BYD is truly on a roll. After having announced its 10,000th customer in the Philippines—a milestone which we assume should be marching toward a new target—BYD Cars Philippines is now getting ready for another new vehicle for our market. Welcome the Sealion 5 DM-i, a plug-in hybrid compact (or subcompact?) SUV from the Chinese automaker.

If it seems we can’t decide how to categorize the vehicle according to its body size, that’s because the press release sent to us has it defined as a “subcompact SUV.” Its dimensions, however, clearly put it in the compact stable. Its length of 4,738mm, for instance, is longer than those of the Hyundai Tucson (4,640mm) and the Toyota RAV4 (4,600mm)—both compact models. In fact, if you check the Sealion 5’s Wikipedia entry, it is classified as a compact.

What gives?

We asked an executive from the distributor about this, and this is the answer he gave us:

“Therein lies the advantage over its subcompact competitors. Size, powertrain, fit-and-finish, and tech are the aces up its sleeve.”

Anyway—compact or subcompact—this product looks promising. It will be launched in our market on June 20. But even before it takes its official bow, interested buyers may now reserve their units at authorized BYD dealerships nationwide.

“We are staying true to our commitment to deliver exciting vehicles that cater to the varied needs of Filipino audiences,” BYD Cars Philippines managing director Bob Palanca. “Our best-selling BYD Sealion 6 DM-i laid the groundwork for electrified mobility free from range anxiety. Now we are set to introduce the Sealion 5, another DM-i SUV that’s easier to own but is just as rich in value. This new model is the gateway into the world of BYD’s intelligent electric mobility. It’s a smart, stylish, and safe vehicle designed for drivers who expect innovation and everyday usability in one package.”

We honestly don’t understand the marketing purpose of identifying this as a subcompact. Maybe it’s to position it against lesser subcompact rivals—against which it obviously has the upper hand. But then, isn’t it wiser to have it fight its real size competitors, because then it will come out as the more value-based proposition when you factor in the pricing?

Or maybe we got it the other way around? What do we know about marketing? At least you now know that there’s another hit coming from BYD. Perhaps you will be the 15,000th customer of the brand.