BYD, the leading Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, is set to make waves in the European market with the introduction of its latest electric SUV, the BYD Seal U.
Unveiled at the IAA Mobility in Munich in 2023, the Seal U is the fifth model in the BYD range to hit European shores and is expected to appeal to a broad range of consumers.
According to BYD, deliveries of the Seal U in Europe are slated to commence in February, giving customers the option to choose between six paint colors and two interior color schemes.
Positioned as a versatile five-seater SUV, the Seal U boasts dimensions of 4,785 x 1,890 x 1668 millimetres with a wheelbase of 2,765 millimetres.
The vehicle will be available in two distinct equipment lines –Comfort and Design– with prices starting at 41,990 euros for the basic Comfort version and 44,990 euros for the higher-end Design line.
The Seal U is a SUV offshoot of the Seal electric saloon, already present in the European market.
This new addition comes with two LFP battery versions: a 71.8 kWh capacity offering a range of 420 kilometers and an 87 kWh capacity providing an extended range of 500 kilometers according to WLTP standards.
Built on BYD’s advanced e-platform 3.0, which utilizes “blade batteries” with LFP cell chemistry in an 800-volt configuration, the Seal U showcases innovative safety, comfort, and performance technologies.
The vehicle is equipped with a permanent magnet synchronous motor generating 160 kW and 330 Nm on the front axle, offering a top speed of 175 kph and accelerating from 0 to 100 kph in just 9.3 seconds.
BYD emphasizes that the Seal U is tailored for versatility, comfort, and spaciousness, distinguishing it from its sportier electric sedan counterpart.
The SUV features a trunk volume of 552 liters, expandable to 1,440 liters with the rear seats folded down in a 60:40 ratio.
Practical solutions such as wireless charging cradles for cell phones and four USB ports add to the convenience.
The BYD Seal U comes with a three-phase 11 kW on-board charger for AC charging, along with a DC fast charging function offering 115 kW for Comfort and 140 kW for Design.
Charging from 30 to 80 percent is estimated to take approximately 27 minutes for the Design version.
Furthermore, the model supports V2L, providing a charging option for external devices.
The manufacturer assures customers of the Seal U’s reliability, offering a six-year or up to 150,000 kilometers manufacturer’s warranty, along with battery capacity guarantees for up to eight years or 200,000 kilometers.
The competitive pricing and comprehensive warranty packages position the BYD Seal U as a compelling choice in the rapidly growing electric SUV segment in Europe.
As BYD continues to expand its EV offerings in the continent, the Seal U joins the existing lineup of models like Atto 3, Han, Tang, Dolphin, and Seal, catering to various consumer preferences and contributing to the ongoing electrification revolution in the automotive industry.
