BYD Seal U SUV primed for Europe with electric and PHEV options

BYD has presented its first plug-in hybrid for the European market at the 2024 Geneva motor show and detailed its specifications ahead of an inevitable UK launch. 

The new BYD Seal U is a slightly taller and wider sibling to the Seal electric saloon and is already sold in the brand’s home country of China as the BYD Song. 

Measuring 4775mm long, 1890mm wide and 1670mm high, the SUV is significantly larger than the saloon. It has a much larger boot, at 552 litres - larger than that of the Peugeot 3008 and the Skoda Karoq. 

In China, the Seal U is available with an electric and a PHEV powertrain, and both will be offered in the UK too.

The EV offers either a 71kWh or 87kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery for between 323 and 376 miles of range on the Chinese CLTC test cycle. 

The PHEV meanwhile combines a 106bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine, an 18.3kWh battery, a 194bhp electric motor and a CVT to offer around 68 miles of electric-only range.

The 18.3kWh battery can be charged from 30-80% in around 35 minutes, and it comes with vehicle-to-load charging capability as standard. 

Standard equipment on the Seal U includes 19in alloy wheels, LED headlights, vegan leather upholstery, wireless phone charging, an Infinity premium sound system and the brand’s 15.6in rotatable infotainment system. 

Charging capabilities are yet to be detailed, but the Seal saloon (which is based on the same e-Platform 3.0) can replenish its battery at rates up to 150kW, which is on a par with many current EVs.

Two electric motors are offered in the electric Seal U, putting out 204bhp and 218bhp along with 229lb ft of torque.

BYD confirmed the Seal U would be sold in the UK at the Munich motor show last year.

The SUV is likely to be priced at a slight premium over its saloon counterpart, which is priced at just over £45,000, mirroring the relationship between the rival Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.

It represents the next stage in BYD's European expansion, which began with the Atto 3 electric crossover late last year and then the £25k Dolphin electric hatchback.

BYD is the world’s biggest manufacturer of PHEVs and EVs, having sold 1.8 million such vehicles in 2022 and more than 3.0 million in 2023.