BYD Seal U DM-i first drive | Efficient and affordable

The Chinese firm BYD has made a lot of noise since 2023 about its arrival with electric cars in the UK but now it is broadening its line-up, with the introduction of its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the BYD Seal U DM-i.

The Seal U is a C-segment SUV with sleek design, cutting-edge features and an emphasis on fuel efficiency and affordability.

There is a pure electric Seal U in some markets but that's not yet on the way to the UK, and in any case BYD wants to showcase its ability to apply its battery expertise in a wider choice of powertrains.

In DM-i form (DM stands for dual mode) the BYD Seal U employs BYD’s innovative hybrid technology, combining a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a high power electric motor and a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery made by BYD. Power output is 218PS

The Super DM hybrid system is designed primarily for fuel efficiency and reducing tailpipe emissions, and it has an electric-first approach that allows the car to operate on electric power for a decent distance - WLTP tests show a maximum of 50 miles in the Boost model and up to some 77 miles the £35,205 Comfort model which features a larger 26.6kW battery.

In fact BYD claims the car will prioritise electric power for 90% of driving conditions. This electric-based hybrid architecture differs from most other PHEV technologies as it only uses the internal combustion engine for assistance. It means that this car keeps CO2 emissions down in WLTP tests to less than 26g/km, and fleet drivers will incur 8% BIK

Like most PHEVs, this car targets drivers who want efficient performance and the freedom to undertake long journeys without studying the public charging point network in advance. 

A high standard specification and appealing OTR price - from £33,205 for the entry Boost-specification car with the smaller battery - makes this spacious family-sized SUV excellent value in its sector.

Even the most expensive model, the Design spec car which has all-wheel drive and higher power (324PS) thanks to turbocharging the hybrid engine, comes in under the £40,000 premium VED threshold so keeps running costs reduced. It'll only do 43 miles at most on pure electric, however.

In my drive, I found the hybrid powertrain is smooth and responsive, and transitions between electric and petrol power are seamless, making for a quiet and refined driving experience.

In terms of fuel economy, the DM-i system’s  efficient petrol engine ensures fewer stops at the pump, making it an excellent choice for road trips or extended travel.

BYD’s Blade Battery also provides the convenience of faster charging. The BYD Seal U DM-i is equipped with an 11kW on-board charger as standard, and each version of the Seal U DM-i is also suitable for (DC) ultra-fast charging, which is unusual for a plug-in hybrid.

With its standard 18kW DC charging option, the battery can be charged from 30% to 80% of its capacity in just 35 minutes – something that used to be impossible with early PHEVs like the Mitsubishi Outlander

Inside, the BYD Seal U DM-i is a fine place to be, with a premium-feel cabin.

Vegan leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel are all standard, and Boost and Design variants get a large panoramic sunroof to make the cabin seem even more airy and spacious.

In addition, there are several convenience features, including charging pads for two smartphones, and a customisable digital instrument cluster.

BYD has equipped the Seal U DM-i with a comprehensive suite of smart technologies. The 15.6-inch rotatable central infotainment screen is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and supports BYD’s proprietary Di Link system, which integrates the car’s various functions like climate control, navigation, and entertainment.

A responsive voice control system ensures the driver can pay attention to the road while adjusting systems. This is particularly handy as there aren’t physical controls to adjust the heating, so having to access the touchscreen each time would be a pain.

The Seal U DM-i also comes equipped with a full set of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring to ensure this a tech-forward SUV is suited to modern car buyer demands.

Boot space is 425 litres, or 1440 litres with the 40/60-split rear seats folded flat. That's slightly smaller than the PHEV versions of the Tiguan and RAV4, but easily adequate for most fleet drivers’ needs.

Overall, the BYD Seal U DM-I has much going for it. Couple the quality and practicality of this car with a five star Green NCAP rating and BYD’s six year warranty (battery warranty extends to eight years) and this becomes a compelling package for user-choosers who aren’t yet ready for a pure electric car.