Rever Automotive Co., Ltd., the official distributor and after-sales service provider for BYD and Denza new-energy vehicles in Thailand, held a media performance test of the BYD SEALION 5 DM-i 2026 on a long-distance route from the north to the south of the country, demonstrating the efficiency of its DM-i powertrain. The drive passed through 22 provinces for a total real-world test distance of more than 1,500 kilometres, starting on a single full charge and a single full tank of fuel — with no energy top-ups along the way until reaching the destination.
Results and statistics from the long-distance test log
The test was conducted under real-world driving conditions on public roads, with the test cars split into two groups to gather performance data. The first group drove continuously for 24 hours straight, while the second group made one overnight stop along the route in Ratchaburi province. Every car set off with the battery at 99% and a full 52-litre fuel tank. The result was that all test cars reached the destination in Phuket with energy to spare, with statistics recorded by group as follows.
Continuous 24-hour driving group
- Test car No. 1 covered a maximum total distance of 1,524 km, averaging 28.40 km/litre, equal to an average fuel cost of THB 1.37 per kilometre.
- Test car No. 2 covered a maximum total distance of 1,572 km, averaging 29.29 km/litre, equal to an average fuel cost of THB 1.33 per kilometre.
One overnight-stop group
- Test car No. 1 covered a maximum total distance of 1,754 km, averaging 32.68 km/litre, equal to an average fuel cost of THB 1.19 per kilometre.
- Test car No. 2 covered a maximum total distance of 1,847 km, averaging 34.41 km/litre, equal to an average fuel cost of THB 1.13 per kilometre.
The main test route covered a total of 1,555 kilometres across 22 provinces: Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Krabi, Phang Nga, and finishing in Phuket.
The BYD SEALION 5 DM-i 2026 is powered by DM-i (Dual Mode Intelligent) technology, a plug-in hybrid system designed to blend a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a high-output electric motor driving the front wheels, delivering a combined system output of up to 155 kW and maximum combined torque of 210 Nm. The car is fitted with the high-safety, proprietary BYD Blade Battery with a capacity of 18.3 kWh, allowing pure-electric (EV Mode) driving for up to 110 km on the NEDC standard. The system supports AC charging and high-speed DC fast charging at up to 18 kW, and with its 52-litre fuel tank it can deliver a combined driving range of more than 1,200 km when both energy sources are full.
Pricing and special campaign terms
The line-up and pricing in Thailand, along with a special offer for customers who buy and take delivery by 30 June 2026, are as follows.
- BYD SEALION 5 DM-i Dynamic — THB 759,900
- BYD SEALION 5 DM-i Premium — THB 799,900
The special campaign benefits are worth up to THB 109,000 in total, comprising the BYD CARE for DM-i maintenance package worth up to THB 34,000, a lifetime battery quality warranty worth THB 50,000, a ZHIDA home charger with installation worth THB 25,000, first-class insurance with compulsory motor insurance for one year, and XUV Max III ceramic film with installation. The offer is available through BYD's network of 166 showrooms and service centres nationwide.
Photo gallery from the test event
The Bangkok Motorhaus View
Rever Automotive's north-to-south long-distance test is a straightforward marketing approach aimed at breaking down consumers' range anxiety around alternative-energy vehicles. Presenting hard statistics — an average fuel cost starting at THB 1.13 per kilometre, together with a maximum distance of 1,847 km on a single tank and one charge — is empirical evidence that appeals to drivers who frequently travel long distances across provinces but are not yet ready to switch fully to a 100% electric vehicle, encouraging them to take a closer look at DM-i plug-in hybrid technology.
In terms of product positioning, pricing in the mid-to-high THB 700,000 range makes the BYD SEALION 5 DM-i 2026 broadly accessible and an attractive alternative to traditional compact SUVs. Its 18.3 kWh battery with 18 kW DC fast charging genuinely enables everyday all-electric city driving. That said, the point to consider is that marketing a plug-in hybrid today still depends on owner behaviour — the discipline of plugging in regularly — for the powertrain to perform at its best and deliver the efficiency figures recorded in the test.
The key challenge for BYD from here is to build a clear understanding of the differences between the closely related models in the DM-i family, which are similar in body size and price, while maintaining after-sales service standards and parts supply across its 166-branch service network to keep pace with growing sales. If the brand can manage its after-sales ecosystem and communicate the strengths of this powertrain consistently, consumer confidence in hybrid-energy vehicles will only become more stable and sustainable over the long term.
It marks another significant step in proving that hybrid-energy technology can offer both efficiency and convenience on long journeys. And what about you — what do you think of the Chiang Mai-to-Phuket long-distance test results of this BYD SEALION 5 DM-i 2026? Do you think fuel consumption and average running costs at this level are achievable in the real world?
