BYD Philippines is on a roll in ramping up its DM-i lineup, but the latest addition is a familiar nameplate. From the existing “Dynasty Series” comes the all-new Tang DM-i, the luxury SUV’s plug-in hybrid version. The latest version is positioned as a seven-seater mid-sized SUV in the growing electrified roster, according to the Chinese EV maker.
Surprisingly, the price tag is significantly lower than the EV version. So, what are the differences aside from the powertrain?
Familiar DM-i looks
Exterior-wise, the apparent distinction from the Tang EV is the fascia’s pronounced grille, which is almost identical to that of the Sealion 5 DM-i’s. It also has that familiar horizontal bar with the logo. Other than that, retained were the keen-looking full LED headlamps with integrated DRLs and bumper design. Even the flanks and rear remained the same. Other similar features include LED tail lamps, power-adjustable and folding side mirrors, a power tailgate, roof rails, and rain-sensing wipers.
Gone are the Brembo brake rotors and calipers, along with front drilled discs and 21-inch alloy wheels. The DM-i version received all-around disc brakes with regular brake calipers. The wheels are now 20 inches in diameter, wrapped in 255/50 series tires. Dimension-wise, the Tang DM-i measures 4,870 mm in length, 1,950 mm in width, and 1,725 mm in height, with a wheelbase length of 2,820 mm. The EV version is only 100 mm longer and 20 mm taller.
For those seeking more distinction, the Moon Stone Grey color option features an exclusive dark trim finish. All the chrome and metallic finishes on the standard trim were all blackened. With a noticeable black grille and black rims, among other features, the vehicle projected a distinct character. On the other hand, the Pearl White and Silver Sand Black colors remain sleek, thanks to the metallic finishes throughout.
New interior color
Inside, the layout remains the same. It features piano-finish panels with ambient lighting. The most noticeable change is the color choice. Now, lighter black and grey leather trim and soft-touch panels create a refreshing motif. Nappa leather, massage, memory/lumbar support, and leg rest are no longer present. However, the seats with ultra-comfortable bolsters and padding remain and are now wrapped in leather material.
The Tang DM-i’s front seats still have heated and ventilated functions. They come with eight-way and four-way adjustment controls, respectively. The super-comfortable 60:40 split-fold second-row seats and the fold-down third-row seats are also retained. Note that the 3rd row’s space, when configured, may not accommodate adults comfortably, but it is ideal for children. However, do not expect a generous entry space.
The 12.3-inch instrument cluster and the 15.6-inch rotating touch screen remain available in the Tang DM-i. These features include Bluetooth (hands-free telephony and audio streaming), Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The voice assistant function, BYD cloud service, OTA updating, 4G connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate control, and Dynaudio 12-speaker system are still included. Other retained cabin features include the panoramic sunroof, coat hangers, dynamic ambient lighting, foot wells, map lights, charging ports, center console compartment, and cup/bottle holders.
For convenience, the Tang DM-i has the following features: a keyless system, push-button motor start/stop, NFC card smart entry, Follow Me Home lights, wireless charger, Type A and C USB charging ports, and a 12-volt socket.
Super DM-I technology
The Tang’s powertrain setup comes from an advanced Super DM-i system. This “electric-first” powertrain seamlessly combines electrified power with a high-efficiency generator, enabling long-distance driving and sending power to the front wheels via an E-CVT. With an output of 267 hp and 315 Nm of torque, the top speed is 200 km/h, and it takes only 7.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h.
Selectable drive modes available in the Tang DM-i are Economy, Normal, and Sport. Electric juice is provided by a 21.5-kWh ultra-safe Lithium Iron Phosphate Blade Battery rated for up to 110 km of pure electric driving range, based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) standard. A 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine serves as the range extender, increasing total driving distance up to 1,160 kilometers in Extended-Range mode.
The BYD DM-i system supports AC charging up to 7kW, fully charging the Blade Battery from 15 percent in about three hours, or 30 minutes from 30 to 80 percent with DC. Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) enables power for external devices and appliances, ideal for outdoor and emergency use. Charging equipment includes a cable, a wall-mounted charger, and an adapter.
Convincingly fuel efficient
Weeks before the official launch, ACMobility hosted an experiential drive event for select members of the motoring media. Everything started at Solaire North in Quezon City. Seventeen brand-new units of Tang DM-i were commissioned. The destination? The Anvaya Cove resort in Bataan. There were over 200 kilometers to cover, with stretches of freeways, provincial highways, and winding roads.
One of the advantages of BYD’s Super DM-i technology is its consistent dynamics. Once accustomed, even a real-world driving approach in Eco mode delivers good results. Drive any BYD electrified model in the lineup, and the experience is the same: smooth delivery with unquestionable thriftiness in fuel consumption. Like the previous BYD drive events, which focused on efficiency, an eco-run challenge to the destination was a perfect fit. The objective was simple: register the lowest theoretical fuel consumption average.
For the initial leg, with a battery charge of more than 90 percent, our goal was to run in full EV mode. During the entire freeway run, everything inside the cabin was blissful. The Tang DM-i’s luxury elements were in full effect. The comfortable, ventilated seats, cold dual-zone climate control, and the light-themed interior all added to the soothing ambiance. The power delivery can be smooth and steady when relaxed, but also staggering when pushed. Driving at a steady pace within the high-speed limit, we opted not to engage cruise control; speed increments were still smooth and effortless, as expected.
Midway through the SCTEX run, the Tang’s battery charge dropped to 25 percent and automatically switched to HEV mode. It was so seamless and quiet; we hardly noticed it. By the time we reached the winding roads, we reverted to EV mode. Here, we climbed more efficiently, as we used no fuel. In contrast, in HEV mode, the turbocharged engine would rev up to match the electric power demand.
Similar to BYD’s other plug-in hybrid models, tackling tight bends with the Tang DM-i was an easy task. Despite the large frame, the dampers are stiff enough to minimize body rolls. Steering feedback was also good, enabling smooth and quick lane changes. On descents and in HEV mode, we banked on a high regenerative braking level setting to better regain that lost charge. Toggling between EV and HEV modes became our go-to workaround to keep fuel consumption in check until we reached the resort in Bataan.
When the result came out, our vehicle achieved 4.7 liters per 100 kilometers (21.3 km/L)—impressive given the Tang’s weight. To showcase the V2L function, the unit powered the event’s lights and audio, especially the DJ mixer.
On-road power, off-road function
At the resort’s vast property, we conducted a series of tests that highlighted the Tang’s Super DM-i powertrain on several straights and bends. Even in ECO mode, pushing the throttle would produce torque steer every time. Still, the SUV maintained its control in entering and exiting curves. As a workaround, switching to SPORT mode eliminated the torque steer.
Moving on to the off-road test, there was a short, slow, and steady run on dirt with several muddy portions. For a front-wheel drivetrain, it may be unnecessary, but for the vehicle’s Traction Control mode function, there was a sense to it. By default, the Tang DM-i’s drive mode is set to ECO, and the function works by reducing torque output to prevent unnecessary wheel spin on slippery portions.
Additionally, during this short run, the 360-degree camera view with See-Through Mode was highlighted. This advanced view angle made passing through tight paths a breeze.
DiPilot ADAS and standard safety features
Advanced safety is also a hallmark of every BYD vehicle. In comparison, the list of advanced functions of the Tang DM-i remains largely unchanged from the EV variant. These include a 360-degree camera system with “See-Through Mode,” eight-sensor radar system (4x Front & 4x Rear), Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEB), Front and Rear Collision Warning (FCW and RCW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert / Brake (RCTA and RTCB), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Lane Departure Assistance (LDA), Blind Spot Monitoring, Door Opening Warning, and Intelligent High Beam Control.
This extends to standard features. The Tang DM-i is equipped with six airbags (front, side, and curtain), ISO-Fix, Traction Control System (TCS), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Hill Hold & Descent Control (HHC and HDC), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Dynamic Control System, Anti-Rollover Control (RMI), and Brake Override System (BOS).
However, the BYD DiSus Intelligent Body Control System (DiSus System), specifically designed for the dual electric motor EV version, is no longer available. Despite this, the long list of DiPilot ADAS functions remains more than enough for the front-wheel drive DM-i version.
