Imagine a large SUV the size of the Tata Harrier delivering over 20 kmpl mileage in city driving on petrol. Sounds impressive, right? That’s exactly what the BYD Clan 5 DMI promises with its super hybrid DMI (Dual Mode Intelligent) plug-in hybrid system.
This SUV combines a powerful 1.5L petrol engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 210 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. It can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 7.7 seconds, offering strong performance alongside excellent efficiency.
The DMI system is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). You can refuel with petrol and also charge the vehicle using both slow and fast chargers. It comes with an 18 kWh battery pack, which delivers up to 100 km of pure electric-only range. This means you can drive this massive SUV for 100 km without using a single drop of petrol.
When the battery is combined with the petrol tank, the total claimed range reaches an impressive 1,330 km. In city conditions, it can deliver 20+ kmpl, while highway mileage typically settles around 15-16 kmpl (due to less regenerative braking opportunity).
Despite its size and the added weight of the battery, the Clan 5 DMI is performance-oriented. Its power delivery is comparable to some full electric SUVs in the segment. The combination of the engine and motor provides strong acceleration, while the hybrid system ensures smooth operation in different driving modes (EV, Hybrid, etc.).
The BYD Clan 5 DMI is a proper large SUV with dimensions that place it directly in competition with vehicles like the Tata Harrier.
It features:
- Bold SUV stance with LED projector headlamps and connected LED tail lamps.
- 18-inch alloy wheels (225/60 section).
- 360° camera with front and rear radar.
- Panoramic roof rails (cosmetic, not functional).
- Electric tailgate.
The design has a slightly sloping bonnet, giving it a modern crossover-SUV look rather than a traditional boxy one. Ground clearance is good, and it rides on disc brakes all around.
The cabin feels premium with design elements inspired by higher-end vehicles.
Highlights include:
- A large rotating touchscreen (in some variants) with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay.
- Fully digital instrument cluster showing real-time energy consumption, battery usage, and fuel economy data.
- Stylish steering wheel with intuitive controls.
- Wireless phone charger.
- Good rear seat space with commanding seating position, rear AC vents, and decent storage.
Notable misses (especially for the Indian market):
- Manual IRVM instead of auto-dimming.
- No sunroof in the showcased variant (expected in India-spec models).
- Boot space is decent but the floor isn’t fully flat due to the hybrid battery placement underneath.
The Clan 5 DMI is expected to compete with upcoming plug-in hybrids like the MG Hybrid and potentially the JOR T2.
- It offers strong performance and better electric range than many rivals.
- Pricing will be key — being a PHEV, it may attract different taxation compared to pure petrol/diesel vehicles.
- BYD currently focuses heavily on EVs in India, but models like the Clan 5 DMI could make sense for customers suffering from range anxiety.
Pros
- Excellent city mileage (20+ kmpl).
- 100 km pure EV range + 1,300+ km total range.
- Strong performance (210 HP).
- Feature-rich with 360° camera and ADAS elements.
- Premium interior feel.
Cons
- Highway mileage drops compared to city.
- Some feature compromises (manual IRVM, no sunroof in base).
- Boot space usability affected by hybrid components.
- Heavy weight due to battery impacts pure efficiency at sustained highway speeds.
The BYD Clan 5 DMI is a compelling package — it’s not just another efficient hybrid; it’s a powerful, spacious, and technologically advanced SUV that can genuinely be used as an everyday family vehicle with very low running costs.
