As with every major milestone in a car brand’s timeline, there’s usually great anticipation for what else they have in store for the future. As for BYD’s 30th year in the industry, a launch already seemed inevitable, followed by weeks of rumors and speculations amongst their fans. Luckily, they were right.
In what would be an ‘absolute win’ for their 30th anniversary, BYD Cars Philippines (in collaboration with ACMobility) proudly revealed the Seal 5 DM-i, a groundbreaking sedan tailored specifically for practical and progressive first-time car buyers. The new electric vehicle (NEV) offers a premium driving experience at an accessible price point, with the goal of making electric mobility more accessible to Filipinos.
Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, the Chief Executive Officer of ACMobility stated, “The collaboration between BYD and ACMobility represents a momentous step towards establishing a strong foundation for electrified mobility in the country.” He added, “Together, we’re committed to enhancing customer experience and making electric vehicles a mainstream choice, offering options that meet the diverse needs of the modern Filipino driver.”
30 Fruitful Years of Triumph and Innovation for BYD
Yes, 2024 already marks BYD’s 30th year in the industry, however, that’s not the only cause for its celebration. After all, being able to produce 10 million NEVs is something worthy of a spectacle, and indeed, the car brand can add that to its already impressive portfolio.
That’s not even the most impressive part of it, here’s an additional trivia: BYD is the first automaker in the world to reach this groundbreaking figure. Another mind-blowing fact is that it took 15 years to produce the first 5 million NEVs. It achieved the next 5 million in just 15 months, demonstrating the company’s strategic focus on new energy vehicles and its continuous technological advancement.
Of course, while many car brands tend to achieve their milestones on their own, some are also leaning towards collaborations. Finding the ‘Robin’ to their ‘Batman’ has been made easier, with the aligned commitment of ACMobility in making electric vehicles more accessible to all Filipinos. With their help, specifically, providing essential infrastructure—such as charging stations and service facilities, BYD Cars Philippines is positioned to take charge of transforming the automotive landscape.
“We believe the BYD Seal 5 DM-i will be yet another game-changer in the market as it offers an electric mobility solution that is efficient, affordable, and practical for Filipino drivers,” said Bob Palanca, Managing Director of BYD Cars Philippines. “With its accessible pricing and cutting-edge features, this vehicle is designed to make electrified mobility easier to embrace, whether for urban commutes or long-distance travels.”
When Innovative Design Meets Smart Engineering
Getting to the meat of it all – the features. The sedan’s dynamic exterior is a perfect blend of form and function, measuring 4,780 mm in length, 1,837 mm in width, and 1,495 mm in height. Its impressive 2,718 mm wheelbase enhances stability and contributes to a spacious interior, making it a compelling choice for first-time car buyers.
Designed with bold LED headlights and full-width LED taillights, the BYD Seal 5 DM-i offers enhanced visibility and a contemporary look reflecting its advanced technology.
The Dynamic and Premium trims also feature a 12.8” rotating touchscreen, offering an intuitive interface for seamless navigation and entertainment. The Premium variant takes the in-car experience further with an 8-speaker sound system. Along with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a standard for both trims, the Seal 5 DM-i ensures that occupants stay connected and entertained on every journey. Additionally, both variants include an 8.8” LCD digital gauge cluster, enhancing the overall driver experience with clear, easy-to-read information at a glance.
It is also equipped with an 8.3 kWh BYD Blade battery pack, with the Dynamic trim providing an electric range of up to 50 km.
That said, keep in mind that the Premium variant has a larger 18.3 kWh Blade battery pack, providing an electric range of up to 115 km. Both variants feature advanced technologies, including a 360-degree camera for the Premium for enhanced parking and maneuverability. The vehicle also has OTA (over-the-air) update capability, ensuring the vehicle remains up-to-date with the latest software enhancements.
Furthermore, the Dynamic variant, producing 179 PS and 316 Nm of torque, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds. On the other hand, the Premium variant offers a boost in power with 197 PS and 325 Nm of torque, reaching 100 km/h in a quick 7.3 seconds. Both models are electronically limited to a top speed of 185 km/h, striking an excellent balance between efficiency and performance.
In terms of range, the Dynamic offers an impressive total driving distance of up to 1,175 kilometers. The Premium variant extends this further, reaching up to 1,240 kilometers, ensuring that long-distance travel is as effortless and enjoyable as daily commuting.
As such, there must also be a mention of its amazing safety features. Both models include rear sensors, a rear camera, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Hold Control (HHC), and six airbags. Additionally, they also have Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS).
Its Availability and Pricing
We have mentioned before how BYD aims for their newest offering to be more accessible to aspiring car owners, and indeed, they ‘walk the talk’ with their price range. The Dynamic variant goes for Php 948,000, while the Premium variant is priced at Php 1,198,000. Both come with an extensive warranty: an 8-year or 160,000 km (whichever comes first) warranty for the BYD Blade battery, an 8-year or 150,000 km (whichever comes first) warranty for its drive unit, and a 6-year or 150,000 km (whichever comes first) vehicle warranty.
They are available in four stylish colors: Quartz Blue, Arctic White, Cosmos Black, and Harbour Gray.
“We are proud to bring the BYD Seal 5 DM-i to the Philippine market, a significant step forward in our mission to make electrified mobility accessible to everyone,” said Aiffy Liu, BYD Country Head, BYD Philippines. “As BYD continues to expand its global footprint in its 30th year, we are even more committed to providing eco-conscious Filipinos with innovative, sustainable, and affordable electric vehicles that will shape the future of transportation in the country.”
For more information on the BYD Seal 5 DM-i and how it can enhance your driving experience, visit bydcarsphilippines.com. The future of electric mobility has arrived, and it’s ready to revolutionize the roads of the Philippines.
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Mobility Access Philippines Ventures, Inc. (MAPVI) is the official distributor of BYD passenger cars in the country. Operating under ACMobility, Ayala Corporation’s mobility platform, BYD Cars Philippines accepts test drive bookings and reservations through its authorized dealerships in Quezon Avenue, Makati, Bonifacio Global City, Cebu, Davao and Pampanga. Customers may also inquire through the brand’s official website, www.bydcarsphilippines.com, or the BYD Cars Philippines Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube social media accounts.
About ACMobility
ACMobility is a proud subsidiary of the Ayala Group of Companies and the country’s first end-to-end mobility provider. Aside from operating the largest dealer networks of Honda and Isuzu, we are the official distributor of Kia, Volkswagen, and BYD passenger cars in the Philippines. ACMobility is also the master franchisor of the Bosch Car Service automotive workshop network, which offers you “one-stop-shop” services for mechanical issues, vehicle diagnostics, and intricate electronics related to engine and safety systems.
Since 2023, the Ayala Group has been investing in the development of electric vehicle charging stations to create a sustainable ecosystem as the Philippines transitions to electrified mobility. ACMobility manages multiple EV charging hubs primarily located in Luzon and with some presence in Visayas and Mindanao. As ACMobility’s charging network rapidly expands nationwide, the company is also developing digital platforms that will allow individuals and businesses to easily access charging infrastructure and service centers across the country.