The BYD Tang DM-i has launched in PH, priced at Php 2.098M
The seven-seater midsize SUV class is one of the strongest market segments in the Philippines, and BYD Cars Philippines, under the distributorship of ACMobility, wants to cover all bases as it launches its entry into the highly competitive segment.
How? Well, say hello to the BYD Tang DM-i, the newest flagship model of BYD Cars Philippines in its plug-in hybrid DM-i lineup. The Chinese automaker’s 12th model in its local lineup, the Tang DM-i is based on the fully electric Tang.
Unlike its EV counterpart, the Tang DM-i, hence its name, is moved by BYD’s Super DM-i powertrain. This combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that serves as a generator for its 147kW electric motor. Combined power output is a healthy 271 horsepower, with 315Nm of torque coming from the electric motor alone.
With a 21.5kWh LFP battery (BYD Blade Battery), the Tang DM-i is capable of driving up to 110km on pure electric power, or up to an estimated 1,160km on a single full tank of gas and full charge.
Replenishing the battery can be done in three hours via 7kW Type 2 AC Charging, or in 30 minutes via 40kW CCS2 DC Charging.
There are also a few minor differences between the Tang DM-i and the Tang EV. For starters, the BYD Tang DM-i measures at 4,870mm (-100mm) long, 1,950mm wide, and 1,725mm (-20mm) tall. It rides on a 2,820mm wheelbase and has a ground clearance of 225mm.
In the looks department, the front fascia gets a large grille, flanked by similarly styled full LED headlights. It rides on 20-inch alloy wheels, and still features a full-width LED lightbar at the rear, albeit with a different lighting signature.
Three exterior color combinations are available: Pearl White and Silver Sand Black paint jobs are matched with silver and chrome exterior trim (bumper garnish, front grille, wheels, window surrounds, and badging), while Moon Stone Gray is matched with black exterior trim.
Opening the doors, the Tang DM-i greets you with a premium interior, highlighted by its two-tone black and gray color scheme. It’s the same overall look as in the Tang EV, from the mainly horizontal theme and two-spoke steering wheel.
It also features the first local application of a non-rotating touchscreen infotainment system (15.6-inches) in a BYD. As with other models, it controls most of the vehicle’s functions, is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and is capable of over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Other standard equipment include leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, a 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system, sound proof windows, ambient lighting, a 50W wireless phone charger, and a panoramic sunroof.
In terms of safety, the BYD Tang DM-i is equipped with the brand’s DiPilot suite of advanced driver-assist systems, giving it features such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, front and rear collision warning, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure assistance, among others.
As for warranties, like other BYD products, buyers of the Tang DM-i will be able to take advantage of a six-year or 150,000km vehicle warranty.
Now you might be wondering, for all that, how much does the BYD Tang DM-i cost? For the lone Advanced variant, this seven-seater crossover retails for Php 2,098,000 which is very competitive for the segment it aims to compete with.
With it having its eyes set on the likes of the extremely popular Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, and Ford Everest, the BYD Tang DM-i will need to prove itself by a lot. Do you think it has the capability to outsell some of its targeted competition?
Photos by Julian Panlilio
