Review: BYD Seal U
What is it?
BYD is ramping up its presence here in the UK. One of a number of new Chinese-owned brands to arrive on these shores in the past few years, BYD’s approach is to create good-value models which incorporate some of the latest technology. While we’ve already seen this applied to cars like the Dolphin and Atto 3, BYD hasn’t yet established a foothold in the SUV segment - though that is expected to change with this car, the Seal U.
It’s a new plug-in hybrid SUV which aims to deliver the same experience that we’ve encountered on other BYD models, but with a higher riding position and a greater focus on practicality.
What’s new?
While the rest of BYD’s model range has largely focused on electric vehicles, the Seal U represents a switch as it’ll be available with a plug-in hybrid system which does take some of the tech from BYD’s battery-powered model but adds in the safety net of a combustion engine in the background.
BYD has also equipped the Seal U with its clever Blade battery technology. Made in-house by the firm - it started off as a battery manufacturer, after all - it differs from other batteries as it can be charged to 100 per cent each and every time without degrading the battery.
What’s under the bonnet?
You’ve got two flavours of Seal U to choose from. Entry-level models get a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine which is hooked up to an 18.3kWh battery. Combined with the electric motor, you get 214bhp and 300Nm of torque, alongside a claimed electric-only range of 49 miles.
However, there’s also a more powerful version which uses two electric motors - bringing four-wheel-drive in the process - and boost outputs to 391bhp and 550Nm of torque. BYD is set to introduce a bigger-battery version this summer, too, with its 26.6kWh pack enabling a range of up to 77 miles.
What’s it like to drive?
It’s clear from the start that the Seal U has been created with a focus on comfort. The ride is smooth and refined, absorbing the very worst of the lumps and bumps in the road. While we drove the car abroad, it’s likely that this setup will help to iron out the UK’s pothole-marked surfaces. There’s not too much road noise, either, while the split between electric and petrol power is managed well - you can’t feel much of a ‘shunt’ as it changes from one to the other.
The steering does lack feel and there’s a good amount of body roll through the bends, but given the Seal U’s comfort-focused approach, this is to be expected. The rear visibility also isn’t the best but fortunately, the Seal U comes with a reversing camera as standard, so parking shouldn’t be too tricky.
How does it look?
BYD’s design has always been quite curvaceous and aerodynamic and it seems this has filtered through to the Seal U, too. There are some cool touches, mind you, with its rounded exterior design taking cues from what BYD calls ‘Ocean Aesthetics Design’ which is what blankets all of the firm’s visual styling. There are the u-shaped headlights which follow the fit of the bonnet, while the 19-inch wheels add to the premium feel.
Around the back, there’s more water-based theming with the LED lights said to have taken inspiration from water droplets.
What’s it like inside?
BYD has kitted the interior of the Seal U out with lots of high-quality materials to ensure a premium feel. It’s an altogether minimalist design with very few buttons and a large infotainment screen, but everything is logically placed. The screen itself is clear and easy to use, too, and it’s even simple to read when direct sunlight is falling upon it. As with other BYD models, you can also rotate the screen 180 degrees to switch between landscape and portrait-orientated views.
The seats have plenty of support and cushioning while interior storage is good with plenty of cubbies dotted throughout the cabin. When it comes to boot space, the Seal U can offer 425 litres of room with the seats in place and 1,440 with them down. For comparison, the Honda CR-V brings 617 litres of seats-up room or 1,710 with them down.
What’s the spec like?
Three trim levels are there to choose from on the Seal U - Boost, Comfort and Design - though mid-spec Comfort models will only be available later on this year. However, all cars come well equipped with LED headlights fitted as standard alongside a panoramic sunroof, the aforementioned 15.6-inch touchscreen and a 10-speaker audio setup.
It does mean that there’s little need to opt for a higher trim level, though you’ll need to go for the Design grade if you want the all-wheel-drive powertrain setup.
Verdict
The SUV segment is a busy one and while BYD might be a newcomer on the scene, the Seal U has more than enough on board to keep buyers happy. We like the comfort-focused setup, too, which feels like a welcome change to other sportier models that trade-off ride quality for a more involving drive.
This might not be the most engaging car to drive, but the Seal U’s excellent equipment levels and clever powertrain ensure that it could fit the bill for many drivers.
