What is it?

The BYD Seal U marks the Chinese manufacturer’s foray into the plug-in hybrid family SUV market in the UK. After establishing itself with EVs like the Atto 3, Seal saloon, and Dolphin supermini, BYD is now expanding its portfolio with this capable plug-in hybrid SUV. The Seal U competes directly with European rivals like the Volkswagen Tiguan, Kia Sportage, and Toyota RAV4. With claims of being one of the most economical options in its class and an impressive electric-only range, the Seal U aims to appeal to families who aren’t quite ready to fully commit to an electric vehicle. But can this new contender really make its mark in an increasingly crowded market? Let’s take a closer look, starting with its design and styling.

Design and Styling

Visually, the BYD Seal U embraces the brand’s ‘ocean aesthetics’ design language, which was first seen in the electric Seal saloon. The styling can be described as chunky, with a strong beltline running from the headlights to the taillights, giving the car a sturdy and somewhat imposing appearance. However, it’s clear that the Seal U, which sits on a different platform from the Seal saloon, aims for practicality over pure aesthetics.

Despite being designed with function in mind, the Seal U doesn’t shy away from some modern touches. The front features sleek LED headlights that integrate well into the bold grille, while the rear has a clean, no-nonsense design that prioritizes practicality. That said, the Seal U’s looks are unlikely to turn heads in the same way as some of its more style-conscious competitors, such as the Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson. It’s a conservative design that will likely appeal to buyers more concerned with substance than flair.

Inside, the Seal U is functional but well-equipped. The cabin is dominated by BYD’s signature 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system, which brings a high-tech feel to the otherwise understated interior. Soft-touch surfaces and faux leather upholstery give the car a premium vibe, though the design itself is fairly minimalistic. Practicality is the key focus here, with a spacious layout that ensures comfort for both driver and passengers. The rear space is decent, though taller occupants may find headroom a bit tight, especially with the rear seats upright.

Overall, the design and styling of the BYD Seal U may not be revolutionary, but it’s clear that this SUV was built with everyday usability in mind.

Powertrain and Performance: A Versatile Hybrid Setup

The BYD Seal U brings an intriguing array of technical specifications, with a clear focus on efficiency and hybrid versatility. Available with both front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations, the Seal U offers a choice of two distinct powertrains, all based around a plug-in hybrid system. BYD has equipped this SUV with either a single motor or a dual-motor setup, depending on the trim level, delivering varying performance and driving dynamics.

The entry-level Boost model is front-wheel drive and comes with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine paired with an electric motor. The combined output stands at 214bhp, resulting in a 0-62mph time of 8.9 seconds. The real headline here, however, is the range. This model features an 18.3kWh battery, offering up to 49 miles of electric-only driving—impressive for a plug-in hybrid SUV. The engine is designed for low-speed efficiency, making this version ideal for city commutes and short trips where petrol use can be minimized.

Moving up the range, the Comfort model retains the front-wheel-drive configuration but upgrades the battery to a substantial 26.6kWh, stretching the electric-only range to a class-leading 77 miles. For those seeking to rely more on electric power and less on petrol, this could be the sweet spot in the lineup, with excellent range capabilities on par with much pricier plug-in hybrids.

At the top of the range, the Design model takes a more powerful approach. It adds a turbocharger to the 1.5-litre engine and introduces a second electric motor at the rear, giving it four-wheel drive. This version produces a substantial 319bhp, slashing the 0-62mph time to a brisk 5.9 seconds. The Design model sacrifices a bit of electric range due to its smaller 18.3kWh battery, offering 43 miles of electric-only driving, but it more than makes up for this with its superior all-weather capability and stronger performance credentials.

Regardless of the model, the Seal U employs a clever single-speed transmission setup, similar to what you’d find in an EV. However, it features separate gearing for the petrol engine and electric motor, with a reduction gear to integrate the two systems. This creates a smooth and seamless transition between petrol and electric power, making the driving experience feel very refined, especially during normal driving conditions.

Practicality: A Family-Friendly SUV with Room to Grow

The BYD Seal U makes a solid case for itself as a practical family SUV, offering a blend of interior space, smart storage solutions, and ample cargo capacity. Designed to cater to the needs of modern families, the Seal U may not lead the pack in every metric, but it delivers a well-rounded performance in the practicality department.

Starting with the cabin, the Seal U excels in offering generous space for passengers, especially in the front. The wide layout ensures that both the driver and front passenger have plenty of room to stretch out, with enough space between the seats to avoid any sense of crowding. The seats themselves are accommodating, providing good support for longer journeys, and the vegan faux leather upholstery adds a premium touch. Practical storage solutions abound, with a large cubby under the central armrest, a spacious compartment beneath the centre console, and sizeable door bins that can easily accommodate drinks bottles and other essentials.

In the rear, legroom is commendable, particularly for a vehicle that shares a shorter wheelbase with the BYD Seal saloon. Even taller adults will find the rear seats accommodating, with enough legroom for comfortable longer trips. However, the Seal U’s rear headroom is slightly compromised, especially for taller passengers. If the rear seats are in their upright position, a six-footer may find their head brushing against the roof lining, especially in models without the panoramic sunroof. The backrests of the rear seats can be reclined to improve headroom, but this is a consideration for families with taller passengers or those frequently carrying adults in the back.

Boot space in the Seal U is competitive but not class-leading. With the rear seats in place, you get 425 litres of cargo capacity, which is more than enough for day-to-day use, such as grocery shopping or school runs. The boot floor is height-adjustable, allowing you to choose between a flat loading surface and slightly more depth. However, the difference between the highest and lowest settings is minimal, so while it helps, it doesn’t offer the same versatility seen in some of its rivals.

Verdict

The BYD Seal U stands out as a solid and well-rounded contender in the competitive plug-in hybrid SUV market. While it may not lead in flashy design or sharp handling, it excels in areas that matter most to families: practicality, efficiency, and comfort. With impressive electric-only range, a smooth hybrid system, and a spacious, tech-laden interior, it offers a compelling option for those looking to transition towards greener motoring without fully committing to an electric vehicle. Some areas, such as ride comfort and steering feedback, could be improved, but overall, the Seal U delivers a well-equipped, practical, and economical choice for everyday family use.