Looking for a practical family SUV? The BYD Tang DM-i Philippines offers a 7-seat layout, long EV range, and premium features for ₱2.1M—here’s an honest review.
Thinking About the BYD Tang DM-i? Here’s a Real-World Take
If you’re in the market for a 7-seater SUV, chances are the new BYD Tang DM-i Philippines has already popped up on your radar. With all the talk around electric and hybrid cars, this plug-in hybrid feels like it was built for Filipino families who need space but also want to save on fuel.
Let’s start with the number everyone wants to know first—price. The BYD Tang DM-i starts at ₱2,098,000, putting it right up against some of the most popular midsize SUVs in the country. But it isn’t just another diesel-fed people carrier.
What Exactly Is the BYD Tang DM-i?
The BYD Tang DM-i isn’t your typical hybrid. It’s a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), which means it works like an electric car most of the time, but with a gasoline engine as backup.
It has a 21.5 kWh BYD Blade Battery, good for around 110 km of pure electric driving. For most daily trips—school runs, office commutes, and errands—you can drive on electricity alone. When the battery runs out, the 1.5-liter turbo engine kicks in mainly as a generator, extending the total range to about 1,160 km.
That’s city efficiency with highway peace of mind.
Design and Dimensions
At 4,870 mm long and nearly 1,950 mm wide, the Tang DM-i is as big as many full-size SUVs. It rides 182 mm off the ground, which is enough for rough roads and occasional floods.
The styling is clean but premium—sharp LED headlights, a full-width rear light bar, and 20-inch alloy wheels. You can choose from black, white, or a gray “hero” color that gives it a stealthy look.
Interior Comfort and Space
Inside, the Tang feels more premium than its price suggests. Soft leather seats with diamond stitching, brushed aluminum accents, and a panoramic sunroof create an upscale vibe.
A 15.6-inch rotating infotainment screen (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), 12.3-inch digital cluster, and Dynaudio speakers make long drives easier.
Seating is 2 + 3 + 2, so seven people can fit, though the third row is best for kids or quick trips for adults. Folding the second and third rows opens up a massive 1,655 liters of cargo space. The only miss? No dedicated AC vents for the last row.
Performance and Charging
- Power: 271 PS, 315 Nm (combined motor and engine)
- Drive: Front-wheel drive
- 0–100 km/h: Around 7.5 seconds
- Top Speed: 200 km/h
Charging is easy at home. A wall charger is included:
- AC Charging: 15% to 100% in about 3 hours
- DC Fast Charging: 30% to 80% in around 30 minutes
It even supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), so you can power small appliances during a road trip or emergency.
Tech & Safety
BYD packed the Tang with features usually found in more expensive SUVs:
- Keyless entry with NFC card and app-based digital key
- 540° camera system with underbody view
- Adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot detection, and automatic emergency braking
- Multiple drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, and Wet/Snow
- Wireless 50W phone charging
The Blade Battery is a highlight. Unlike regular lithium batteries, it uses LFP chemistry, which is more stable and safer, even in extreme conditions.
Driving Experience
On city roads, the Tang drives mostly on electric power, so it’s quiet and smooth. The instant torque from the motor makes overtaking easy, while the hybrid setup takes care of longer drives without worrying about charging stations. Adjustable regenerative braking adds flexibility depending on traffic.
Pros
✅ Good value for a 7-seater PHEV under ₱2.1M
✅ Long electric-only range for daily commutes
✅ Premium interior with big screens and top-notch audio
✅ Safe and durable Blade Battery
✅ Includes both wall and portable chargers
Cons
❌ No AC vents in the third row
❌ Front-wheel drive only (no AWD option)
❌ Heavy curb weight slightly limits agility
BYD Tang DM-i vs BYD Tang EV
Some markets, like the BYD Tang UK and BYD Tang Australia, sell a pure electric BYD Tang EV, but the Philippine version is a PHEV. Given the current local charging infrastructure, the hybrid system makes sense for long drives without worrying about where to charge.
Final Verdict: Is the BYD Tang DM-i Worth It?
If you want a family SUV that’s spacious, efficient, and future-ready, the BYD Tang DM-i Philippines is a strong choice. It lets you drive electric most days but keeps the convenience of a gasoline backup for long trips.
For under ₱2.1 million, it delivers the comfort and tech of higher-priced European SUVs—without the fuel bills.
For families looking to transition to electrified driving without the range anxiety of a full EV, the BYD Tang DM-i is one of the smartest buys in 2024 and beyond.
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