BYD Cars PH Teases Arrival Of Facelifted Seal 5 DM-i

The BYD Seal 5 DM-i has been in the Philippine market for only two years, but overseas, production of this vehicle began in 2021 for the 2022 model year. This makes it a five-year-old model already, which means that the Seal 5 DM-i is ripe for an update. Thankfully, the facelifted version of the highly popular plug-in hybrid sedan is arriving in the Philippines soon, and it’s set to once again disrupt the Philippine automotive market.

BYD Cars Philippines has begun teasing the Seal 5 DM-i alongside the Atto 2, which is confirmed to be offered in both EV and DM-i plug-in hybrid versions. At this point, we’ve healthily covered the Atto 2, so we’ll be focusing on the Seal 5 DM-i.

Thanks to none other than the publicly accessible Department of Energy’s (DOE) list of approved EVs, the 2027 BYD Seal 5 DM-i will be sold in two variants: Dynamic and Essential. The powertrain choice is interesting, though. Whereas the outgoing Seal 5 DM-i got two different DM-i drivetrain options, only one version will be sold. This consists of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor that offers a system output of 160 horsepower and 210 Nm of torque. This is less than the 177 hp or 197 horsepower that the current Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic and Premium produce, respectively.

Likewise, the battery choices are smaller–7.42 kWh versus the outgoing model’s 8.3 kWh or 18.3 kWh for the Dynamic and Premium, respectively. This lithium-iron-phosphate Blade battery size is good enough for a 55-kilometer pure electric NEDC-rated range, along with up to 3.3 kW in AC charging.

Powertrain-wise, it seems BYD is targeting affordability with the Seal 5 DM-i, and this is perhaps by design, based on our analysis, since the Atto 2 DM-i will likely be priced too close alongside the Seal 5 DM-i. The Atto 2 DM-i, which has more available features and capabilities, will likely sit above the new Seal 5 DM-i.

In terms of features, the BYD Seal 5 DM-i is also focused on affordability, since the spec sheet is simpler for this new model, perhaps to make room for the Atto 2 DM-i’s entry. While common features across the two variants include an 8.8-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, full LED exterior lighting, a reverse camera, and smart key with push-button start, the Seal 5 DM-i lineup eliminates the sunroof, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and six-speaker sound system that were offered in the Premium variant. Still, for the higher-trim Dynamic variant, it gets leatherette upholstery, power-folding mirrors, and the NFC key.

As for the exterior, the facelifted 2027 BYD Seal 5 DM-i is now more closely related to the rest of the Ocean series lineup. The front end gets a more curvaceous look through a new set of rounded LED headlights. Meanwhile, the grille has become slimmer for the new model. 16-inch wheels come as standard, but you no longer have larger wheel options. The rear end also gets a restyled rear bumper, along with full-width LED taillights.

The 2027 BYD Seal 5 DM-i is coming soon to the Philippine market, and since it will likely be launched alongside the Atto 2, the discontinuation of the Premium variant of the popular sedan somehow makes sense.