BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles, introduces the SEAL U DM-i. This is the company’s first Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) vehicle to feature BYD’s Super DM (Dual Mode) technology in Europe. The SEAL U DM-i offers an efficient, practical, affordable, and eco-friendly solution for daily commuting as well as carefree long-distance travel. The D-segment family SUV is now available in our market and targets customers seeking an environmentally friendly vehicle without compromising on range, practicality, and economy.
The BYD SEAL U DM-i combines all the advantages of electric mobility: it is fast, powerful, and efficient. This trifecta is achieved through BYD’s Super DM technology, a groundbreaking advancement in PHEV technology. Exclusively developed by BYD, it offers numerous benefits, such as energy efficiency, low fuel consumption, excellent performance, and comfort.
For the SEAL U DM-i, the “i” symbolizes intelligence, embodying the principles of smart and energy-efficient driving.
BYD’s Super DM technology prioritizes electric power with minimal reliance on fuel, making it more environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and fuel-saving. When the battery is fully charged and the driver selects EV mode, the vehicle becomes purely electric. When the state of charge (SOC) is low, the BYD SEAL U DM-i switches to hybrid mode, with extremely low fuel consumption, removing any concerns about electric range. Offering a quiet and comfortable drive, exhilarating high-power performance, and a responsive acceleration, this innovative hybrid system redefines the driving experience.
An Energy-Efficient Vehicle, Two Versions
The SEAL U DM-i is available in two versions (Design & Boost), designed for drivers who seek an environmentally friendly vehicle without compromising on range, practicality, and economy.
The SEAL U DM-i in the Design version features two high-power electric motors (150 kW – 204 PS for the front and 120 kW – 164 PS for the rear motor) and a “Blade Battery” with a capacity of 18.3 kWh, supported by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine developed by BYD itself. This engine delivers 96 kW (131 PS) and works in conjunction with the two electric motors. The total maximum power of the system is 238 kW (324 PS), with a total maximum torque of 550 Nm. The BYD SEAL U DM-i Design is all-wheel drive.
The Boost version is front-wheel drive and comes with a 1.5-liter hybrid engine that produces 72 kW (98 PS) and works with a high-power electric motor rated at 145 kW (198 PS). The Boost version features the same 18.3 kWh Blade Battery from BYD as the Design version. The total system power for the Boost version is 160 kW (218 PS), with a maximum torque of 300 Nm.
The BYD SEAL U DM-i offers two driving profiles for all versions: EV and HEV. In the EV profile, the driver can select the “EV only mode” for smooth daily commuting or city driving. In the HEV profile, the vehicle primarily uses power from the battery, with the gasoline engine providing additional power to the wheels only during acceleration, thereby supporting the battery.
The SEAL U DM-i smoothly alternates between different modes, providing the feel of a purely electric vehicle thanks to its unique technologies. Additionally, drivers need not worry about range or charging methods. The engine charges the battery (between 25% and 70%, with adjustable range) to ensure that the electric mode is always available, while the battery is also charged through regenerative braking technology.
Extremely Low Fuel Consumption
The hybrid structure of BYD’s DM-i technology, which is based on electric power, prioritizes exceptionally low fuel consumption, a quiet and seamless driving experience, as well as high performance. The vehicle can achieve fuel consumption of just 0.9 liters/100 km in the Boost version and 1.2 liters/100 km in the Design version (combined WLTP values). The combined electric energy consumption for the Boost version is 21 kWh/100 km and for the Design version is 23.5 kWh/100 km. The corresponding city driving consumption values are 14.5 kWh/100 km for the Boost version and 16.1 kWh/100 km for the Design version.
Additionally, the BYD SEAL U DM-i offers carefree mobility. The all-wheel-drive Design version has a purely electric range of 70 kilometers (WLTP), ensuring a total range of 870 kilometers (WLTP). The front-wheel-drive Boost version offers 80 kilometers of all-electric driving, ensuring a total range of 1,080 kilometers (WLTP).
The BYD SEAL U DM-i combines power with efficiency in every journey. With a total system power of up to 238 kW (324 PS), it promises a dynamic driving experience with high power output, rapid acceleration, and immediate response. In terms of performance, the BYD SEAL U DM-i sets the standard. With an astonishing acceleration time of just 5.9 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, the SEAL U DM-i Design is significantly faster than similar internal combustion engine vehicles.
BYD’s Blade Battery Technology
Like all BYD passenger cars available in Europe, the BYD SEAL U DM-i is standard equipped with BYD’s unique cobalt-free Blade Battery technology, developed by the company with the primary goal of optimizing safety, durability, longevity, performance, and space utilization. The battery consists of multiple thin, elongated cells that actually resemble blades.
Additionally, it uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) as a cathode material to enhance safety, durability, and thermal stability. The exceptional safety level of the “Blade Battery” is demonstrated by its ability to exceed the requirements of the “Nail Penetration Test,” one of the most stringent methods for testing battery thermal runaway, simulating the effects of a severe traffic accident. All versions of the BYD SEAL U DM-i offer three-phase AC charging at 11 kW and DC charging at 18 kW. The DC charging time (30-80%) is only 35 minutes.
Ocean Aesthetics Design Philosophy
The BYD SEAL U DM-i, like its fully electric counterpart in the SEAL family, features an attractive X-shaped front, accentuated by its rounded and curved design. The U-shaped headlights seamlessly integrate into the hood, creating a striking and unique identity exclusively for the Ocean Series, while the dual lamps further enhance its high-tech appearance.
The balanced proportions continue on the sides, where the strong upper line stretches from the headlights to the rear lights. The side profile is adorned with 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels featuring meticulously polished black spokes and a glossy finish. The design of the rear, which enhances the sense of width, complements the curved aesthetic of the front, resulting in a harmonious silhouette with well-balanced proportions. The rear bumper is highlighted with black and silver details, while the design of the transparent LED rear lighting draws inspiration from water droplets, referencing the company’s “Ocean Aesthetics” design identity.
Premium Interior Experience
The interior of the BYD SEAL U DM-i 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, along with sections of the dashboard, door panels, and center console, are upholstered in eco-friendly “vegan” leather with double stitching that creates a contrasting effect.
The “Legacy Gearshift Panel,” featuring an exceptionally stylish crystal gear selector, is inspired by the ocean. Key features such as comfort, convenience, and well-being inside the SEAL U DM-i are reflected in the large front seats, which come standard with multi-directional electric adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The two large digital displays showcase the brand’s high-tech DNA. Both contribute to ergonomics and comfort, offering clear indicators and intuitive touch functionality. Additionally, the panoramic electric sliding sunroof makes the cabin bright and airy, while the PM2.5 cabin particle filter, including an air purification system in the top trim, ensures a clean and comfortable environment.
Dimensions & Practicality
The BYD SEAL U DM-i offers everything needed to excel as a comfortable family vehicle with excellent practicality. This five-seat D-segment SUV is 4,775 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, and 1,670 mm in height. With a wheelbase of 2,765 mm and a flat floor design, there is ample legroom for rear passengers. At the same time, the SEAL U DM-i ensures an exceptionally quiet cabin experience, with excellent NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) levels. Given its family-oriented design, significant attention has been given to enhancing practicality. The rear seat, which can be folded in a 60/40 split, allows the trunk space to expand from 425 to 1,440 liters.
Functionality is further supported by practical storage spaces, two convenient cup holders in the center console, four USB ports, and the ability to wirelessly charge two smartphones simultaneously. A particularly practical and useful feature in areas without available outlets is the BYD SEAL U DM-i’s V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) capability, allowing the vehicle to be used as a portable power source for operating electrical devices.
Intelligent Cockpit System & BYD App
With a wide array of standard features and smart technologies, the BYD SEAL U DM-i offers an excellent value-for-money ratio in its segment. The SEAL U DM-i provides smart connectivity, updates, and entertainment, even remotely, via the BYD smartphone app. The Intelligent Cockpit System operates through BYD’s signature 15.6” rotating screen, allowing users to choose between horizontal or vertical orientation, while various driver-assist information is displayed on the 12.3-inch LCD instrument panel.
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, which can be activated with the voice command “Hi BYD.” The system uses Over-The-Air (OTA) updates to remain fully up-to-date.
Regarding connectivity, the BYD SEAL U DM-i takes it a step further by providing remote control of multiple vehicle functions via the BYD app for smartphones or other mobile devices. For instance, users can lock and unlock doors, close open windows, and control air conditioning, seat heating/ventilation, turn signals, and the horn. Additionally, it provides information on the remaining charging time and range. With your smartphone, you can even unlock and start the car using the keyless entry feature through NFC technology.
Advanced Safety Technology
As usual, BYD sets high standards in both passive and active safety. Therefore, the BYD SEAL U DM-i has been developed to be one of the safest electric family SUVs in its class. In addition to the extensive use of high-strength steel and an exceptionally strong honeycomb-structured panel for battery protection, the BYD SEAL U DM-i also offers a dynamically stable frame combined with superior driving features, thanks to its front MacPherson strut suspension and rear multi-link suspension.
To monitor traffic, warn the driver, or even intervene to prevent a collision, the BYD SEAL U DM-i comes standard with an extensive array of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that utilize five radar sensors and a central camera. These include: Forward Collision Warning, Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assistance, Intelligent Speed Limit Control, Blind Spot Detection, and more. The Design version also features a Head-Up Display.
For nighttime driving, you can rely on full-LED lighting technology for better visibility, including high beam assist and adaptive headlights, both standard features. To assist the driver in performing maneuvers safely, a system of cameras provides 360-degree surround visibility on the central display, even from above and around the car with the help of an animated car. By cleverly combining images from multiple wide-angle cameras, it appears as though you are watching the vehicle’s movements from a close distance.
The SEAL U DM-i has been awarded the highest 5-star rating in crash tests conducted by the independent Euro NCAP organization.
Deliveries of the new BYD SEAL U DM-i Boost and Design models will begin shortly in our country. The SEAL U DM-i is available in five colors: Delan Black, Time Grey, Snow White, Tian Qing (blue), and Boundless Cloud, with two interior configurations (seat and door trim shades in black or black/brown).
