We recently had the latest new model from the powerhouse that is BYD, on test. The model line up which, includes the Dolphin, ATTO 3 and SEAL now has a fourth family member wearing the name SEAL U. This is what BYD refer to as a ‘Super Hybrid’, a good looking SUV that could very well be a game changer in the highly competitive plug-in hybrid segment. With a blade battery capacity of 18.3 kWh, and an impressive self-developed 1.5-litre Xiaoyun petrol engine, you can expect the all wheel drive system to propel you from 0-100 kph in just 5.9 secs. At the Irish launch a tech expert explained how the BYD SEAL U Super Hybrid works by prioritising electric power with minimal reliance on the combustion engine. Developed exclusively by BYD this technology is referred to as Super DM (Dual Mode). Essentially when charged, it allows the SEAL U to run pure-electric and when the state of charge drops low, it transitions into a hybrid vehicle sipping just 6.4 litres per 100 km. Combined with the battery, an impressive range of up to 1,080km is possible!
So what caught our attention first laid eyes on it? Well, probably the size and overall design! In keeping with the Ocean theme BYD is famed for, the stylish body is available in four different colours and sits on beautiful 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the now familiar oceanic crystal gear lever and control buttons remind us of the SEAL we tested earlier this year. Other focal points are its centre console with double-layer storage compartment, and rotatable touchscreen with 4G connectivity and top class Infinity sound system. As standard buyers can expect heated and cooled vegan seats, navigation and intelligent voice control with online access to latest tech. Legroom is plentiful up front and in the rear with the flat floor helping to deliver a real sense of roominess. Pressing the rear boot button, see’s the stunning full-width taillights rise to reveal 425-litres of boot space which can grow to 1,440 litres with the seats laid flat.
Our test drive over a week long period allowed us to explore the comfort level, build quality and basic vehicle feel, all of which, were very impressive. As with a lot of modern vehicles, the standard safety systems to include Blind Spot Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert can be a little distracting until disarmed but that’s to be expected with the current legally required ADAS systems. It is also comforting to know the SEAL U scored a 5-star safety rating in recent Euro NCAP tests. Our short-lived test drive will soon be backed up by a week living with the vehicle but the acceleration away from the lights, lack of cabin noise and robust build quality left us under no illusions, that it will be a force to be reckoned with.
Two BYD SEAL U models are now available through the six main dealers dotted around the country with the entry-level ‘Boost’ version kicking off at €42,150 with an incredible level of spec. The all-wheel drive ‘Design’ version we had on test, will be €49,140 and a third ‘Comfort’ model will sit somewhere in the middle of these two prices, come 2025. This vehicle represents a pivotal moment for BYD here in Ireland. After successfully establishing themselves with a top-five position in Irish EV sales at the time or writing, we have no reason to doubt, their ambitious plans in the plug-in hybrid sector. Will the SEAL U bring BYD even great market share against the established brands? We certainly believe it will!
