BYD, a world leader in plug-in electric vehicles, expands its range for the European market with the Seal U, a versatile 100% electric D-segment SUV. The Chinese firm has added a “U” to the name Seal as a reference to “Utility”, which they describe as “the definitive zero-emission family car thanks to its spacious, practical and comfortable cabin, which is combined with elegant lines and a extensive standard equipment.
Its design is characterized by a stylized appearance, with a sharp front and optics that reveal its belonging to the brand’s Seal family. The fluidity and balance in its proportions continues on the side, where a dynamic upper beltline runs across the entire surface, starting at the headlights and ending at the rear lights. The side view is highlighted by 19-inch alloy wheels with polished black and shiny spokes.
The angular design of the rear area contrasts with the rounded shapes of the front, resulting in a harmonious and well-proportioned aesthetic. The rear bumper shows off black and silver details, while the design of the LED lights that run along the entire rear is inspired by water drops, making a clear reference to the brand’s “Ocean Aesthetics” design language.
Comfort and interior spaciousness is another aspect that identifies the BYD Seal U thanks to the spaciousness provided by its flat floor, its panoramic roof that occupies the entire upper surface and the double-layer windows for greater insulation from the outside. The trunk can accommodate from 552 to 1,440 liters of cargo. However, inside, the most distinctive element is its 12.8” or 15.6” rotating central screen (with a button it rotates electrically to be positioned horizontally or vertically) along with its two smartphone chargers and its correct trims and finishes with vegan leather upholstery.
The new Seal U is a comfortable and spacious family-oriented SUV that is offered in two versions: Comfort (42,290 euros, or 34,080 with Moves) and Design (45,790 euros, or 37,580 with Moves). The first is equipped with a 71.8 kW/h battery that provides up to 420 km of autonomy in the WLTP combined cycle with a rapid recharge from 30 to 80% in 27 minutes.
The second, with better equipment, uses an 87 kW/h battery with which it achieves a greater range of use, up to 500 km in the WLTP cycle, and only 28 minutes to recover the charge in a high-capacity outlet thanks to an 11 kW three-phase on-board charger that is capable of ultra-fast charging speeds of up to 140 kW of power.
In both cases, the permanent magnet synchronous electric motor develops a maximum power of 160 kW (218 HP) and 330 Nm of torque, sending its force to the front axle. Like the rest of the electric models of this firm – BYD is the manufacturer with the most electric models, a total of 6 (Seal, Dolphin, Han, Atto 3…) -, they are based on their own architecture, the so-called e-Platform 3.0, and in the Blade Battery 2.0 concept. Its ultra-thin and compact battery pack – with an industry-leading energy density of up to 145 Wh/kg – allows long ranges to be achieved while minimizing space by up to 50% compared to those from other manufacturers.
The manufacturing quality and the brand’s confidence in its products is another of BYD’s differentiating factors, which is evident in its guarantee. The program that the Chinese manufacturer contemplates for its models, such as the Seal U, includes 6 years or 150,000 km of coverage and 8 years or 200,000 km for the battery as well as 8 years or 150,000 km for the electric motor and controllers. electronics.
But who is he and what is behind these three letters? BYD (Build Your Dreams) is the number one brand in the world in 2023 in sales of electric and plug-in hybrids, with 3.02 million units. The Asian manufacturer is among the Top 10 brands worldwide and sold 526,000 units of 100% electric cars alone compared to Tesla’s 485,000.
The Chinese giant, with a workforce of 600,000 workers, of which 90,000 are engineers, not only manufactures cars but produces its own batteries, but also electronic components and systems, and even trains. It also has complementary interests and companies in areas such as energy or railway transport.
It entered the automotive business in 2003, a little over 20 years ago, and last year it manufactured a total of 6 million vehicles, with its own technologies: batteries, electronics, electric motors… This “in-house” production capacity allows it has made it possible to have a wide range of electric models that the brand itself qualifies as “premium and accessible.”
Without a doubt, a name that will give a lot to talk about soon since not only is it the first Chinese brand with a production plant in Europe (Hungary), but to its growing notoriety BYD will add another milestone in 2024: it will be the official sponsor of the Euro Cup of German Football.