Video Summary
- BYD is the world’s biggest manufacturer of electric vehicles, mostly because of its success in China.- The BYD SEAL U is a bit different; only a plug-in hybrid version is being brought to the UK.
- The official electric range of the car is up to 78 miles.
- BYD built the first ever production plug-in hybrid, back in 2008.
- The U in SEAL U stands for “utility,” the DM stands for “dual mode.” The “i” hasn't been explained.
- The SUV is taller than the SEAL saloon.
- Elements of the exterior are familiar to the regular SEAL electric saloon, but it's not a copy/paste job.
- The interior is also not exactly the same, but some bits are familiar. There’s a massive 15.6 inch touchscreen infotainment system.
- Software is snappy and responsive, although has a complicated layout.
- The camera system provides a clear array of different views for parking.
- The infotainment system can rotate by 90 degrees; smartphone mirroring is cancelled if it's put in portrait layout.
- Interior materials feel reasonably good quality and solid; the interior is impressive given the price.
- Seating position in the rear is angled back. Backrests can be adjusted for more upright seating.
- The rear wheel base is shorter than the SEAL saloon.
- There’s very generous legroom in the rear seats. There’s just about room for your feet under the seat in front of you and a flat floor.
- In the plug-in hybrid world, boot space of 425 liters is about 100 liters behind the KIA Sportage.
- This comes with a height-adjustable boot floor, although there isn’t much difference between its range.
- There are 3 versions of the car: the Boost, Comfort, and Design.
- Maximum charging speed that it can accept is 18 kW, which isn’t particularly fast.
- There’s a six-year warranty as standard.
- Smoothness of the plug-in hybrid set-up is a strength. You can hardly notice when the engine kicks in.
- The car has strengths but is lacking in body control. Steering is very light, with a lack of steering feel.
- Around town, the car is effortless to drive and is impressively refined, even on the motorway.
- This might be a sensible plug-in hybrid choice.
