Store review of BYD Haibao DM-i: The potential of a hit is suppressed
If you clicked in because you saw the word "seal," first of all, I must clarify that this is not the EV version of the "electric BMW" (that's right, in my mind, the Seal EV deserves this title), its original name should be "Destroyer 07." So it has nothing to do with the familiar pure electric coupe at all.
BYD's Ocean Network further integrates the names: Seal represents sedans, and Sea Lion represents SUVs. Distinguished by numbers, the naming of ocean warships has quietly stepped off the stage.
So, if you came to see the Seal's cornering prowess, you can leave now. But if you are simply looking for a mid-to-high-end sedan for around 200,000 yuan for daily commuting.
You've come to the right place.
Although the direct name change has left everyone a bit confused, the first impression it left on me is still quite good: unique styling, well-crafted appearance, and it uses a new platform, with a clear positioning aimed at traditional B-class cars like the Accord and Camry.Moreover, it has already released a Glory Edition less than a year after its market launch, which, although it may hurt the feelings of early adopters, the starting price of 149,800 yuan is quite eye-catching. After several days of unsuccessful attempts to hail a ride, I decided to drive directly to the 4S store of Ocean Network to take a look.
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Frankly speaking, its dimensions are actually not far off from the Han, and when you face the actual car, you can clearly feel the substantial presence of its large size. But why do many people still choose the Han over it?
I think it might have something to do with the front fascia, body color, and wheel design. Although its length is close to 5 meters, its height is also approaching 1.5 meters, which is about 50mm taller than the Accord and Camry; coupled with the main light-colored body that further amplifies the visual sense of volume, it makes the 18-inch wheels and tires with a high profile of 50% seem unable to support the massive body. If the main color were changed to a darker shade, or even better, equipped with 19-inch wheels, the visual effect would definitely be much more harmonious.
However, in person, the car indeed gives off a very well-crafted impression. The lines of the body are completely different from the strong three-dimensional European cars of the past, with very intricate lines, and the "twisting and turning" headlights paired with complex surfaces and lines make it hard to say that it catches the eye at first glance—but after looking at it for a while, you will find yourself constantly thinking about this style.
Plus, the bold blue and purple coatings and good paint finish make it both youthful and subtly stylish.The interior takes this style to the extreme, especially the magenta version shown in the official images, which is extremely eye-catching.
Without discussing whether the design is aesthetically pleasing, the craftsmanship and materials used are exceptional. The upper part of the plastic has a soft touch when pressed, and the lower part is even wrapped in suede! It complements the purple body color perfectly. Of course, if your taste is more conservative, the black version of the interior is also highly recommended. The suede parts are replaced with leather, and the piano lacquer panel adds a touch of elegance, ensuring that even an all-black color scheme does not feel plasticky.
Moreover, I pressed the entire dashboard from left to right, and aside from some very subtle noises from the central air vent panel, there was no detectable deformation or unusual sounds elsewhere. Of course, this is just a new car specifically for display in the showroom, and how it will hold up over time remains to be seen.
The user interface is definitely an area where BYD stands out. The instrument cluster is a highlight, as the screen size is significantly larger than that of entry-level models like the Qin PLUS, and the absence of overly flashy animations makes the information appear clearer.
However, upon closer examination, there is still some room for improvement. For instance, the contrast between the patterned light-colored background and the central information such as speed and power could be enhanced; after adjusting the steering wheel, its outer edge still partially blocks some of the instrument's warning lights, so the layout could be further adjusted.The Dlink 5.0 central control home page is even more commendable: it has removed the large cards of the past and replaced them with a design that features a large background similar to that of AITO, complemented by smaller-sized quick cards. This makes the interface look much neater, and the background also supports switching between wallpaper and map interfaces.
Of course, in my opinion, the size of the cards could be slightly larger to facilitate easier tapping. Additionally, the functionality of the Dock bar at the bottom has increased significantly, making it more efficient, and it also includes a split-screen operation feature.
Another noteworthy aspect is the adjustment interface for the air conditioning.
It has not followed the trend of creating a virtual console design but has retained the classic style of large-sized icons. The advantage is that the click operation for adjusting the air vents is very convenient, and it is easy to understand at a glance. The soft switches for adjusting the surrounding airflow, A/C, and temperature are not interfered with by complex graphics.
However, the design of the interface is a bit plain, and the air conditioning interface could be designed in the popular non-fullscreen pull-down secondary screen style, which would look simpler.The design of the crystal gear lever is exquisite, and its compact shape is quite worth playing with. However, due to its small size and slightly rearward position, a more suitable position has been given to the wireless charging slot for mobile phones. Therefore, if it were larger in volume, similar to BMW's "big chicken leg," it might be better. However... BMW has also discontinued the "big chicken leg" in the new 5 series.
However! The buttons on both sides of the gear lever have unexpectedly become touch-sensitive... It's hard to believe that the traditionally straightforward Di has also learned to be mischievous.
Additionally, the trim on the center console and door panels in the cabin does not use the common chrome plating found in the industry but instead employs a matte finish, which is a typical approach by BYD. Those who are new to BYD may need to get used to it.
In terms of audio, the mid-level Prestige model comes with 8 speakers, and the next level up features a 12-speaker Dynaudio system. However, these 8 speakers are sufficient for everyday use, with bass that doesn't overwhelm, treble that doesn't distort, and vocals that are soft and have a good level of delicacy. Although there is a lack of depth, it is considered above average for its price range.
Regarding the front row seating position, due to the battery pack laid out under the floor, the seat mounting points are slightly higher compared to other sedans in the same class, allowing for an immediate view of the large front end. If you prefer a "combat-style" seating position akin to lying in a bathtub, it might not be suitable for you. However, the front seats are spacious and have a good level of softness, making them ideal for drivers who enjoy a leisurely and comfortable driving experience.The H point in the back row is also slightly higher overall, but the support is good, capable of supporting the thighs, and the feet can also fit into the space under the front row. However, the backrest angle is slightly upright.
The headroom is average; with my height of about 1.74 meters, there is roughly a fist-sized space above my head when seated. The seats thoughtfully retain the split-folding function, and they come with clips to secure the seatbelts on both sides, preventing the belts from getting caught when the backrest is folded down completely and then reinstalled.
Another commendable aspect is that whether it's the hollowed-out area under the front row or the center of the back row, both retain one Type-A and one Type-C USB ports!
This is very important in today's new cars. It's important to note that many new cars, when defined, completely overlook the fact that in many parts of the country, the pace of mobile phone or electronic device upgrades is far from as rapid as in first-tier cities. As a result, when reserving USB ports, they are all made into Type-C ports, which is a clear disconnect from the masses. So, for retaining the Type-A interface, I must give a big thumbs up to Di Zi.
Let's also take a look at the trunk, with a volume of 550L, which can even rival some SUV models, and it is definitely sufficient for daily use. Moreover, the interior is very neat, and the utilization rate is high. However, due to the short rear end, the upper edge of the opening is not long enough, causing the opening angle to be a bit lower, which may require a bit of a stoop when placing larger items.Next, it's time to take the car on the road.
Indeed, its persona is that of a thoroughbred executive sedan, giving people the impression of one word—"soft." Never imagine it to be like the EV version, harboring any fantasies of aggressive driving.
Firstly, the power output style is akin to a CVT, and in standard and ECO modes, it gives an illusion of being "lacking in power." However, before you know it, your speed has easily surpassed 80 km/h, so its acceleration capability is by no means poor, but the throttle's linearity may not meet the expectations of some so-called "experienced drivers."
Even when switched to SPORT mode, the impact under full throttle is only slightly stronger, and applying about sixty percent of the gas will activate the engine, the noise of which is still tolerable—because the tire noise from these Giti tires will overshadow the engine's sound.
Fortunately, this Haibao DM-i comes with front-row double-layer laminated glass, so the engine noise and wind noise at low speeds are not too noticeable.The chassis also exhibits a soft style, starting with the steering. When maneuvering the steering wheel at low speeds, the feel is relatively heavy, but once on the road and as the vehicle's speed increases, it becomes very light. The damping is quite even and delicate, making the steering smooth and premium, but with a slightly strong electronic flavor and a lack of road feedback. The resistance gain with the angle is not very noticeable.
The braking feel is linear, and the braking force is reassuring. The control at the end of the braking process is good, and with the comfort stop function, there is no need to deliberately stomp on the brake pedal hard to activate AUTOHOLD.
The suspension tuning style is somewhat reminiscent of Ford, being very adept at filtering out minor vibrations, suitable for dealing with surfaces like gravel roads and brick-paved surfaces. It's also not a problem when facing larger ruts; you can even "bite" through some relatively hard speed bumps at speeds of around 40-50 km/h. However, when encountering roads with more undulations, it can make one feel a bit dizzy.
Thanks to the large battery under the car acting as ballast, the control of body roll during cornering is quite good, and the body's followability is acceptable. There is no sensation of the chassis dragging the body through the corner, so it's not impossible to push it a bit. However, the power style will compel you to calm down. In fact, cruising comfortably on the road is what it should be doing best.Jia Shi Conclusion:
Let's discuss the configuration and pricing. Since the "Glory Edition" was released less than a year after its launch, there are currently no significant discounts at the dealerships. The Prestige model, priced at 169,800 yuan, with an additional 7,500 yuan for insurance and other miscellaneous fees, lands just around 180,000 yuan.
In my opinion, the Luxury and Prestige models offer a higher cost-performance ratio. If you desire a more upscale configuration, you can opt for the Honor model by adding ten thousand yuan, which will come with a more powerful 1.5T + 218 horsepower electric motor, 19-inch wheels, and a Dynaudio sound system.
Overall, although it is far from its EV sibling on the same platform in terms of sportiness, its comprehensive quality is still excellent. Especially with its outstanding interior, comfort, and cost-performance ratio, coupled with the DM-i's own fuel consumption performance, it should have the potential to be a hit. At least when facing competitors like the Accord and Camry, it does not feel inferior.
Unfortunately, it is overshadowed by its own elder brother - the BYD Han, which has a stable reputation in the mainstream market. If it could create a greater distinction from the Han, and lean more towards a sporty style beyond comfort, it might have an easier time breaking into the market.Please provide the text you would like translated into English.
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