At the end of 2023, BYD launched their third UK model, the Seal – a saloon car set to take on the Tesla Model 3. Now, they have followed this up with a hybrid SUV version, the Seal U.
We got chance to see it up close – including the very first right hand drive model in the UK.
The BYD Seal U Hybrid immediately grabs your attention with its sleek, aerodynamic design that perfectly balances modern style with functionality. BYD has taken a minimalist approach to the SUV’s exterior, with clean lines and a smooth silhouette that enhances both its aesthetic appeal and aerodynamic efficiency.
Under the bonnet, the BYD Seal U Hybrid combines the best of both worlds—an efficient electric motor paired with a 1.5 Litre petrol engine. This hybrid powertrain is designed to offer drivers the flexibility of electric driving in urban environments, with the added benefit of a gasoline engine for longer journeys or when more power is needed.
The Seal U Hybrid is equipped with a dual-motor system on the Design Trim —a 1.5Litre turbocharged engine and an electric motor that work together seamlessly. The hybrid system automatically switches between electric and petrol, ensuring you get the most efficient drive possible. In electric mode, it can glide through city streets in near silence, reducing both fuel consumption and emissions.
One of the standout features of the Seal U Hybrid’s powertrain is its ability to offer an electric-only driving range for short trips. This is perfect for city commutes or running errands, allowing drivers to travel on electric power alone and significantly reduce their carbon footprint.
Another key feature of the Seal U’s powertrain is its regenerative braking system, which captures energy during braking and feeds it back into the battery. This helps extend the car’s electric range and improves overall fuel efficiency. The result is a smooth, responsive driving experience that maximizes efficiency without compromising on performance.
The hybrid system is designed to provide fuel economy figures that are among the best in its class, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious drivers who don’t want to sacrifice performance for sustainability.
Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a spacious, tech-filled cabin that’s designed with both driver and passenger comfort in mind. Whether you’re embarking on a long road trip or simply running errands, the Seal U Hybrid offers plenty of space and advanced features to make every journey enjoyable.
The dashboard in the Seal U Hybrid is sleek and minimalistic, with a large, high-resolution 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen taking centre stage, and serves as the control hub for the vehicle’s infotainment system, providing easy access to navigation, media, and climate controls. The interface is intuitive and user-friendly, ensuring that drivers can focus on the road while staying connected.
The digital instrument cluster adds a futuristic touch, displaying essential driving information such as speed, fuel levels, and battery charge. The clean layout of the dashboard, combined with premium materials like soft-touch surfaces and leatherette accents, creates an upscale feel that rivals more premium brands.
The Seal U Hybrid offers ample space for both passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for families and anyone who needs extra room for their daily activities. The rear seats provide plenty of legroom and headroom, ensuring that even taller passengers can travel in comfort. For families with kids, the rear seat configuration makes it easy to install child seats while still leaving space for other passengers.
The boot space is generous, with enough room for luggage, sports equipment, or groceries. And for those times when you need even more space, the rear seats fold down to create a flat load floor, expanding the cargo area and making it easy to transport larger items.
The climate control system allows both the driver and passengers to adjust the temperature to their liking, ensuring everyone stays comfortable no matter the weather. Heated seats, adjustable lumbar support, and a premium sound system round out the list of comfort features, making every trip in the Seal U Hybrid a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
The BYD Seal U Hybrid is packed with advanced technology that enhances both convenience and safety, making it one of the most tech-forward SUVs in its class.
The Seal U Hybrid’s infotainment system is powered by BYD’s latest software, offering a range of connectivity options such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the vehicle’s display. This makes it easy to access navigation, make hands-free calls, stream music, and use your favourite apps while on the go.
The system also features voice control, which lets you adjust settings without taking your hands off the wheel. Whether you want to change the temperature, find a new route, or play a specific song, the voice-activated assistant makes it easy to stay connected while focusing on the road.
Safety is a top priority for BYD, and the Seal U Hybrid is equipped with a suite of advanced safety features designed to protect both the driver and passengers.
These include:
• Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a safe distance from the vehicle
in front, automatically adjusting speed based on traffic
conditions.
• Lane-Keep Assist: Gently steers the vehicle back into its lane if
it detects unintentional drifting.
• Blind-Spot Detection: Alerts the driver when another vehicle is in
their blind spot, reducing the risk of collisions during lane
changes.
• Automated Emergency Braking: Detects potential collisions and
applies the brakes if necessary to avoid or mitigate the impact.
These features work together to make the Seal U Hybrid one of the safest vehicles on the road, giving drivers peace of mind in a variety of driving conditions.
Ben and I cannot wait to get behind the wheel, so watch this space!
Thank you all, and enjoy!
Annabelle 😊