BYD showcases Seal U plug-in hybrid at Geneva Motor Show
This year's Geneva Motor Show saw the premiere of BYD's new Seal U DM-i. It is the SUV variant of the BYD Seal saloon and while an EV version of the car already exists, this is a plug-in hybrid variant. The car is already on sale in China as the 'BYD Song Plus DM-i' and will go on sale in Europe in the coming months.
BYD Seal U SUV: Exterior
The car is 4,775mm long, 1,890mm wide, and 1,670mm high, making it shorter but broader and taller than the BYD Seal sedan. It is the first BYD car in Europe to feature the brand's plug-in hybrid 'Super DM Technology', which stands for Dual Mode and offers an alternative to the company's completely electric offerings.
The Seal U continues to use the brand's 'Ocean Aesthetics' design language, which also characterizes the BYD Seal sedan and BYD Dolphin. The BYD Seal U has an X-shaped front face, a curved bonnet, a front bumper with integrated LED headlights and a set of 19-inch alloy wheels.
BYD Seal U SUV: Powertrain
The BYD Seal U, which is set to launch in Europe, is available in China with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that combines a 107PS 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 197PS electric motor. This powertrain is powered by an 18.3kWh battery, allowing the SUV to go 109 kilometres on electricity alone. This battery can charge from 30 to 80 percent in around 35 minutes, allowing the car to provide vehicle-to-load charging capabilities.
The EV powertrain on the other hand comes with either a 71kWh or an 87kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, with a claimed range of 520km and 605km, respectively.
BYD Seal U SUV: Interior
Available only as a 5-seater, the interior features include a rotatable 15.6-inch touchscreen and a crystal-finish gear selector. OTA software updates, an Infinity premium audio system, two-device wireless charging, a 60:40 folding rear bench and a 552 litres boot capacity are all standout features.
The world's largest EV manufacturer is already attempting to expand its wings in India with the E6 MPV and Atto3 already on sale and the Seal EV sedan set to launch on March 5.
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