Fresh from its official debut, it was time for us to experience the Sealion 5 DM-i compact crossover in a drive event. The new compact crossover is the latest addition to BYD’s growing electrified lineup, positioned between the Sealion 6 compact SUV and Seal 5 compact sedan DM-i models.
BYD Cars Philippines hosted an experiential drive event for select members of the motoring media. The chosen destination was the Kamana Sanctuary resort in Subic Bay, Zambales.
But unlike the usual itinerary, AC Motors incorporated an introduction to a marine sustainability program. We got to see the “Circular Explorer,” a solar-powered waste collection boat, and met with the people behind the One Earth – One Ocean (OEOO), who operate it.
One Earth – One Ocean
First on the list was to swing by the Manila Bay breakwater area. There, the entire group met Executive Manager Daniel Scheler. The environmental organization, based in Munich, has developed the concept of “Maritime Waste Collection” to clean up waters worldwide from plastic waste (as well as oil and chemicals).
In early 2022, OEOO launched a new cleaning, recycling, and environmental education project in the Philippines, utilizing a new solar-powered waste collection boat, the Circular Explorer.
Scheler led us to board the uniquely designed vessel to demonstrate the process of waste collection. He explained that the project’s three focal points are maritime waste collection, i.e., the collection and sorting of plastic waste, as well as education and science.
The Circular Explorer is also very flexible due to its shallow draft and can be used on open waters, inland waters, and on the beach to collect waste. More importantly, it is also used as a platform for education, science, and networking events.
It was a great way to start the day with marine sustainability efforts in mind. After all, the Sealion 5 DM-i is part of BYD’s “Ocean Series” lineup. So, it was fitting to align the drive event to the initiative itself.
BYD DM-i DNA
Back to the Sealion 5 DM-i, eleven fresh-from-the-factory units were commissioned for the drive event. At a glance, the silhouette alone is indicative of its EV sibling, the Atto 3. But dimension-wise, the vehicle measures 4,738 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,710 mm in height.
Upfront is a pronounced grille featuring a familiar horizontal bar with the brand emblem united with the sleek-looking full LED lighting. Other design features include heated and power-adjustable mirrors, integrated puddle lamps, stylish roof rails, and 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/60 series tires.
The tech-forward interior features premium, soft-to-the-touch materials that are combined with intuitive design elements. Highlighted in the center dash is BYD’s signature 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The sporty bucket-type seats are leather-wrapped and well-padded with bolsters.
Some of the standard features include NFC card smart entry, push-start ignition, multiple USB ports, and BYD Cloud Service, which offers over-the-air updates. There is even the BYD App, a mobile phone interface allowing remote control of the vehicle’s security and comfort.
Motivation comes from the brand’s advanced Super DM-i system. This electrified powertrain seamlessly combines electrified propulsion from a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor with a high-efficiency 1.5-liter gasoline engine as a generator and range extender.
On paper, the combined output is 194 hp and 300 N-m of torque. Selectable drive modes available are Economy, Normal, and Sport. Electric juice is provided by a 12.96 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate Blade Battery rated for up to 71 km of pure electric driving range, based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) standard. The total range is over 1,000 kilometers.
Plugged in, the BYD DM-i system supports up to 3.3 kW of AC charging, allowing the Blade Battery to reach a full charge from 15 percent in approximately 4.5 hours. For added versatility, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality enables the Sealion 5 DM-i to power external devices and appliances, making it ideal for outdoor and on-the-go use, as well as for emergencies when electricity is needed.
The Sealion 5 DM-i may lack ADAS, but it is still equipped with a comprehensive suite of active safety and security features. These features include Cruise Control, Traction Control System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-Rollover Control System, Vehicle Dynamic Control System, Hill Hold, and Hill Descent Control. Moreover, the vehicle features a rear camera with radar sensors, as well as a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Other standard features include six airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and advanced safety technologies, such as ABS, EBD, and anti-rollover protection.
Eco-run challenge to Subic
Since the entire drive event focused on sustainability, an eco-run challenge driving the Sealion 5 DM-i to Subic Bay was a perfect fit, if not necessary. The objective was simple: to register the least based on the theoretical average “Past 50 km AEC reading” on the instrument cluster display.
From the BYD Manila Bay dealership, the entire convoy flagged off and took the Skyway, Skyway Stage 3, NLEX, and SCTEX route. Together with veteran motoring journalists Ira Panganiban and Anjo Perez, we boarded the Aura White version. Now more accustomed to the DM-i technology, a real-world driving approach while on Eco mode would still deliver good results.
For the initial leg, Panganiban took the helm throughout the Skyway stages up to the Pampanga stretch of NLEX. With more than 80 percent battery charge, we opted to run on full EV mode.
Despite the morning traffic’s mayhem, inside the vehicle was blissful. The dual-zone climate control and the light-themed interior also added to the soothing ambience. Surprisingly, for a compact crossover, the Sealion 5 DM-i’s cabin space felt more like that of a bigger car. Just before reaching the first stop, the battery charge dropped to 25 percent, and subsequently switched to HEV mode. Even so, the transition was so seamless and quiet. Had we not anticipated, no one would have felt.
Behind the wheel, we resumed the second leg on HEV mode. The remaining stretch of NLEX was a series of constant passing of slower vehicles. Steering feedback was good, enabling smooth and quick lane changes. Whenever the battery charge bumped to a substantial level, we would switch back to full EV mode. Switching the regenerative braking level to high also helped regain lost energy.
But on SCTEX, everything was back to bliss. We were traveling at a steady pace within the high-speed limit. Opted not to engage cruise control; speed increments were still smooth and effortless, as expected. The Sealion 5 DM-i was well planted with minimal bounces. By the time Perez took the helm halfway through SCTEX, the charge level was at over 50 percent.
Now seated at the back, the leg room was remarkably generous, again for a compact crossover. The available rear air-con vent and USB charging port were a plus. Through the remaining freeway run, it was a struggle not to doze off, given how comfy and relaxing the rear passenger area was.
Inside Subic Bay, we would toggle between EV and HEV modes depending on the situation. Obviously, on climbs, we would toggle to EV mode. Ultimately, our group achieved a fuel efficiency of 4.96 liters per 100 kilometers, equivalent to 20.2 km/L. Not bad at all.
