By Tessa R. Salazar
The TessDrive team attended the launch of the new BYD Tang DM-i on Sept. 17 at SPACE at One Ayala in Makati City. The new 7-seater family SUV features BYD’s Super DM-i hybrid technology, which combines a turbocharged engine with a 21.5 kWh Blade battery. This powertrain delivers 271 PS and 315 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100 kph sprint in 7.5 seconds.
The festive launch, attended by celebrities, influencers, bank partners, dealers, and the media, marked a major milestone for BYD Cars Philippines. ACMobility, the brand’s local distributor, says the Tang DM-i “blends the efficiency of BYD’s advanced powertrain with the versatility and presence of a 7-seater SUV.” The company added that it “redefines expectations for family mobility in the Philippines,” a claim Filipino buyers will ultimately decide.
The Tang DM-i enters a competitive field, challenging both traditional and electrified rivals.
Key ICE-powered rivals:
o Mitsubishi Montero Sport: A key rival in size, utility, and price;
o Toyota Fortuner: A top-seller known for reliability;
o Ford Everest: Offers style, features, and off-road capability;
o Nissan Terra: Another well-established 7-seater option
Hybrid and PHEV competitors:
o Chery Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV: A direct 7-seater plug-in hybrid competitor;
o GAC Emkoo Hybrid: An expected direct hybrid alternative;
o Honda CR-V RS e:HEV: A 5-seater full hybrid;
o Ford Territory Hybrid: A more affordable 5-seater hybrid;
o Toyota RAV4 HEV: A popular 5-seater hybrid option;
While we haven’t driven the new Tang DM-i, we previously tested its pure battery electric (BEV) version. In a traction exercise on a slippery surface, its all-wheel drive and stability controls allowed for perfect control. That test drive was almost “uneventful” because the vehicle behaved so well—a necessity for a machine with 700 Nm of torque and a 0-100 kph time of just 4.9 seconds. We look forward to seeing how the new DM-i variant compares.
“With the introduction of the all-new BYD Tang DM-i, we are expanding our Super DM-i lineup to address the diverse needs of Filipino families,” said BYD Cars Philippines managing director Bob Palanca. “As the largest model in our SUV range, the Tang DM-i delivers the space, versatility, and advanced technology that many families look for in an SUV, while reinforcing our commitment to make electric mobility more accessible.”
Limitless range?
The Tang DM-i’s main draw is its range. BYD claims a combined driving range of over 1,000 km and a pure EV mode range of 110 km. At the launch, a video showed a real-world test yielding 1,198 km on a single full tank of gas and a full charge.
For charging, the vehicle can go from 15% to 100% in about three hours via AC power, or 30% to 80% in 22 minutes using a DC charger. It also includes vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, allowing the SUV to power external devices.
Versatility and tech
BYD describes its flagship SUV as “blending practicality with premium comfort.” The interior features high-quality materials, quick access via an NFC card, and smart connectivity through the BYD App. A 15.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is paired with a premium 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system.
DiPilot safety system
The Tang DM-i is equipped with BYD’s DiPilot system, a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies. Its ADAS features include adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, and automatic emergency braking.
Warranty coverage
The warranty includes 8 years or 160,000 km for the Blade Battery, 8 years or 150,000 km for the electric motor and control systems, and a 6-year or 150,000-km new vehicle warranty.
“With the Tang DM-i, we aim to show how electrified mobility can be seamlessly integrated into the everyday lives of Filipino families,” said BYD Philippines country head Adam Hu. “By combining efficiency, safety, and versatility, we are proud to deliver a vehicle that helps drivers embrace a smarter and more sustainable way to move.”
The new BYD Tang DM-i is priced at ₱2,098,000, and offered in three colors: Moonstone Gray, Pearl White, and Silver Sand Black. The Tang DM-i is featured at the ongoing BYD Tech Tour at SM Clark, Pampanga, running until Sept. 21.