It amazes me how fast and how committed BYD is as a brand to the Philippine market. It’s as if they have a direct line into how the new Filipino car buyers think, and each new model launch becomes an instant sales success.
Their latest challenger, though, wants to enter into an arena dominated by the “establishment”; the segment of the PPVs and SUVs takes no prisoners, and to be competitive in it, one must put forth a product so well-tuned and put together. Enter the BYD Tang DM-i, the brand’s answer to the diesel-crazed market in the Philippines, and we find out if it has a fighting chance.
BYD Tang DM-i: The other end of the spectrum
BYD is keen to differentiate itself from the rest of the segment by offering an upscale and more plush experience. Which is par for the course, considering that the Tang DM-i is actually a cut above the rest of the BYD lineup because it’s part of the Dynasty class, as opposed to the ocean/water class like the Seal, Sealion, and others.
Looking at the Tang DM-i already shows that this is a different model compared to the already established BYD cars; it looks much, much more sedate and subdued. It has more sculpted lines and curves, and overall, it is eager to be more palatable. I am looking for a wider range of buyers, no polarizing design cues, just clean modern touches, which I honestly like.
Inside, the interior is a mix of the familiar BYD touches and designs, but with more plush items and materials. While regular BYDs already have good fit and finish, the Tang DM-i takes it a step further; it just feels complete inside. Accompanying the mix of leather and soft-touch materials are features like a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, and automatically adjustable seats. One interesting oddity in the Tang DM-i is that the big infotainment screen lacks a rotating function, which was done for cost saving, but strangely is available in the more affordable Seal and Sealion models. In any case, the infotainment screen features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired to a Dyna Audio sound system.
Space in the Tang DM-i is also very decent, given that it’s an SUV and can sit 7 people; the third row is big enough for an adult of my size and height. My only criticism would be the height of the trunk opening from the ground; it would be a little difficult to lift heavier items, but other than that, the Tang DM-i ticks all the necessary practicality boxes.
A mix of power and efficiency
This being a BYD, the Tang DM-i features a turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline generator (engine) paired to the brand’s Super DM-i Technology, to make 200 PS and 315 Nm of torque. Altogether, it has a combined range of 1,160 km and a full pure EV range of 110 km.
Safety comes in the form of a complete suite of ADAS features like lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and others. The inclusion of Adas features already gives the Tang DM-i an advantage over most of the competitors.
Better driven than driven in
What I’ve always liked about BYD’s offerings is that they have a driver-centric approach; across the board, most of the models are fun to drive. The Tang DM-i is on another level when compared to the other models in its segment.
It appeals more to those who are looking for a smoother, quieter, and less rugged driving experience. I like how the Tang DM-i is approachable and not confusing to drive in any way. Nothing about it is overtly complicated and can be considered a ‘gas and go’ type of hybrid. The steering is light and easy to place, and the overall width of the Tang isn’t too daunting to drive through tight spaces or roads. All in all, it doesn’t drive as big as it actually is.
The powertrain, with the help of the turbo, provides the needed push and shove that a hulking vehicle like this needs. It never felt like I didn’t have enough power to overtake or to maintain speed. What needs to be taken into account, though, is that the Tang DM-i is front-wheel-drive, and the instantaneous torque induces some torque steer under sudden and harsh acceleration.
Handling is above par compared to other SUVs and PPVs, thanks to a lower ride height and center of gravity; the body roll is bearable even at higher speeds. I have to commend BYD also on making the Tang DM-i very quiet; even when the turbo engine kicks in, you barely hear it, but you certainly feel it.
Fuel efficiency is, of course, fantastic. We averaged around 18-19 km/l in the city, and got as high as 22-23 km/l on the highway. The claimed range is truly accurate, and if you’re even more conscious, it could probably be more.
Another hit for BYD
Overall, the Tang DM-i, while providing the practicality of an SUV, is more for the self-driven family person. Anybody driving it is sure to have either a relaxing and calm experience, or a lively one, a duality that is more than welcome in my opinion.
It has all the ingredients to make it the true alternative to the establishment, without a hint of compromise. Buying the BYD Tang DM-i won’t be seen as an out-of-this-world decision, but rather a good one, given that the Tang DM-i is what I think a modern SUV should be.
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