BYD Seal 5 DM-i achieves 1,645 km on a single full tank charge
PHOTO BY JULIAN PANLILIO
The BYD Seal 5 DM-i was just recently launched in the Philippines. From its affordable starting price of just Php 948,000, packed standard equipment list, and range-extended powertrain with more than 1,000 kilometers of estimated driving range, it surely has a lot going for it.
Let’s focus a bit on the last thing we mentioned, its driving range. BYD Cars Philippines quotes an estimated driving range of up to 1,175 km for the entry-level Dynamic variant, and an estimate of up to 1,240 km for the Premium variant. Those are good numbers but things get different when it comes to actual range.
READ: BYD Seal 5 DM-i | Specs and Features
And to prove that they aren’t wrong, the Chinese automaker tested out themselves how far their latest range-extended compact sedan can go on a single full tank of gas and a full battery charge.
Three units (two Premium, one Dynamic) of the BYD Seal 5 DM-i were driven from on a loop of Luzon over the course of four days. This was also closely monitored by the Automotive Association of the Philippines (AAP) which usually oversees fuel economy and EV range tests of various vehicles in the country.
Their drive started on the first day at the BYD BGC dealership going to Tuguegarao, Cagayan. The second day was from there to Caba, La Union via Ilocos Norte; and the third day was from Caba, La Union back to BYD BGC. An additional fourth day was added going from BYD BGC to Clark, Pampanga; then to Lipa, Batangas; and finally back to BYD BGC.
PHOTO BY JULIAN PANLILIO
In total, the Seal 5 DM-i Premium was able to achieve 1,645.2 km without stopping for fuel and recharging its battery. That’s 405.2 km more than its estimated range on paper and is also 37.2 km more than what the larger Sealion 6 compact crossover was able to achieve doing a similar test.
And for reference, the lower Dynamic variant was able to achieve around 1,500 km doing the same tests which is also more than 400 km compared to its quoted range.
With buyers having fuel efficiency as one of their top priorities when choosing a new car, the BYD Seal 5 DM-i surely delivers. This test proves that it can truly go the distance. Matched with its affordable pricing, this will also definitely help in making electrified vehicles more mainstream.
