BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of New Energy Vehicles, is expanding its European portfolio with the all-electric BYD SEAL U. This versatile, future-oriented SUV in the D-segment – with the letter “U” in its name referring to “Utility” – is the ultimate family car, offering a spacious, practical, and comfortable passenger cabin combined with elegant aesthetics, luxury, and top-tier standard equipment. Furthermore, the SEAL U features high-quality materials and advanced technology in terms of safety, connectivity, and passenger well-being inside. Additionally, its range of up to 500 kilometers (WLTP) ensures even longer journeys on a single charge! The BYD SEAL U is available in two versions, with deliveries starting immediately in Greece!
Following the BYD SEAL and BYD DOLPHIN, the BYD SEAL U is the next addition to BYD’s Ocean series, adopting the brand’s “Ocean Aesthetics” design identity. The SUV is characterized by its attractive X-shaped front, accentuated by a rounded and curvaceous design. The U-shaped lighting elements seamlessly integrate into the hood, creating an impressive and distinctive identity exclusive to the Ocean series, while the dual lamps further enhance its high-tech appearance.
The flowing lines and balanced proportions continue along the side, where the characteristic “shoulder line” extends from the front headlights to the rear lights. The side profile is adorned with 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels with carefully polished black spokes and a glossy finish. The rear design, which emphasizes a sense of width, complements the curvaceous front aesthetic, resulting in a harmonious silhouette with well-balanced proportions. The rear bumper is highlighted by black and silver detailing, while the design of the transparent rear LED lighting draws inspiration from water droplets, echoing the “Ocean Aesthetics” design identity.
Premium Interior Experience
The interior of the SEAL U exudes a premium feel, with a tasteful blend of modern and elegant design, soft-touch surfaces, high-quality finishes, and colorful ambient lighting. The seats, as well as sections of the dashboard, door panels, and center console, are upholstered in eco-friendly, vegan leather with contrasting double stitching. The “Legacy Gearshift Panel” features an exceptionally elegant crystal gear shifter inspired by the ocean. Key features such as comfort, convenience, and well-being inside the SEAL U are also reflected in the large front seats, which come standard with multi-directional electric adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The two large digital screens highlight the brand’s high-tech DNA. Both contribute to ergonomics and comfort, offering clear displays and intuitive touch functionality. Meanwhile, the panoramic electric sunroof brightens and ventilates the cabin, and the PM2.5 cabin particle filter – including an air-purifying system in the top equipment version – ensures all passengers breathe clean air.
Dimensions & Practicality
The BYD SEAL U is equipped with everything needed to excel as a comfortable family car that offers exceptional practicality. This five-seat D-segment SUV has a length of 4,785 mm, a width of 1,890 mm, and a height of 1,668 mm. Thanks to its 2,765 mm wheelbase and flat floor design, there is ample legroom for rear passengers. At the same time, the SEAL U provides an exceptionally quiet cabin experience with excellent NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harness) levels.
Given its family-oriented focus, great attention has been paid to enhancing practicality. The rear seat, which folds in a 60:40 ratio, facilitates increasing the luggage space capacity from 425 to 1,440 liters. Functionality is further supported by practical storage compartments, two convenient cup holders in the central console, four USB ports, and the ability to wirelessly charge two smartphones simultaneously. A particularly useful feature in areas without an available power outlet is the BYD SEAL U’s ability to support V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) charging, allowing the car to function as a portable power source for operating electrical devices.
BYD Blade Battery Technology
Like all BYD passenger vehicles available in Europe, the BYD SEAL U comes standard with the unique, cobalt-free Blade Battery technology developed by BYD, primarily aimed at optimizing safety, durability, longevity, performance, and space utilization. The battery is composed of several thin, elongated cells that resemble blades. Additionally, it uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) as a cathode material to enhance safety, durability, and thermal stability. The remarkable safety level of the Blade Battery is demonstrated by its ability to exceed the requirements of the “Nail Penetration Test” certification.
Two Efficient Powertrain Configurations
The BYD SEAL U is available in two trim levels (Comfort and Design), each with its own powertrain configuration. Both versions utilize a powerful modern permanent magnet electric motor that drives the front wheels. With a maximum output of 160 kW / 218 PS and immediate torque of up to 330 Nm, the SEAL U can reach a top speed of 175 km/h.
The Comfort version comes with a 71.8 kWh battery, providing a range of up to 420 kilometers (WLTP, combined). The Design version, with an 87 kWh battery, offers even greater range of up to 500 kilometers (WLTP, combined). The SEAL U comes standard with an integrated 11 kW AC three-phase charger and supports ultra-fast DC charging up to 140 kW. This means the Blade Battery can be charged from 30% to 80% in just 27 to 28 minutes. In addition to the revolutionary Blade Battery and the low drag coefficient of 0.32 Cd, the increased range and low energy consumption are also supported by the efficient 8-in-1 electric powertrain. This technology integrates eight key components, resulting in optimized space utilization and a system efficiency of 88%. Furthermore, the BYD 8-in-1 electric powertrain works in close collaboration with a high-efficiency heat pump system to precisely regulate the battery temperature, ensuring optimal performance in all conditions and climates.
Intelligent Cockpit System & BYD App
With a wealth of equipment features and smart technologies as standard, the BYD SEAL U offers an excellent value-for-money proposition in its category. A key feature of the vehicle, the SEAL U provides intelligent connectivity, information, and entertainment, even remotely, through the BYD smartphone app. The BYD Intelligent Cockpit System operates via the signature 15.6” rotating screen—allowing you to choose between horizontal or vertical orientation—while various driver-relevant information is displayed on the 12.3-inch LCD instrument panel behind the steering wheel. Offering an exceptional and personalized connected experience, the Intelligent Cockpit System also includes 4G connectivity, integrated Spotify, HERE navigation, smartphone integration via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, and smart voice control activated by the voice command “Hi BYD.” The system utilizes Over-The-Air (OTA) updates to remain fully up-to-date.
Regarding connectivity, the SEAL U goes a step further by offering remote control of multiple vehicle functions through the BYD app for smartphones or other mobile devices. For example, you can lock and unlock the doors, close open windows, control the climate, seat heating/ventilation, indicators, and horn. You can also monitor the remaining time for battery charging completion and the vehicle’s range. With your smartphone, you can even unlock the car via NFC technology.
Advanced Safety Technology
As is customary, BYD sets high standards in both passive and active safety. Consequently, the BYD SEAL U has been developed to be one of the safest electric family SUVs in its category. In addition to the extensive use of high-strength steel and an exceptionally robust panel with a honeycomb structure to protect the battery, the BYD SEAL U also features a dynamically stable chassis that offers top-tier driving characteristics, combined with a MacPherson front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.
To monitor traffic, warn the driver, or even intervene to prevent an accident, the BYD SEAL U comes standard with an extensive range of advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) utilizing four radar sensors and a central camera. Among other features, these include: Forward Collision Warning, Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assistance, Smart Speed Limit Control, Blind Spot Detection, and more. The Design version also includes a Head-Up Display. During nighttime driving, you can rely on full-LED lighting technology for better visibility, including high beam assist and adaptive headlights, which are part of the standard equipment. To assist the driver in executing maneuvers safely, a camera system provides 360-degree surround visibility on the central screen, even from above and around the vehicle, with the help of an animated car. By intelligently combining images from multiple wide-angle cameras, it feels as though you are observing your own maneuvers at close range.
The SEAL U comes standard with 7 airbags—front, side, curtain-type roof airbags, and between the two front seats. The Euro NCAP rated the car with five stars, with adult occupant protection reaching 90%.
BYD SEAL U, Available in Two Equipment Levels
The SEAL U range consists of two equipment versions – Comfort and Design, each with its own configuration regarding the powertrain – six vibrant exterior colors and two interior options.
The vehicle comes standard with a full manufacturer warranty of 6 years/150,000 km, an 8-year/200,000 km warranty for the battery, and an 8-year/150,000 km warranty for the electric motor.
