BYD Philippines provided us with a week-long test drive of the new Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic, allowing us to experience its performance in heavy city traffic across Mandaluyong, Makati, and Ortigas. After five days behind the wheel, I came away with the impression that BYD’s latest offering could very well set a new benchmark in the subcompact sedan segment.
Design: 4/5
The Seal 5’s design seamlessly integrates into BYD’s Ocean series, which is tailored to appeal to younger customers through its use of oceanic-inspired elements like waves and flowing lines. These design cues are consistent across other models in the series, such as the Dolphin and Sea Lion 6. The Seal 5 boasts an aerodynamic profile, a sporty silhouette, and futuristic front and rear lighting that give it a modern, dynamic look.
While the overall design is stylish, the front grille feels somewhat uninspired, resembling a mash-up of chrome lines. However, this is offset by the rear, which exudes a striking resemblance to the iconic aesthetics of European sports cars. At night, the car’s side panels enhance its simple yet elegant design, making it appear larger and more premium than it actually is. Although I tested the base model, it felt more luxurious than many non-hybrid competitors which, frankly, pale in comparison given the recent surge in visually appealing hybrids.
Equipment: 4/5
The BYD Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic is powered by a 1.5-liter high-efficiency engine that acts as a generator for the battery, delivering a driving experience closer to that of an electric vehicle (EV) than a traditional hybrid. It comes equipped with a massive 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch instrument cluster. While the upholstery feels somewhat tacky for a car in the sub-PHP1M price range, the overall interior exudes an upscale vibe.
The Seal 5’s advanced safety features, including the DiPilot intelligent system with regular cruise control and a backup camera, are on par with others in its class. Still, the inclusion of a 360º camera and adaptive cruise control in the base variant would have made it a standout.
One of the car’s biggest strengths is its dual-mode capability, which allows it to run in pure EV or hybrid modes. It can be charged using standard charging stations or traditional petrol. A full charge takes just three hours and provides a range of up to 100 km.
Given the limited tech offerings of its competitors at this price point, the Seal 5’s base model holds its own against even higher-tier variants of other brands.
User Experience: 4/5
The Seal 5 delivers a turbo-like pull without the lag. A light press on the accelerator instantly translates to a surge of power, pinning you to your seat. This car feels almost out of place in the city, especially in Manila’s notorious traffic. While I didn’t have the chance to take it out on the highway, its 179-horsepower and 316Nm of torque suggest it would handle long drives with ease.
That said, I encountered a few minor issues. Reversing felt jerky compared to what I’m used to, which took some adjustment on the first day. Fortunately, by the next day, I had adapted to the car’s driving dynamics.
The interior is predictably filled with hard plastics, typical for this category. However, the sound system, complemented by the car’s impressively low noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels, more than makes up for the lackluster materials.
Fuel efficiency is where the Seal 5 truly shines. During my five-day test drive in heavy EDSA and Makati traffic, I averaged 13km/L — a stark contrast to my diesel SUV, which manages only 6km/L on the same route. The Seal 5 is so efficient that I didn’t even need to recharge, using only about an eighth of the gas in the tank.
Value: 5/5
Priced at PHP948,000, the Seal 5 is a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers. Its hybrid benefits, such as exemption from coding days and exceptional fuel efficiency in city traffic, check the two most important boxes for urban drivers.
For those seeking additional features like a 360º camera, power seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, two extra speakers, and a 10% boost in horsepower, the higher-tier BYD Seal 5 Premium is available at PHP1,198,000. Even at this price, it remains significantly more affordable than many competitors in the same category.
Bottom Line
The BYD Seal 5 Dynamic is a highly capable car poised to shake up the subcompact sedan segment. With its unbeatable value, practicality, and efficiency, it’s an all-around excellent choice, especially for first-time hybrid buyers. Whether you’re navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, the Seal 5 proves itself as a versatile and economical option.
Reviewed by Gian Derek Bambico
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE Volume 25 No. 8 Issue.