2025 BYD Tang DM-i 7-seater now in the PH for P2.098M
Sport-utility vehicles (SUV) like the Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Montero Sport and the Ford Everest represent the pinnacle of mobility for Filipino families that aren’t in the “ghost contractor” business.
With their rugged chassis, punchy turbodiesel engines and space for seven passengers, these leviathans have gained adoring fans nationwide for their ability to handle everything from school runs to long drives on rough provincial roads. BYD Cars Philippines is out to hit this segment hard with its all-new Tang DM-i crossover, which was launched on Wednesday in Makati City.
“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 in a press statement.
“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,” he added.
Premium style
The BYD Tang DM-i eschews the chunky styling of its SUV rivals, instead carrying over the flowing styling of the Tang battery-electric vehicle.
As the Chinese carmaker’s flagship crossover, large LED headlights flank a prominent front grill that incorporates gloss-black accents. A subtle character line gives depth to the broad sides, while the upward kink in the rear-quarter window adds a touch of individuality for the Tang DM-i among broad-shouldered SUVs.
Out back, full-width LED taillights highlight the steeply raked rear windscreen and large tailgate spoiler. Faux vents in the lower bumper add a sporty touch, while the low license-plate holder gives the rear a clean look.
Plush, 3-row cabin
Inside, the Tang DM-i sets itself apart from its ladder-frame rivals with its cream leather upholstery, low floor and panoramic moonroof.
As with all BYDs, this big crossover gets the familiar 15.6-inch, rotating touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is mated to a 12-speaker Dynaudio surround-sound system, along with premium features like the digital gauge cluster, customizable ambient lighting and electrically adjustable, air-conditioned front seats.
The split-folding, third-row seats offer adequate space for occupants up to 5’4”, but the low seat cushion and lack of dedicated air-conditioning vents mean long trips may need breaks for those out back. Nonetheless, the second-row bench has a useful handle that tilts and slides the passenger side forward in just one pull, allowing for easy entry and exit.
Class-leading electrified power
Moving far away from its oil-burning competition, the Tang DM-i packs a highly advanced powertrain under its long hood.
BYD took its familiar 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine and bolted on a turbocharger and an electric motor – combined output is a class-leading 267 horsepower and 315 Newton-meters of torque. The carmaker claims a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 7.5 seconds.
The Tang DM-i also gets a 21.5-kWh Blade battery pack, helping this seven-seater do up to 110 kilometers on electric power and achieve a claimed maximum range of over 1,100 kilometers. BYD Cars Philippines said it can charge from 30 to 80 percent in just 22 minutes through DC charging, along with offering vehicle-to-load functionality.
As BYD’s flagship crossover, the Tang-DM-i naturally comes standard with the DiPilot adaptive driver-assistance system that includes life-saving features like adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera and automatic emergency braking.
Beginning of the end?
The Tang DM-i is priced at P2,098,000 and comes in three colors, namely Moonstone Gray, Pearl White and Silver Sand Black.
BYD Cars Philippines said the big crossover gets an 8-year/160,000-kilometer warranty (whichever comes first) for the Blade Battery, an 8-year/150,000-kilometer warranty (whichever comes first) for the electric motor and control systems and a 6-year/150,000-kilometer (whichever comes first) 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 Cars Philippines country head Adam Hu in a press statement.
“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,” he added.
BYD Cars Philippines said the Tang DM-i will also be on display at the BYD Tech Tour event at SM Clark in Pampanga from Sept. 18 to 21, 2025, where customers can experience its features up close.
Are the days of turbodiesel SUVs finally numbered with the arrival of the all-new 2025 BYD Tang DM-i?
