Sealion 5 DM-i is BYD's next plug-in hybrid for PH

Last month, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) approved the Sealion 5 DM-i for the Philippine market. At the time, BYD Cars Philippines did not announce anything with regard to the Sealion 5 DM-i. But based on the LTO's listing, the upcoming crossover will be a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and will come with a 1.5L engine that will be assisted by an 18.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an electric motor.

Fast forward to June 2025, BYD Cars Philippines distributor ACMobility has confirmed that the Sealion 5 DM-i is coming soon. The automaker made it official when it posted a teaser image of the upcoming PHEV crossover on social media. In addition, they also posted a teaser photo of the Sealion 5 DM-i (AKA Song Pro DM-i) on their website.

The exact specifications have yet to be revealed by BYD Cars Philippines. However, based on LTO homologation documents, the Sealion 5 DM-i has a combined system output of 197 PS and is capable of traveling on pure electric power up to 71 km. It will also measure 4738mm long, 1860mm wide, and 1710mm tall on a 2712mm wheelbase. Given its size and power, the Sealion 5 DM-i will likely slot below the much bigger Sealion 6 DM-i

Other details about the Sealion 5 DM-i have yet to be revealed. But given that BYD has already confirmed the Sealion 5 DM-i for the local market, it might not be long before the automaker unveils its newest PHEV. And with the LTO also approving the Tang DM-i, BYD is set to offer more vehicles powered by its DM-i system.

If you're looking to get yourself a plug-in hybrid crossover soon from BYD, would you wait for the Sealion 5 DM-i or head straight for the much bigger Sealion 6 DM-i?