BYD SEAL U DM-i: plug-in hybrid, affordable and with a 125-kilometre electric range

BYD, the global leader in plug-in vehicles, launches the SEAL U DM-i, the first plug-in hybrid from BYD to arrive in Europe, debuting the fourth generation of Dual Mode technology on the old continent. This segment D SUV combines all the advantages of 100% electric driving: it is quick, powerful and efficient thanks to BYD’s DM technology.

Since its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008, with the F3DM -its first plug-in hybrid model-, BYD has already sold more than 4 million units equipped with its Dual Mode technology. This exclusive BYD technology offers many advantages, such as high energy efficiency, low consumption, high performance and great comfort.

The plug-in hybrid system allows the SEAL U DM-i to operate as a 100% electric vehicle when the battery is fully charged and the EV driving mode is selected, and when the state of charge (SOC) is low it becomes an ultra-low fuel consumption hybrid with a long range.

Three versions: Design, Comfort and Boost

As the top-of-the-range version, the SEAL U DM-i Design features two electric motors: one of 150 kW (204 CV) on the front axle and another of 120 kW (163 CV) on the rear, which are complemented by a turbocharged four-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 96 kW (131 CV), developed in-house by the brand. The system’s total maximum power is 238 kW (324 CV) and total maximum torque is 550 Nm. The BYD SEAL U DM-i Design has all-wheel drive and an efficient 18.3 kWh Blade Battery. Its combined-cycle fuel consumption is 1.2 l/100 km3, while in electric mode it is rated at 23.5 kWh/km3. In terms of range, in fully electric mode it achieves 70 km and a combined total of 870 km (WLTP). The Design version, already on sale from €36,990, is scheduled for its first deliveries in August.

The Boost version, the entry point to the SEAL U DM-i range, features a front-wheel-drive hybrid system combining a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, producing 72 kW (98 CV), with a 145 kW (197 CV) electric motor. Like the Design, it incorporates an 18.3 kWh Blade Battery. Its total combined power is 160 kW (218 CV), with a maximum engine torque of 300 Nm. Its combined-cycle fuel consumption is just 0.9 l/100 km and its combined-cycle electric consumption is 21 kWh/km3, allowing it to cover 80 km in 100% electric mode, with a total range of 1,080 km (WLTP). Like the Design, it is already on sale, in this case from €29,990, with first deliveries also scheduled for August.

The Comfort version has the same engine combination as the Boost, with a combined maximum power of 160 kW (218 CV), but with a higher-capacity Blade Battery which, with 26.6 kWh, achieves a 100% electric range of 125 km and a total range exceeding 1,100 km (WLTP). This version will join the range at the end of this year.

The driver does not need to worry about range or where to charge, as the engine recharges the battery (adjustable between 25% and 70%), so electric driving is always available. The battery is also charged through brake-pedal regeneration technology.

Very practical and good quality

The BYD SEAL U DM-i stands out as a highly practical and comfortable family vehicle, with generous dimensions of 4,775 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, 1,670 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2,765 mm. Its impressive 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in just 5.9 seconds makes the Design version the leader in its segment, outperforming petrol models.

All variants are equipped for three-phase alternating current charging at 11 kW and direct current charging at 18 kW, enabling fast charging times of just 35 minutes to go from 30 to 80 percent of battery capacity.

The vehicle offers advanced connectivity and a smart infotainment system as standard, with remote control available through the BYD App. Its Intelligent Cockpit System, featuring a 15.6-inch touchscreen with electric rotation, provides an intuitive experience, while the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster gives the driver a wide range of information. With 4G connectivity, integrated Spotify, HERE navigation and compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, together with the voice assistant “Hi BYD”, the SEAL U DM-i offers a fully connected and immersive driving experience.

The BYD SEAL U DM-i comes as standard with a comprehensive 6-year or 150,000 km manufacturer warranty, an 8-year or 200,000 km warranty for a battery capacity of at least 70%, and an 8-year or 150,000 km warranty for the electric motor.

Technical specifications of this car

SedanBYD Seal3 versions · from 41,990 €