Today, talking about electric cars means talking about China. The country has managed to transform its automotive industry in just a few years thanks to electric vehicles. China has the technology and the workforce necessary to dominate the market. Within this vast commercial sphere, BYD is its largest manufacturer. The Shenzhen-based company is increasingly looking to international markets with cars like the BYD Seal U.
The BYD range is divided between the Dynasty series, such as the BYD Han , and the Ocean series. The Seal U belongs to the latter, as do many other models like the BYD Seal and the BYD Dolphin. The Seal U is unique in being the first BYD sold in Europe to offer a plug-in hybrid powertrain , a technology the Chinese call DM-i. BYD is the world's largest manufacturer of NEVs (PHEV + EV).
The Seal U will arrive in Europe in 2024, although it was originally launched in China a year earlier . It occupies a mid-range position within BYD's European lineup, above models like the BYD Atto 2 and BYD Atto 3 , but below the BYD Tang , which remains the company's largest and most expensive SUV. The Seal U stands out for its excellent value for money.
In 2026, the 5.0 technology arrives for the model, with changes in engine, range and trunk space, this being the latest update for the time being…
Technical characteristics of the BYD Seal U
BYD's pace of development and work is virtually impossible for any European manufacturer to match. Much of the company's success lies in the shared use of technologies across all its models. The Seal U is built on BYD's e-platform 3.0 , a structure designed to accommodate different types of plug-in hybrid powertrains. In this case, it's available in plug-in hybrid or electric versions.
The platform also has the ability to stretch or shrink as needed. In this case, we're talking about a D-segment SUV. From front to back, it measures 4,77 meters long, 1,89 meters wide (excluding mirrors), and 1,67 meters high . The structure has a wheelbase of 2,76 meters. Weight varies between 2.015 and 2.222 kilograms depending on the engine version.
This generous wheelbase translates into a spacious interior with room for five passengers. Three of them sit comfortably in a second row of seats, ideal for adults. It's very roomy and comfortable for long journeys. Cargo capacity varies depending on the powertrain. The plug-in hybrid boasts a minimum of 425 liters of trunk space , while the all-electric version increases that to 450 liters.
Mechanical range and gearboxes of the BYD Seal U
As we've already mentioned, the Seal U is the first BYD in Europe to feature a plug-in hybrid system , although it's also available with a fully electric powertrain. Both versions qualify for the DGT's ZERO emissions label. BYD is increasingly committed to plug-in hybrid systems as the best alternative until the market share of electric vehicles increases.
In terms of performance, the range starts with the BYD Seal U DM-i plug-in hybrid. It consists of a 1.5-liter, 98-horsepower internal combustion engine combined with one or two electric motors, depending on the variant selected. Power output varies between 218 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque and 324 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque . The electric component is powered in all cases by an 18,3 kWh LFP battery, providing a homologated electric range of between 70 and 80 kilometers (WLTP cycle).
The electric Seal U offers two performance variants. The entry-level model delivers 218 horsepower and a 71,8 kWh LFP battery with a homologated range of 420 kilometers . The higher-performance version increases the LFP battery size to 87 kWh net capacity, giving it an official range of 500 kilometers on the WLTP cycle . Maximum charging power is 140 kW, charging from 10 to 80% in 43 minutes.
BYD Seal U equipment
BYD is considered, and wants to be considered, a mainstream brand. While its prices support this view, the finishes and materials are a step above the segment standard. Inside, it offers a premium feel, with extensive digitalization of its systems. In Spain, the range is divided into Boost, Comfort, and Design trims . The main differences between them lie in the standard equipment. There are no discrepancies in the aesthetics.
The equipment is very generous in any case. Highlights include features such as LED headlights, keyless entry and start, a sunroof, a 12,3-inch digital instrument cluster, a central touchscreen of up to 15,6 inches , a head-up display, parking cameras, wireless connectivity for mobile devices, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a long list of overly intrusive driver assistance and safety features.
BYD Seal U video review
The BYD Seal U according to Euro NCAP
The Chinese improvement in car development isn't limited to quality and equipment; safety is also a key focus. In early 2023, the BYD SEAL U underwent the standard Euro NCAP tests and received a five-star rating— the highest possible score. The results by category were as follows: 90 out of 100 for adult occupant protection, 86 out of 100 for child occupant protection, 83 out of 10 for pedestrian vulnerability, and 77 out of 100 for driver assistance systems.
Rivals of the BYD Seal U
Despite not belonging to the entry-level SUV segment, the Seal U faces a long list of rivals: mainstream models from the D segment. This crossover stands out for its excellent value for money, offering plenty of equipment, ample space, and a very competitive price. Its dimensions allow it to compete with similar models such as the Skoda Kodiaq , the Mazda CX-60 , the KIA Sorento , the Hyundai Santa Fe , and the Peugeot 5008 —similarly sized SUVs with varied powertrains. Along with the French model, the Chinese one is the only one to offer a combination of PHEV and EV systems.
Highlight
- Competitive price
- Interior space
- ride comfort
To improve
- Refinement of the heat engine
- soft suspension
- driving feel
Price of the BYD Seal U
Pricing is undoubtedly the Seal U's greatest asset for success. Despite its relatively recent launch, the Chinese model is already one of the most popular plug-in hybrids in Spain. In Spain, the starting price for the BYD Seal U is €35.790 , excluding any offers or government incentives. This price corresponds to the entry-level plug-in hybrid with the Boost trim. The most expensive version is the electric Seal U with the Design trim. Its starting price is €41.990, also excluding discounts or incentives from the MOVES III Plan.
