BYD is enhancing its European lineup by introducing the all-electric BYD SEAL U, a versatile SUV designed for the D-segment. The ‘U’ in its name stands for ‘Utility,’ emphasizing its role as the ultimate family car. Boasting a spacious and practical passenger cabin, the SEAL U combines functionality with stylish aesthetics, offering exceptional value and a high specification as standard. Featuring high-quality materials and cutting-edge technology in safety, connectivity, and well-being, this SUV is designed with the future in mind. The impressive driving range of up to 500 kilometers (WLTP) ensures peace of mind for longer journeys. The BYD SEAL U EV will be offered in two variants, and deliveries are set to commence from February 2024.
Following the BYD SEAL and BYD DOLPHIN, the BYD SEAL U is the next member of BYD’s Ocean Series, designed according to the brands ‘Ocean Aesthetics’ design language. The SUV is characterized by its attractive X-shaped front end with a rounded and curved design. The U-shaped headlights fit into the hood, creating a striking and distinctive identity exclusive to the Ocean Series, while the dual lenses further enhance its visually high-tech appearance.
The cohesive design language of the vehicle extends seamlessly to its sides, featuring well-balanced proportions. A commanding upper beltline runs from the headlights to the taillights, imparting a sense of strength. Enhancing the side profile are the meticulously polished 19-inch alloy wheels with black spokes and a glossy finish. The rear end, characterized by its wide-body design, complements the rounded front face, resulting in a pleasing and well-proportioned aesthetic. Noteworthy details on the rear bumper, highlighted in black and silver, contribute to the overall allure. Drawing inspiration from water drop elements, the through-type LED taillights embody the brand’s ‘Ocean Aesthetics’ design philosophy.
The BYD SEAL U will be offered in two trim levels (Comfort and Design), both with their own drivetrain configuration. Both versions are driven by a powerful permanent magnet synchronous electric motor through the front wheels. With a maximum output of 160 kW and up to 330 Nm of torque direct from a standstill, the SEAL U is able to reach a top speed of 175 km/h.
The Comfort version offers a 71.8 kWh battery and a range of up to 420 kilometres (WLTP, combined). The Design version has an 87 kWh battery and an even more reassuring range of up to 500 kilometres (WLTP, combined). The BYD SEAL U comes as standard with an 11 kW 3-phase AC on-board charger and is capable of DC ultra-fast charging speeds of up to 140 kW. This means it takes just 27 to 28 minutes to charge the Blade Battery from 30% to 80% of its capacity. The comfortable range and low energy consumption isn’t only achieved by the BYD SEAL U’s revolutionary Blade Battery and low drag coefficient of just 0.32 Cd, but also by its highly efficient 8-in-1 electric drivetrain. This technology integrates eight key components, resulting in optimised space utilization and 88% system efficiency. In addition, BYD’s 8-in-1 electric powertrain works in close synergy with a high-efficiency heat pump system for precise regulation of the battery temperature, to get the most out of the battery in all circumstances and weather conditions.
Step into the BYD SEAL U, and you’ll encounter a luxurious ambiance featuring a sophisticated blend of modern and elegant design elements, complemented by soft-touch surfaces, impeccable finishing, and immersive wrap-around multi-color ambient lighting. The interior boasts a premium feel, with vegan leather adorning the seats, parts of the dashboard, door panels, and center console, complete with double-contrasting stitching for an added touch of refinement. The ‘Legacy Gearshift Panel,’ housing a meticulously crafted crystal gearshift knob, pays homage to the ocean-inspired design theme.
Ensuring a heightened sense of comfort, convenience, and well-being, the SEAL U’s spacious front seats are not only electrically multi-adjustable but also come with standard features such as heating and ventilation. The integration of two expansive digital screens underscores the brand’s commitment to high-tech innovation, offering clear readability and intuitive touchscreen operation for enhanced ergonomics. The panoramic electric sliding sunroof floods the cabin with natural light, while the PM2.5 interior filter, found in the extended trim level, ensures occupants breathe in heavenly fresh air through its air purification system.
The BYD SEAL U is poised to redefine the benchmark for a comfortable family car, offering outstanding practicality in every aspect. Positioned below the larger BYD TANG seven-seater SUV in BYD’s European lineup, this five-seater D-segment SUV boasts dimensions of 4,785 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, and 1,668 mm in height. With a generous 2,765 mm wheelbase and a flat floor design, the SEAL U ensures ample legroom for rear passengers, delivering an exceptionally quiet cabin experience characterized by excellent NVH levels (noise, vibration, harshness).
In its pursuit of family-friendly functionality, the SEAL U has been thoughtfully designed to enhance practicality. The rear seat can be conveniently folded down in a split configuration (60:40), facilitating easy expansion of the cargo volume from 552 to 1,440 liters. Emphasizing functionality, the interior features storage compartments with a high utilization rate, two handy cup holders in the center console, four USB ports, and the convenience of wireless charging for two smartphones simultaneously.
Adding a particularly innovative touch for areas without power sockets, the BYD SEAL U’s battery supports V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) capability. This groundbreaking feature allows the car to serve as a portable power supply for electrical devices, further emphasizing its versatility and utility in various scenarios.
Advanced Safety Technology
As with all BYD’s in the line-up, the brand sets high standards for passive and active safety. The BYD SEAL U has therefore been developed to be one of the safest electric family SUV’s in its class. In addition to the extensive use of high-strength steel and an ultra-strong honeycomb panel structure to protect the battery pack, the SEAL U also offers solid chassis dynamics and a safe road holding with its MacPherson front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.
To keep an eye on the traffic, warn the driver or even intervene to (help) prevent an road accident, the BYD SEAL U is equipped as standard with an extensive range of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) which use four radars and one camera. Such as Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Control, Blind Spot Detection System, and many more. The Design-version also features Head Up Display. During night driving, you can rely on full-LED lighting technology to aid visibility, including high beam assist and adaptive headlights as standard. To help the driver manoeuvre safely, a panoramic camera provides 360-degree visibility on the centre screen, even from above and round the car with the help of an animated car. By cleverly combining the images from multiple wide-angle cameras, it seems as if you are watching from a short distance how you’re manoeuvring the car yourself.
Main specifications, BYD SEAL U Europe – Comfort (C) & Design (D)
Dimension (L/W/H) | 4,785 / 1,890 / 1,668 mm |
Wheelbase | 2,765 mm |
Drivetrain configuration | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
Top speed | 175 km/h |
Max. power output | 160 kW |
0-100 km/h acceleration time | 9.3 sec (C) / 9.6 sec (D) |
Tyre size | 235/50 R19 |
Range (WLTP, combined) | 420 km (C) / 500 km (D) |
Trunk volume | 552 – 1,440 litres |
Battery type | BYD Blade Battery (LFP) |
Rated capacity | 71.8 kWh (C) / 87.0 (D) kWh |
Charging power (AC) | 11 kW AC (3-phase) |
Charging power (DC) | 115 kW (C) / 140 kW (D) |
DC charging time (SOC 30-80%) | 27 min (C) / 28 min (D) |
Heat pump | Standard |
V2L function | Standard |
