BYD Seal U DM-i, a plug-in hybrid family SUV for daily use without polluting

Technical data sheet BYD Seal U DM-i Design

Engine: 4 cyl. gasoline + 2 electric Displacement: 1,497 ccMaximum power: 324 hp Transmission: Aut. Traction: TotalAcceleration 0-100 km / h: 5.9 secondsMaximum speed: 180 km / hCombined consumption: 1.2 liters (WLTP)CO2 emissions: 26 g / km (WLTP)DGT label: 0Length / width / height: 477/189/167 cmTrunk: 425 litersTank: 60 litersWeight: 2,100 kgWarranty: 6 years or 150,000 kmPrice: 44,290 euros (Design)byd.com

BYD is not just another Chinese brand on the current scene. Far from it. It is worth remembering that this Chinese brand is a world leader in plug-in vehicles, a technological multinational holding more than 30,000 patents (15 a day) that has focused its strategy on the development of innovations that include the manufacture of batteries, electric motors, electronic control systems and components such as the famous semiconductors.

In 2024, BYD sold 5,393 cars in Spain, including the Seal U DM-i in question, a D-segment plug-in hybrid SUV, which becomes the brand's first model in Europe to use DM-i (Dual Mode Intelligence) technology, developed entirely by BYD to offer benchmark energy efficiency combined with superior driving comfort.

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It is the best-selling plug-in hybrid currently on the market, a family-oriented SUV, certainly spacious and perfectly suitable to become the family car for everything.

BYD, a specialist in electric cars, is adapting to Europe with this plug-in hybrid so that it does not have to depend exclusively on electricity. The panorama has changed, mainly in Spain where the electric car has not yet taken off. Therefore, plug-in hybrids are particularly interesting as they do not depend on a plug, although they do need one to operate in the most efficient way.

Nice and well equipped

The BYD Seal U DM-i in Design trim tested is the top-of-the-range version. It has two electric motors and all-wheel drive, one with 204 hp at the front and another with 163 hp at the rear, which are complemented by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 131 hp. The total maximum power of the system is 324 hp and the total maximum torque is 550 Nm. These are, for a car with this philosophy, very good figures.

With a pleasing design, it is practically identical to the 100% electric version. And the Design finish is really complete, with everything you would expect today - and more - from an SUV in this segment.

It comes as standard with LED headlights with automatic high beam control, keyless entry and start, a sunroof, digital instrumentation with a 12.3-inch screen, a 15.6-inch central control panel, a 10-speaker sound system, a Head-Up Display system, a 360º camera, heated and ventilated front seats, electronic adjustment for the front seats, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ambient lighting and dual-zone automatic climate control. And, of course, all the driving assistants imaginable. Some of them are easy to disconnect. This is not the case with the speed aid, although this is what European regulations require.

The cabin is spacious and very pleasant due to the feel of the materials and the good general appearance. Nothing is missing. It should be remembered that we are dealing with a large car, 4.78 metres long, and the occupants of the back row enjoy a completely flat floor and a very comfortable bench seat. The seats are somewhat soft, but adequate for long journeys. And there is plenty of light in the cabin thanks to the large sunroof and glass surfaces.

Plug-in hybrid

The Seal U DM-i Design has an all-wheel drive system that, as we have described, combines a gasoline engine with two electric motors. The 1.5-liter combustion engine is responsible for driving the front wheels. Coupled to the gasoline engine is an electric motor capable of driving the wheels by itself if there is enough battery power. On the rear axle we find the other engine that also has driving capacity. All of this is powered by a 18.3 kWh battery that ensures about 70 kilometers of electric autonomy.

As with all plug-in hybrids, you need to leave home with the battery charged. This way, you will get the most out of this technology and drive more efficiently. The Seal U DM-i can charge at 18 kW in direct current or 11 kW in alternating current. In the case of charging at 18 kW it will take 35 minutes to go from 30 to 80%. And the V2L function, for charging external devices in the car, comes as standard.

Highway and city

The BYD Seal U DM-i has two driving modes: EV and HEV. The first, fully electric mode, is used for everyday commuting or in urban traffic. In the second mode, the vehicle mainly uses the energy supplied by the battery. Only during acceleration does the petrol engine provide additional power to the wheels to support the battery. On the other hand, the changes between the different modes are always smooth, giving the driver the feeling of being at the wheel of a 100% electric vehicle.

In addition, there is no need to worry about autonomy or charging, since the motor recharges the battery (adjustable between 25% and 70%), also through braking regeneration.

If the battery runs out on the road, on a long journey, consumption increases and can reach around 7 litres. This is not much, considering how much it weighs and that it can be loaded with five passengers on board. And the regenerative braking can be adjusted in two levels, but it is not of the “single pedal” type. On the other hand, if we want to obtain rapid acceleration, on the road, the engine accelerates and makes itself heard by the presence of the variator gearbox. It is not annoying, but it is noticeable.

Not very dynamic

This new BYD is a pleasant and easy-to-drive car, but with a calm and familiar approach. It has a soft suspension, which is generally comfortable, but which causes the body to oscillate occasionally. Therefore, you should not look for great dynamic efficiency on the road. It is not its strong point. And the steering is excessively assisted, which is appreciated in the city, but transmits little on the road.

All in all, a competitively priced SUV, very well equipped, packed with technology and proving that some Chinese cars have arrived to make things difficult for traditional European manufacturers.