BYD Seal U DM-i 2024: Prices, specs and release date
Wed, 22 May 2024
- BYD Seal U DM-i is a plug-in hybrid family SUV
- First non-EV from BYD for the UK
- Combines clever technology with impressive standard spec
- On sale in the summer with prices starting from under £35,000
The new BYD Seal U DM-i is a plug-in hybrid family SUV with an extra-long range for those not yet ready to make the switch to EV.
The new BYD Seal U DM-i is a large family SUV, similar in size to the all-electric Tesla Model Y. It is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive guise, with a pure EV range of up to 78 miles.
When the battery is flat, the new BYD Seal U DM-i’s 1.5-litre turbo hybrid engine takes over.
An SUV alternative to the BYD Seal, the new BYD Seal U DM-i promises great value for money and a generous standard specification, even in entry-level guise.
The new BYD Seal U DM-i will provide a stern challenge to existing family SUV plug-in hybrids, such as the popular Ford Kuga, the latest Honda CR-V and the excellent Kia Sportage among others.
2024 BYD Seal U DM-i prices and release date
The new BYD Seal U DM-i goes on sale soon, with the company targeting a summer 2024 release date.
Prices of the new BYD Seal U DM-i are still to be confirmed, but it is anticipated the range could start from under £35,000.
2024 BYD Seal U DM-i styling, interior and technology
The BYD Seal U DM-i has a modern and contemporary appearance. It doesn’t have any outlandish features that may scare people off, while still looking a little more futuristic than more contemporary alternatives.
The front of the new BYD Seal U DM-i features U-shaped headlights that blend into the bonnet, while the rounded and curved design is aerodynamically efficient.
The 19-inch alloy wheels combine a polished finish with black glossy wheel spokes. At the rear, there’s a full-width LED tail light that apparently "draws inspiration from water drop elements."
Inside, the new BYD Seal U DM-i features the brand’s trademark 15-6-inch touchscreen, that rotates from portrait to landscape at the touch of a button. It has integrated Spotify, HERE navigation, plus Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There’s an additional 12.3-inch driver display.
The new BYD Seal U DM-i has over-the-air updates along with intelligent voice control that’s activated by the ‘Hi BYD’ command.
A crystal gearshift knob give the new BYD Seal U DM-i a premium feel while a panoramic glass sliding roof floods the interior with light. The front seats are also heated and ventilated, while the climate control has a PM2.5 filter that purifies the air inside.
The new BYD Seal U DM-i has a spacious five-seat interior. The long wheelbase means there’s a good amount of rear legroom, while the boot is a decent size for a plug-in hybrid, at 425 litres. Fold the rear seats down and it grows to 1440 litres.
The new BYD Seal U DM-i also offers V2L (vehicle-to-load) functionality. This means it can be used as a portable power supply for electrical devices.
2024 BYD Seal U DM-i engines, performance and fuel economy
The new BYD Seal U DM-i is a plug-in hybrid based around a 1.5-litre turbo petrol motor and either one or two electric motors. If the battery has charge, it will operate as a pure electric car. When it’s low on power, the petrol engine helps out to offer hybrid-style drive.
The new BYD Seal U DM-i is available with three trim versions, each with a bespoke combination of electric motors and battery. The new BYD Seal U DM-I Boost and Comfort have a 98PS petrol engine and 197PS electric motor, for a total system power of 218PS.
Both new BYD Seal U DM-i Boost and Comfort are front-wheel drive. The Boost has an 18.3kWh battery, for an electric range of around 50 miles, and a total range (including the petrol engine) of 671 miles.
The new BYD Seal U DM-i Comfort has a larger 26.6kWh battery, for an electric range of up to 78 miles and an overall driving range of around 685 miles.
The range-topping new BYD Seal U DM-i Design has two electric motors driving the front and rear wheels. The total system power is an exciting-sounding 323PS and it is combined with the 18.3kWh battery. It has an EV range of 43 miles and an overall combined range of 540 miles.
What is the difference between the BYD Seal and BYD Seal U?
The BYD Seal is a sleek saloon alternative ot the Tesla Model 3. The BYD Seal U is a family SUV rival to the Tesla Model Y – where the ‘U’ stands for ‘utility’.
What does the new BYD Seal U DM-i’s name mean?
The ‘DM’ in the new BYD Seal U DM-i’s name stands for ‘dual mode’ technology. It is BYD’s name for its in-house plug-in hybrid tech. The ‘I’ stands for ‘intelligence’.
How big is the new BYD Seal U DM-i?
The new BYD Seal U DM-i is a large family SUV. It measures almost 4.8 metres long and nearly 1.9 metres wide. It is larger than rivals such as the Ford Kuga and is similar in size to a Tesla Model Y.
