up by email to receive news.

© 2025 Manila Bulletin The Nation's Leading Newspaper. All Rights Reserved.