Everything you need to know about the BYD Seal U
BYD has become a well-known Chinese brand in just two years.
The firm started selling cars in the UK in 2023, and since then has released seven models in that time.
The Seal U is the only plug-in hybrid model on offer for UK buyers and promises low running costs, wrapped up in a practical SUV body.
It’s going up against some stiff competition, and all models come with a lot of equipment, which makes the car represent great value for money.
So, if you’re thinking about buying one of these Chinese PHEVs, what else do you need to know?
We’ve compiled a list of all of the key features of the BYD Seal U.
All models are well-equipped
Here in the UK, BYD offers the Seal U in a choice of three flavours, which are Boost, Comfort and Design.
The entry-level Boost comes with lots of toys as standard, including LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, a 360-degree parking camera and LED taillights.
The mid-level Comfort has all of the aforementioned, and also includes a glass panoramic sunroof, ambient interior lighting and a head-up display.
The only upgrade that the Design trim has over the lesser-specified models is the option to have a ‘Sand and Muddy’ driving mode. Apart from that, all cars are almost identical when it comes to standard specification.
It provides a decent electric driving range
Under the bonnet, the Seal U comes equipped with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, however, the entry-level Boost model comes equipped with an 18.3kWh battery pack. BYD claims that this version can take the car a distance of 50 miles on electric power.
If you go for the mid-level Comfort or flagship Design models, both variants feature the same 1.5-litre petrol engine, but are mated to a larger 26.6kWh battery, which the Chinese firm claims boosts the claimed electric range up to 78 miles.
It’s got a practical interior
The Seal U’s cabin is full of handy storage areas and it should be more than capable of storing your family’s belongings.
Up front, there is a massive storage box under the centre armrest, another big cut-out under the centre console, deep front door bins and a wireless phone charger.
Space for rear-seat passengers is good too, with there being plenty of leg room to accommodate taller adults, and the rear bench can recline to make travelling in the back a lot more comfortable.
In terms of boot space, the Seal U offers a total of 425 litres and 1,440 litres if you fold the rear seats down.
It sits in a very competitive market
The mid-sized plug-in hybrid market is full of choice, and the Seal U has a lot of competition breathing down its neck.
Its biggest competitor is the MG HS PHEV, which has similar looks, a great level of standard equipment and is just as spacious.
However, there are plenty of rivals from Europe, Korea and Japan, with the Volkswagen Tiguan PHEV, Hyundai Tucson PHEV and Toyota RAV4 PHEV.
The Seal U is all about comfort
Out on the road, the Seal U’s suspension is designed to soak up the lumps and bumps with ease.
The panoramic glass roof makes the interior feel bright and airy, as well as wind and road noise are kept to a minimum, which should make the car a great long-distance cruiser for you and your family.
It’s competitively priced
All models are competitively priced against the competition, with the entry-level car coming at £33,315, while the mid-level model bumps the price up to £35,315 and the top-of-the-line Design car comes in at £40,015.
Compared to the competition, a Volkswagen Tiguan with a plug-in hybrid powertrain starts from £42,960 and rises to £48,480 for the sportier R-Line model.
Meanwhile, a Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid comes in at £44,395 for the entry-level Design car, and rises to £49,530 for the GR Sport.
The Seal U is one of a number of new BYD models available here at UK CarLine, so check them out today or get in touch with a member of the team to find out more.
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