18/11/2024 The Chinese giant’s first plug-in hybrid sold in Ireland is a comprehensively equipped mid-size SUV. Available in front or all wheel drive variants ‘Seal U’ is a five-seat family car that is big on space and value for money. Pricing starts from €42,150 (FWD Boost) and range topping Design – with more power, toys and dual electric motor AWD traction costing €49,140.
BYD calls the Seal U a ‘Super Hybrid’ – to you and me the only thing to note is that Seal U has much faster charging than most plug in hybrids as it features a CCS charging socket that allows AC charging (up to 11kW) but also DC charging at 18kW. The battery can charge from 30-80% in as quick as 35 minutes. The Seal U, when driven like a saint can deliver up to 1,080km of driving range from a full fuel tank and battery. The hybrid system combines the power generated by its 1.5 litre petrol engine and electric motors. Its electric only range of up to 80kms is impressive and up there with the likes of PHEVs from Toyota and VW thanks to its 18.3kWh cobalt-free blade’ battery. So as a car to see most users through a transition to going fully electric the Seal U is hitting all the markers – bar it is still a biggish/weighty SUV. BYD quotes combined fuel consumption figures of 0.9 FWD and 1.2 L/100km AWD (weighted) or 6.4 and 7.4L/100km respectfully.
Outside the car is utterly unremarkable. The five-door easily blends in with the myriad of SUVs already on sale. Look a little closer and you will find some nice design touches, but again nothing jumps out as in any way revolutionary. The front-end has a Porsche-like curvy-ness, side-on, there are some nice creases in the metal and as for the look of the rear, its as bland as most offerings in the class.
Inside there is plenty of space and a big car feel to the cabin. A huge centre screen dominates the dash. The centre console features loads of small controls and flush buttons. Heating controls are via the touch screen – where you will also find a karaoke option in the entertainment system. There is lots of room for oddments and even twin wireless charging places for your phones, plus under console cubby space, Overall there is a definite premium feel, and this is enhanced greatly when you look at the asking price relative to the usual European stalwarts. The boot holds 425 litres and when you drop the rear seats there is 1,440 litres of cargo space. Seal U also features V2L or vehicle to load – so you can power external electrical equipment/appliances using the car’s hybrid battery. Being Chinese there is excellent connectivity – to the conspiracy theorists, yes they’re listening, haha, but all cars are listening these days!
All of the mandatory safety features are fitted plus many more ADAS systems to keep occupants and other road users safe e.g. front and rear cross traffic alerts and blind spot detection. Described by Ciaran Allen, Sales Director at MDL, the Irish distributor for BYD, as: “cutting-edge technology that transforms the hybrid driving experience, BYD SEAL U Super Hybrid’s blend of environmentally friendly energy-efficiency and fuel economy combines all the benefits of electric driving, rewarding owners with real savings, quick and responsive acceleration, and exceptional drive comfort”.
On the road our Boost grade test car feels numb and un-involving, in a perfectly acceptable way. There are selectable drive modes that do what they say e.g Eco, Sport etc. The steering lacks any feel of the road, but is easy to use. We’ve also driven the AWD and both versions deliver effortless power and drive well. The FWD’s power output is 215hp and 300nm, while the AWD Design delivers 320hp and 550nm
The 1.5 litre engine is one BYD is proud of: ‘The self-developed 1.5-litre Xiaoyun petrol engine is said by BYD to be the ‘world’s highest thermally- efficient petrol-driven engine’. With brake thermal efficiency of 43%, it boasts fuel efficiency that meets long-range emissions standards whilst having the additional benefit of a distinctly smooth and quiet driving experience. Its highly-integrated powertrain incorporates high-speed dual motors, dual controllers and advanced oil-cooling.’ 0-100km/h takes 8.9 seconds (5.9 AWD). The strong brakes take a bit of getting used to as they are initially grabby. Even my well trained foot took a while to perfect the seamless stop.
BYD has stormed in to the Irish market with fantastic value for money offerings, and Seal U really shames many rivals in terms of bang for your buck. The dealer network will no doubt expand from its current six (Cork, Waterford, Wexford, Limerick and two in Dublin) as demand increases. Michael Sheridan
