We drive the BYD Seal U DM-i, a plug-in hybrid SUV that is really interesting

We have had the opportunity to drive the first model of BYD in Europe with Dual Mode technology, the new Seal U DM-i, which offers an electric range of 70 to 125 km (depending on the version).

It is a five-seat family SUV measuring 4.77 m long, 1.89 m wide and 1.67 m high, with a wheelbase of 2,765 mm. The rear seat can be folded in sections (60:40), which allows a variable capacity of 425 to 1,440 litres, and its practicality is increased by the storage compartments available, two cup holders in the centre console, four USB ports, or the wireless charging function for two smartphones simultaneously.

High-quality interior

The interior quality stands out well above average, with high-quality materials and excellent fit and finish. The front seats feature electric adjustment, heating and ventilation as standard, and two large digital screens – the central 15.6-inch display can be configured in landscape or portrait – or a panoramic electric sunroof, as part of the standard equipment across all trims.

It also offers remote connectivity via smartphone through the BYD App, with smartphone integration through Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, over-the-air (OTA) updates and a voice assistant. The Intelligent Cockpit system provides 4G connectivity, integrated Spotify and HERE navigation.

The app allows you to check the remaining charging time and range, lock and unlock the doors, close the windows if they are open or switch on the air conditioning, seat ventilation, and operate the indicators or horn. Using your smartphone or a card, you can lock and unlock the car thanks to the NFC key function.

Plenty of standard equipment

Among the safety and driver assistance systems, some standard features stand out, such as the 360-degree camera, front collision warning, the automatic emergency braking system, adaptive cruise control, rear collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, intelligent speed limit control, blind spot detection system, full-LED lighting with high-beam assist and adaptive headlights as standard, faux-leather upholstery, a 10-speaker sound system, etc. The Design version also features a Head-Up Display.

Three mechanical variants

The Seal U DM-i range is simple and complete, with only three configuration options: the Boost and Comfort variants, with front-wheel drive, use a hybrid system combining a 145 kW electric motor with a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 98 CV, and a 18.3 or 26.6 kWh Blade Battery, respectively. The combined total output of the Boost and Comfort versions is 160 kW (218 CV), with a maximum torque of 300 Nm.

The Design trim, for its part, offers all-wheel drive, an 18.3 kWh Blade Battery, two electric motors, one of 150 kW (204 CV) on the front axle and another of 120 kW (163 CV) on the rear, combined with a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 131 CV, giving a total maximum system output of 238 kW (324 CV) and a maximum torque of 550 Nm.

The main advantage of the model is that if the battery has charge and EV driving mode is selected, it works like an electric car; when the charge level is insufficient, it turns into a hybrid with low fuel consumption. There is no need to worry about range, as the engine charges the battery (adjustable between 25% and 70%), so electric driving is always available, and the battery also recharges through regenerative braking during deceleration.

It certifies a combined fuel consumption (WLTP) of 0.9 l/100 km and an electric consumption of 21 kWh/100 km for the Boost version, and 1.2 l/100 km and 23.5 kWh/100 km for the Design. Its total range is 870 km, while the Boost version, with front-wheel drive, promises a total range of 1,080 km on the WLTP cycle.

The Comfort version, which will not be available until 2025 with the 26.6 kWh Blade Battery, promises an electric range of 125 km and a total range of over 1,100 km WLTP.

All versions of the Seal U DM-i come as standard with the Blade Battery technology, a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with no cobalt, made of thin, elongated parallel cells shaped like blades, which allow charging with three-phase alternating current at 11 kW and with direct current at 18 kW. Its battery is compatible with V2L technology (Vehicle to Load), which allows the car to be used as a portable power source for electrical devices.

Good handling

During our first drive, mostly on the motorway, we found its pleasant behaviour, operating almost entirely in electric mode for the whole journey. Only when greater power delivery is demanded, or when the battery needs charging, does the combustion engine start up smoothly and quietly, thanks to a gearless transmission system.

The steering offers good feel and precision, although it may feel somewhat over-assisted; it has suspension that clearly prioritises comfort (it is especially soft for a car with this performance and weight), and brakes that are powerful and well-modulated – slightly sensitive at the start of pedal travel – but with enough bite and stopping power.

We found it a model especially pleasant thanks to its ride quality, suspension comfort and good build quality. It also has a size that is particularly well suited for four adults to travel with great comfort.

Range and prices

The Chinese brand now launches its first plug-in hybrid with a long electric range at a very attractive price for a family-oriented model with generous standard equipment and good performance.

If you take advantage of the Plan Moves scrappage scheme and the brand’s promotions and discounts, the entry-level Boost can be bought for 29,990 euros. The Comfort version, with a list price of 40,500 euros, could be obtained for 32,990 euros, while the top-of-the-range Design, with a list price of 45,500 euros, would be on sale for 36,990 euros if all available benefits are applied.

The BYD Seal U DM-i in pictures

Technical specifications of this car

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