BYD announces European launch of the Seal U in February

The BYD Seal U (the U stands for “Utility”) is a five-seater SUV positioned below the larger, seven-seater BYD Tang SUV. Its dimensions are stated as 4,785 x 1,890 x 1668 millimetres with a wheelbase of 2,765 millimetres. In Europe, the electric mid-class SUV will go on sale in two equipment lines – Comfort and Design. Prices for the basic Comfort version start at 41,990 euros, while the higher Design equipment line starts at 44,990 euros.

In Germany and several other EU countries, the Seal U is now the sixth model in the BYD range available here. Specifically, the “newcomer” is an SUV offshoot of the Seal electric saloon, which is already available here – the European public has been familiar with the new model since the IAA Mobility in Munich in 2023. It has been known since then that the model will be launched on the market in two LFP battery versions: with 71.8 kWh capacity for 420 kilometres and with 87 kWh capacity for 500 kilometres WLTP range. Like the Seal, the Dolphin and the Atto 3, the new D-Class SUV is also based on the e-platform 3.0 developed by BYD, which uses the company’s ‘blade batteries‘ with LFP cell chemistry in an 800-volt configuration.

Both the Seal and its SUV offshoot “are equipped with innovative technology for safety, comfort and performance”, but appeal to different target groups, according to BYD. The electric saloon is primarily intended to score points with its sporty character, while the five-seater SUV is designed for versatility, comfort and spaciousness. This is also reflected in the drive configuration: the Seal U has a permanent magnet synchronous motor with 160 kW and 330 Nm on the front axle. The top speed is given as 175 kph, and the sprint from 0 to 100 kph takes 9.3 seconds. All-wheel drive has not been announced. The Seal sedan, on the other hand, combines an 82 kWh battery with a 230 kW rear-wheel drive or a 390 kW all-wheel drive for WLTP ranges of 570 or 520 kilometres.

Independently of this, BYD has announced a three-phase 11 kW on-board charger for AC charging and a DC fast charging function with 115 (Comfort) or 140 kW (Design) charging power as standard for the E-SUV. In the latter case, the charging time from 30 to 80 per cent should be around 27 minutes. BYD does not specify the usual charging process in Europe from ten to 80 per cent. The model also supports V2L, meaning it offers a charging option for external devices.

The manufacturer puts the trunk volume at 552 litres and 1,440 litres with the rear seat folded down (60:40 ratio). Other features include wireless charging cradles for cell phones and four USB ports. “When developing this family-friendly SUV, great importance was attached to implementing particularly practical solutions,” emphasizes BYD. Incidentally, the cW value as a guide for the vehicle’s aerodynamics is said to be 0.32.

According to the manufacturer, deliveries of the Seal U in Europe will begin in February. In addition to the basic decision between the two equipment lines, customers will then be able to choose between six paint colours and two colour schemes for the interior. The above prices include a manufacturer’s warranty for six years or up to 150,000 kilometres. In addition, BYD guarantees 70 per cent of the battery capacity for vehicles up to eight years old or a mileage of 200,000 kilometres. BYD provides an eight-year warranty on the electric motor, with a maximum mileage of 150,000 kilometres.

Incidentally, the Tang, which is positioned above the Seal U, is still based on a combustion engine platform but will receive more battery capacity and higher charging performance in the second half of the year via a facelift. The Tang is currently available from 55,700 euros thanks to a discount campaign by the Chinese manufacturer, and BYD already has the trio of Atto 3, Han and Tang, which were launched first, as well as the Dolphin and Seal models on the European market.