Did BYD Cars PH just tease the Tang DM-i?

After being recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE) as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and being cleared by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for the Philippine market, it looks like BYD Cars Philippines distributor ACMobility is preparing to launch its latest DM-i model.

Just months after launching the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i PHEV, ACMobility has released a new teaser of its latest DM-i model. Based on the teaser alone, the automaker claims it will be their “biggest and boldest DM-i SUV yet”. 

Even better is the fact that BYD also included a glimpse of the upcoming DM-i crossover SUV. Just like what we saw on the DOE’s list of recognized PHEVs, it looks like we’ll be saying hello soon to the BYD Tang DM-i. 

From what we’ve gathered before, the Tang DM-i for the Philippine market will reportedly come with a 1.5L turbocharged engine that serves as a generator that powers a 21.5 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery pack. An electric motor sends power to the front wheels and delivers 200 kW or 272 PS with 315 Nm of torque.

On battery power alone, BYD says the Tang DM-i can cover up to 110 km based on the NEDC cycle. But with the engine helping the battery, the plug-in hybrid crossover SUV can achieve up to 1,150 km before needing to refuel or recharge. Based on this info, it looks like the eMAX9 DM-i and the Tang DM-i will share the same DM-i powertrain.

Since the Tang DM-i is a 7-seater, it could attract customers who are looking to get a three-row electrified crossover SUV. Moreover, it could also sway buyers from buying a frame-based turbo-diesel SUV for something that’s a bit more civilized and is powered by BYD’s DM-i PHEV system.

No exact launch date has been revealed yet by BYD Cars Philippines. But since they already released a teaser, perhaps we are just several weeks away from the big reveal. We’ll be curious to know just how competitively priced the Tang DM-i will be against its closest competitors and rivals.