This is the Seal U – BYD’s SUV version of their all electric saloon – and it’s a PHEV!

The hybrid SUV market has been booming in recent years, and BYD (Build Your Dreams) is one of the key players aiming to capture the hearts and driveways of eco-conscious UK drivers. One of their latest offerings, the BYD Seal U Hybrid SUV, is designed to combine practicality, cutting-edge technology, and sustainability, making it a strong contender in a crowded field. But does it live up to the hype? 

 

The BYD Seal U Hybrid is immediately striking with its sleek and modern aesthetic that manages to be both sporty and elegant. The SUV's design language is a reflection of BYD's commitment to innovation and forward-thinking automotive technology.

 

Exterior Design Highlights

• Front Fascia: The front of the Seal U Hybrid features a bold, closed-off grille that’s both functional and stylish. This design choice enhances aerodynamics by minimizing air resistance, contributing to better fuel efficiency. The front is also adorned with sharp, angular LED headlights that give the SUV a distinct, futuristic appearance.

• Side Profile: The side of the Seal U Hybrid is characterized by clean lines and a gently sloping roofline, creating a coupe-like silhouette. The streamlined body not only looks great but also helps reduce drag, which is crucial for maximizing the vehicle's hybrid efficiency. The 18-inch alloy wheels add a touch of ruggedness, making the SUV look ready for both city streets and countryside adventures.

• Rear Design: At the back, a full-width LED taillight strip emphasizes the SUV's modernity and enhances visibility. The subtle roof spoiler adds a sporty touch while improving aerodynamic performance. Overall, the design is cohesive and contemporary, perfectly suited for the modern driver who values both style and substance.

 

Interior Comfort and Space: Designed for the Modern Family

Inside, the emphasis is on comfort, space, and advanced technology. The interior is spacious enough to comfortably seat five adults, with plenty of headroom and legroom even for taller passengers. The materials used throughout the cabin are of high quality, providing a premium feel that belies the SUV's mid-range pricing.

 

Key Interior Features

• Digital Dashboard: The Seal U Hybrid comes with a digital instrument cluster that provides all the necessary information at a glance, from speed and fuel levels to battery status and navigation instructions.

• Infotainment System: Central to the dashboard is a large, high-resolution 12.8-inch touchscreen that controls the SUV's infotainment system. The interface is user-friendly, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which means you can easily integrate your smartphone for seamless access to apps, music, and navigation.

• Comfort and Space: The seats are upholstered in a blend of leatherette and high-quality fabric, providing both comfort and durability. The driver's seat is power-adjustable, ensuring a comfortable driving position for long journeys. In the back, passengers enjoy generous space, and the rear seats can be folded down to significantly increase the cargo area.

• Boot Space: The Seal U Hybrid boasts an impressive boot capacity of up to 500 Litres, which can expand to over 1,600 litres, with the rear seats folded down. This makes it ideal for everything from the weekly shop to family road trips and outdoor adventures.

• Panoramic Sunroof: Adding to the feeling of spaciousness is the optional panoramic sunroof, which floods the interior with natural light and provides a great view of the sky above.

 

Price and Powertrain: A Hybrid That Doesn’t Compromise - Hybrid Powertrain Specifications

 

The BYD Seal U Hybrid is powered by a combination of a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor. This setup is designed to offer the flexibility of electric driving in urban environments with the added range and power of a traditional combustion engine when needed. Here’s how the system works:

• Total Output: The combined power output on the Design Trim is 160kW (214 hp), delivering a solid performance that’s well-suited for everyday driving and occasional longer trips.

• Electric Range: The Seal U Hybrid can run in pure electric mode for up to 60 miles (depending on driving conditions), making it ideal for city commutes. The battery can be recharged using a standard wall outlet or a dedicated EV charger, and regenerative braking helps to top up the battery as you drive.

• Fuel Efficiency: The hybrid system is engineered to maximize fuel efficiency, with BYD claiming up to 55 mpg under combined driving conditions. This makes the Seal U Hybrid one of the more economical choices in its class.

• Driving Modes: The Seal U Hybrid offers multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, and Sport. Each mode adjusts the engine and transmission settings to suit different driving conditions. Eco mode prioritises fuel efficiency, Comfort mode balances performance and smoothness, and Sport mode delivers more dynamic acceleration and handling.

 

Driving Experience

The Seal U Hybrid offers a smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride. The transition between electric and petrol power is seamless, thanks to BYD’s well-tuned hybrid system. Whether you’re navigating busy city streets or cruising on the motorway, the Seal U Hybrid provides a composed and responsive driving experience. The suspension is finely tuned to absorb road imperfections, making long drives more comfortable.

Technology and Safety: Advanced Features to Keep You Connected and Protected

The BYD Seal U Hybrid is packed with advanced technology designed to enhance the driving experience and keep all occupants safe.

Infotainment and Connectivity

• Advanced Infotainment: The infotainment system is one of the highlights of the Seal U Hybrid. The 12.8-inch touchscreen is responsive and intuitive, offering a range of features including satellite navigation, media playback, and vehicle settings. Voice control functionality allows you to make commands hands-free, which is a great safety feature.

• Connectivity: In addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system supports wireless charging for compatible devices, multiple USB ports for charging and data transfer, and a premium sound system that provides excellent audio quality throughout the cabin.

Comprehensive Safety Suite

Safety is a paramount consideration for BYD, and the Seal U Hybrid comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features:

• Adaptive Cruise Control: This system automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.

• Lane Keep Assist: It helps keep the vehicle centred in its lane by gently steering if it detects any unintentional drift.

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): The system detects potential collisions and applies the brakes if necessary to avoid or mitigate impacts.

• Blind Spot Detection: Alerts you when a vehicle is in your blind spot, helping to prevent accidents during lane changes.

• 360° Camera: Provides a complete view around the vehicle, making parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces much easier.

Trims and Pricing in the UK: Options for Every Driver

The BYD Seal U Hybrid will be available in several trims in the UK, starting off with the Boost and the Design. Following up with the Creative early next year, this is aimed at catering to different needs and budgets:

The Boost – from £33,205.00 on the road, and the Design -  from £39,905.00 on the road, this top-spec model includes all the bells and whistles, such as advanced driver assistance features, upgraded infotainment with additional functionalities, and the highest quality materials used throughout the interior.

BYD Dealer Network in the UK: Growing Presence and Excellent Service

One of the significant advantages of choosing a BYD vehicle in the UK is the expanding dealer network, which ensures excellent service and support for customers across the country. The BYD dealer network has been growing steadily, making it easier for customers to access both sales and service facilities.

 

Pros and Cons of the BYD Seal U Hybrid

Pros

• Eco-Friendly Performance: The hybrid system is efficient, offering excellent fuel economy and the ability to drive on electric power alone for short distances.

• Spacious and Comfortable Interior: Plenty of room for passengers and cargo, with high-quality materials throughout.

• Advanced Safety Features: A comprehensive suite of safety technologies that come as standard across all trims.

• Modern Design: Both the exterior and interior designs are sleek and contemporary, appealing to a wide range of buyers.

• Expanding Dealer Network: Increasing availability of BYD dealerships across the UK ensures better service and support.

Cons

• Limited Electric Range: While the electric range is sufficient for city driving, it might not be enough for those looking for longer electric-only journeys.

• Price Point: While competitive, the top-level trim can be relatively pricey compared to some other hybrid models on the market.

• Availability: As BYD continues to expand, availability in some areas might still be limited for the time being.

 

The BYD Seal U Hybrid is a strong contender in the hybrid SUV market, offering a compelling mix of eco-friendly technology, practicality, and modern styling. Its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and smooth driving experience make it a great choice for families, commuters, and anyone looking to make a greener choice without compromising on comfort or performance.

 

With BYD’s growing dealer network and focus on excellent customer service, UK buyers can feel confident that they’re not only getting an innovative vehicle but also ongoing support for the years to come.

 

For those who want to reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying the convenience of a hybrid, the BYD Seal U Hybrid is certainly worth considering.