New BYD SEAL U is a Super Hybrid SUV.
New BYD SEAL U is a Super Hybrid SUV.
Expanding its presence in the Irish market, BYD has increased its model line-up with the arrival of the new BYD SEAL U Super Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid SUV with intelligent BYD Super DM (Dual Mode) technology. Its arrival marks BYD’s ambition to enter the highly competitive hybrid segment after successfully establishing themselves with a top-five position in Irish EV sales as of September 2024.
Dual Mode Technology.
The SEAL U Super Hybrid is the first of several PHEVs that BYD will introduce over the next few years. With an overall length of 4755mm, the SEAL U faces some stiff competition from the likes of the Ford Kuga, MG HS, KIA Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4, and the new Skoda Kodiaq PHEV, to name but a few. Featuring a ‘DM-I’ drivetrain, the SEAL U Super Hybrid is the first PHEV with BYD’s Super Dual Mode Technology in Ireland, with the ‘I’ standing for intelligence. Providing an efficient, practical and eco-conscious solution for daily mobility needs and long worry-free journeys, the SEAL U delivers a combined range of up to 1,080km and fuel consumption of 6.4-litres per 100km. In addition, the BYD SEAL U Super Hybrid has been awarded a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
Petrol/Electric Powertrain.
In standard ‘Boost’ form, as tested, the SEAL U uses a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine running on the Atkinson cycle, an 18.3kWh battery and a front-mounted electric motor for a total output of 215bhp. The top-spec ‘Design’ trim variant produces 319bhp from a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine running on the Miller cycle, along with a second motor that provides the car with all-wheel drivability. Each version uses a smart single-speed transmission, which does a great job of masking the transition between electric and petrol power. It is pretty seamless and can be so quiet that you wouldn’t even notice when the petrol engine had kicked in if not for the smooth burst of acceleration that accompanies the transition. The SEAL U ‘Boost’ can get you from 0-100km/h in 8.9-seconds, which is competitive with most of its rivals, and the ‘Design’ version can carry out the same task in just 5.9-seconds. The electric driving range on a combined driving cycle is rated at 80kms and 70kms for the ‘Boost’ and ‘Design’ models respectively, but in exclusive urban driving these figures can rise to 113kms and 98kms respectively.
Spacious, Upmarket Cabin.
Dominating the stylish dashboard is a 15.6-inch colour touchscreen that can swivel by 90 degrees from portrait to landscape orientation and back at the touch of a button. The screen consists of a series of menus and submenus, and the system responds well to inputs and demands. The abundance of space available within the SEAL U is impressive, and the cabin is furnished with vegan ‘leather’ upholstery and soft-touch materials throughout. Each version of the SEAL U Super Hybrid uses a smart single-speed transmission which is located on the centre console, and all that is required is a simple flick of the stubby lever to select Drive or Reverse, with the button for the electronic parking brake situated close by. Also present on the centre console are twin cup-holders, a lidded storage unit that doubles as an armrest for both front seat occupants, and twin wireless charging pads with air-vents located above them. The flat-bottom, multi-function steering wheel has a lovely feel to it, and the 12.3-inch LCD digital driver information display is clear and logical in its operation. The SEAL U has 425-litres of cargo space available behind the 60/40 split-folding rear seats, but when these seats are folded down, the space available increases to a very useful 1,440-litres.
Test Car Details.
My test car was a BYD SEAL U Super Hybrid in entry-level ‘Boost’ specification. Its Ocean design and other embellishments give the SEAL U an elegant appearance, helped by aerodynamically designed 19-inch wheels to reduce drag and enhance efficiency. Comfortable multi-function driver and front passenger seats have electric adjustment and memory functions, and the flat floor provides rear seat passengers with generous legroom which is especially useful on long journeys. Drive modes in ‘Boost’ trim consist of Eco, Normal, Sport and Snow, with the all-wheel drive ‘Design’ trim adding Sand and Muddy drive modes for enhance its drivability off the beaten track. Both versions of the SEAL U come with a comprehensive array of comfort, convenience, infotainment and safety features as standard. Key equipment includes LED headlights with High Beam Assist, LED taillights, LED daytime running lights, 19-inch bi-colour alloy wheels with 235/50 R19 tyres, heated & ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel in vegan leather, Infinity™ sound system with 10 speakers, Head-up Display (HUD), intelligent voice control, onboard 4G connectivity, 360-degree camera, front & rear parking sensors, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, keyless entry & start, and a 11kW on-board charger, along with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for total peace-of-mind motoring. Tipping the scales at 1940kg, there Is no denying that the SEAL U is a heavy car, and it is possible to experience a lack of balance through sweeping corners and tight bends as a result, thereby proving that it is better suited to a more easy-going driving style. When the battery is fully charged and switched to EV mode, the vehicle operates solely on electric power, and when the State of Charge (SoC) is low, it transforms into an impressively refined mode of family transport, that is super-efficient, and relaxing to drive too. In fact, refinement is so good that BYD claim the SEAL U is the quietest car in its class. The car glides along effortlessly around town due to its relatively soft suspension, and body control at higher speeds is kept in check by the large diameter alloy wheels that fill out the wheel arches perfectly.
Verdict and Price.
The BYD SEAL U Super Hybrid is a very likeable SUV that is sure to appeal to buyers who value practicality, versatility, a long electric range, and an impressive array of standard features and equipment at a price that is also very appealing. The SEAL U ‘Boost’ and ‘Design’ model variants are priced from €42,150 and €49,140 respectively (excluding dealer-related costs). Uniquely, metallic paint is a no-cost option. Visit www.bydauto.ie for further information and to find a BYD dealer near you.
