BYD SEAL 5 DM-i PHEV Review: C-class Sedan priced at 696 million

SEAL 5 DM-i is the first PHEV sedan in the C-class, with a 1.5L engine and electric motor producing 209 horsepower, running on electricity for about 120 km, consuming 3.8 liters/100 km, priced at 696 million.

On the afternoon of October 17, BYD launched the SEAL 5 DM-i in Vietnam for 696 million VND. This is the first C-class sedan using plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology in the popular segment, targeting urban users who want to drive electric every day but do not worry about range when traveling long distances.

The technical focus of SEAL 5 is the DM-i Super Hybrid powertrain, combining a 1.5L naturally aspirated gasoline engine and a 145 kW electric motor. According to the announcement, the total capacity reaches 209 horsepower, 300 Nm of torque, can run purely on electricity for about 120 km and a combined range of up to 1,200 km, with a consumption of 3.8 liters / 100 km (depending on conditions).

BYD SEAL 5 costs 696 million VND, is the first and only PHEV engine C-size sedan in the segment.

PHEV pioneer in C-segment

In the context that most C-class sedans in Vietnam still use pure gasoline engines or self-charging hybrids (HEV), SEAL 5 offers a different approach: daily electric driving thanks to the ability to charge externally, while still operating on gasoline when needed to travel far. With an electric range of about 120 km as announced, users can handle most inner-city trips without consuming gasoline, if they have a habit of charging regularly.

The price of under 700 million VND for a PHEV model is a remarkable move, when HEV competitors such as Toyota Corolla Altis HEV (from 870 million VND) or Honda Civic e:HEV (940-970 million VND) are significantly more expensive. However, BYD's challenge still lies in brand trust and after-sales service coverage compared to long-standing Japanese brands.

Neutral design language, standard C-class body proportions

BYD SEAL 5 dimensions are in the large group in the C segment: 4,780 mm long, 1,837 mm wide, 1,495 mm high, wheelbase 2,718 mm, ground clearance about 120 mm. The body proportions show an orientation that emphasizes rear seat space and luggage compartment, promising practicality for families.

BYD SEAL 5 has large dimensions of class C: length: 4,780mm, width: 1,837mm, height: 1,495mm. Wheelbase: 2,718mm and ground clearance of about 120mm

Overall, the SEAL 5's style is modern and neat, comparable to familiar choices like the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla Altis. Careful attention to design details helps the car to harmonize with the majority's tastes, which is important for a product that expands the PHEV customer base.

Cabin revolves around digital experience

Entering the cockpit, the center is a 12.8-inch entertainment screen that can rotate vertically/horizontally - a typical detail of BYD - supporting wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Behind the steering wheel is an 8.8-inch digital clock cluster, clearly displaying information, serving the need to monitor the energy and power flow of the hybrid system.

The car model is equipped with a 12.8-inch rotating central screen - a feature of BYD, can be switched vertically/horizontally depending on needs, supports wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto.

The central control cluster is minimalist, the dashboard is designed flat, creating a clear visual space. 360-degree camera supports observation, while the V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) feature allows reverse power supply to external devices - useful when camping or when there is a power outage.

Specifications and performance on paper

SEAL 5 uses the DM-i Super Hybrid powertrain: a 1.5L naturally aspirated gasoline engine combined with a 145 kW electric motor. According to the announcement, the total capacity reaches 209 horsepower, 300 Nm of torque. In EV mode, the car can travel about 120 km; when combining both gasoline and electricity, the operating range is up to 1,200 km, with an average consumption of 3.8 liters/100 km (depending on usage conditions, speed and charging habits).

With the PHEV configuration, the greatest value comes from external charging: if the daily schedule is shorter than the electric range, the car consumes almost no gasoline; and when traveling long distances, the gasoline engine helps reduce range anxiety. Actual efficiency and transmission refinement (smoothness, throttle response, electric-gasoline transition) need to be verified through thorough testing on Vietnamese roads.

BYD SEAL 5 is the first C-size sedan in Vietnam to use external hybrid charging technology - PHEV

Safety and driving assistance

According to the announcement, SEAL 5 is equipped with 14 safety features, notably the anti-sudden acceleration feature. 360-degree camera supports parking and observing the surrounding environment. Independent safety ratings (NCAP) have not been mentioned in the launch information, so we need to wait for the rating organizations to announce them for objective reference.

The safety equipment system has 14 features, the densest in the segment, of which the most prominent is the anti-sudden acceleration feature.

Price and positioning compared to competitors

At 696 million VND, SEAL 5 is cheaper than most C-class gasoline sedans such as Toyota Corolla Altis (725-870 million VND) or Honda Civic (730-970 million VND). Compared to self-charging hybrid versions, the difference of SEAL 5 is even larger (Corolla Altis HEV from 870 million VND; Civic e:HEV 940-970 million VND). In return, BYD is a new brand in Vietnam, the dealer system and after-sales service are not as widespread as long-standing Japanese - Korean brands, factors that buyers need to consider are maintenance and resale value.

Looking at the market at large, PHEVs are not yet popular due to charging infrastructure and high input costs. SEAL 5 is therefore an "opening card" for the green race in the popular sedan segment, where users previously mainly chose gasoline or HEV.

Main specifications table

Category	Parameter
Dimensions LxWxH	4,780 x 1,837 x 1,495 mm
Wheelbase	2,718 mm
Ground clearance	about 120 mm
Transmission system	DM-i Super Hybrid (1.5L gasoline + electric motor)
Total power/torque	209 horsepower, 300 Nm
Electric motor power	145 kW
Electric range	about 120 km
Combined operating range	up to 1,200 km
Fuel consumption	3.8 liters/100 km (according to announcement)
Outstanding equipment	12.8-inch rotating screen; 8.8-inch clock; 360-degree camera; V2L
Selling price	696 million VND

Conclude

The BYD SEAL 5 DM-i offers an attractive proposition: PHEV technology, a remarkable electric range and a price tag under VND700 million – factors that have never appeared together in the segment. This is a suitable choice for users with stable charging points and who want to travel most of their journeys by electric during the week.

Advantage

• PHEV technology with external charging, electric range of about 120 km (according to announcement).
• The price of 696 million VND creates an advantage over gasoline cars and HEVs of the same class.
• Technology equipment: 12.8 inch rotating screen, 360 degree camera, V2L.

Disadvantages

• Charging infrastructure and charging habits are still barriers for the majority.
• Brand trust and service network take time to expand.
• Actual performance and operating sophistication need to be verified through testing.

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Source: https://baonghean.vn/danh-gia-byd-seal-5-dm-i-phev-sedan-hang-c-gia-696-trieu-10308408.html