The BYD Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic is a sweet treat for the fleet

I’ve been in the motoring beat since 2016 and I can’t remember a time when a brand explicitly said that the model they launched is meant for ‘fleet customers’. It’s almost always presenting a low starting price, which almost always means a bare base model.

BYD has redefined what base models could be with the Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic. This sedan is sized a bit larger than a Civic, priced like a Vios, with amenities to rival or trump a Mazda. For PHP 948,000 it seems like a runaway winner right? However, the needs of private and fleet customers are different.

Business owners enjoy base models because of the low price, low cost of maintenance (since it almost always comes with a manual transmission), and it gets the job done. Point A to B to Z is no problem. So with the relatively higher price tag of the Seal 5 DM-i, can BYD justify its value offering to fleet owners who are used to cheaper options?

BYD took us on a drive to what I call the Western Luzon Loop. From Ayala Malls Manila Bay, we went north east to Pangasinan, down to Zambales, Subic, and headed south east to Bataan rounding up the loop in Limay to Mariveles before going back up to Subic. I’ve been a passenger and driver on this 800+km trip and so combined with my learnings from my wife’s family’s fleet business, here’s what I think of the Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic.

Passenger priority

The second row is not exactly luxurious but it is definitely comfortable. 800+ kilometers in the Seal 5 and my butt had no complaints whatsoever. There’s no armrest here, but there are rear air vents and USB-A charging ports beneath it.

Space is abundant in the Seal 5. There’s ample headroom for 5’7 me, and a lot of elbow room. There’s no center tunnel so accommodating a middle passenger is easy. Best of all, since this is longer than your Vios or City, there’s a lot more space. Even if you have taller occupants in the first row, there’s still ample legroom in the second row.

The only complaint I have is the relatively weak airflow out of the rear air vents, in comparison to the same fan speed in the front row. Although, our unit not having tint also plays a part in the effect of air circulation in the cabin. Maybe a tint can solve that feeling of lack of cool air at the back. 

The front passenger seat is probably the best seat in the house. You get to be hugged by the 2-piece bucket style seats without feeling cramped by the steering wheel and pedals. You can stretch out for a bit, since there’s a lot of space behind you, and the fixed headrest is just in the right position to cradle your head once you lean back. 

Drivers deserve it

Most fleet drivers only have the bare necessities at their disposal. They almost always drive a manual transmission, play with a 2-DIN radio with Bluetooth, and come with the bare minimum safety bits like ABS and Front Airbags only. When they get into an accident, the blame is always on the driver’s irresponsibility (if applicable) but what’s not talked about is how they got into that situation. 

A private individual like me can take a rest in gasoline stations if I’m sleepy or tired. Fleet drivers don’t have that luxury since it will affect their schedule for the day, which affects their feedback from the employees they ferry, and in turn will affect their income. 

Fleet drivers deserve the modern creature comforts that the BYD Seal 5 offers. They’ll have an automatic transmission with Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Brake Hold. ABH is very useful in stop-and-go traffic situations as it lessens the force exerted by your right leg. They’ll also have a huge 12.8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so that they can find their way easier and better, without looking down on their phone while on the road. Safety is also increased as this comes standard with Front, Side, and Curtain Airbags, which greatly benefits the passengers too. Other amenities they’ll surely appreciate are the Rear Sensors and Rear Camera, Automatic Aircon, and Cruise Control for easier highway driving. 

Boss gets some too

Owners will probably laugh at the thought of improving driver and passenger experience in their cars when there’s nothing in it for them. Well, BYD has something for the boss too. 

The BYD Seal 5 DM-i is a hybrid system with a powerful EV only mode which won’t let go even if you go to uphill roads or higher speeds. This allows it to have a combined range of 1,175 kilometers on a full tank of gas which is almost 3-times that of a conventional sedan with an internal combustion engine. Alternatively, you can go for around 50 kilometers without a single drop of gas thanks to its EV mode. I know you can already imagine the savings you can have especially with the gas prices today. 

BYD also promises a more affordable maintenance plan with the Seal 5 DM-i. According to them, this sedan only needs Preventive Maintenance Service once a year. Compare that to other brands that require 4 or so visits to the casa every year and you can already figure that equation out for yourself. 

Lastly, the BYD Seal 5 DM-i will definitely give the company a better reputation. Word of mouth is quick especially when it comes to the perks of a job or company. Having a better car for the service of your employees and executives will no doubt help with retention and recruitment, the same way more bonuses and vacation leaves do. Not everyone is fond of a bouncy ladder-frame MPV for their daily sundo. 

I’ll admit I am optimistic about the BYD Seal 5 DM-i after driving it for three days but I’m not seeing things with rose colored glasses, no. At the end of the day it’s all the same for fleet owners, first time car buyers, and those moving up in the car segment – they have a choice if they want to play it safe and dull, or be a bit daring and get something totally new. What I’m sure of is if you’re the owner, driver, or passenger, you’ll surely appreciate what the BYD Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic offers you.