Video Summary
Here is the requested summary:- The BYD SEAL U is a plug-in hybrid SUV with a starting price of €42,000, positioning it amongst other compact SUVs.
- As a plug-in hybrid SUV, the competitive field narrows; however, this model offers good value.
- The EV range is between 70 and 125 kilometers, which is good.
- The top-of-the-range all-wheel-drive model retails from about €49,000.
- The car is an impressive SUV with a lot of presence, something different compared to bestsellers like the Tucson and Sportage.
- It is part of BYD's "Ocean series," incorporating ocean aesthetics into the design, like the water droplet pattern in the LED light casing.
- 19-inch alloy wheels come standard across the range.
- Metallic paint is included in the price, with four colors available, which does not leave much room for customization.
- Roof rails and rear privacy glass are included standard.
- AC charging is 11kW, while DC charging is up to 18kW with a CCS port, allowing an 80% charge in as little as 35 minutes. Vehicle-to-load charging is supported.
- Boot space is good, but at 425 liters, it's smaller than rivals that hit the 500-liter mark.
- Rear door opens widely, facilitating access. Rear seat passengers are treated to lots of legroom and flat floor, and the rear seats can recline. Vents and USB-C ports are located in the back.
- Cabin finish is very good, creating a luxurious feel, with its leather finish, green stitching, ambient lighting, and glass black panel.
- Digital tech includes a full digital driver display, head-up display, and a central touchscreen that rotates. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported. Touch controls are heavily relied upon.
- Standard equipment includes heated/ventilated front seats with memory function and power adjustment, and 360 camera.
- Engine power ranges from just over 200 horsepower to 323 horsepower.
- A 1.5-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine can operate as a series hybrid or parallel hybrid. The engine can act as a generator to charge the battery.
- Driving modes include normal, sport, eco, and snow. All-wheel-drive models include mud and sand modes.
- Comfortable to drive with multilink rear suspension, it drives well on bumpy Irish roads, and it's well-insulated, with wind noise around the mirrors at high speed being a minimal issue.
- While it's not the sharpest handling SUV, its precise steering helps place it safely on the road. Overall, worth a look if considering a plug-in hybrid SUV.
