Pricing confirmed for BYD Seal U plug-in hybrid SUV

BYD has is now accepting orders for the Seal U DM-i, its first plug-in hybrid model to launch in the UK.

Pricing for the new SUV starts at £33,205.

The Seal U is a D-segment SUV that will compete with the Ford Kuga and Kia Sportage. It is based on BYD's existing Seal saloon.

Powering the new model is BYD's DM-i hybrid powertrain, which combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor.

There are front- and all-wheel-drive configurations.

The Boost version uses front-wheel-drive it acheives a zero-emission range of 50 miles. It has a power outout of 217PS.

The Design model has two electric motors and all-wheel-drive. Total output is 323PS and the electric range is 43 miles.

Pricing for the Design starts at £39,905.

Both batteries support 11kW AC charging and 18kW DC charging. The engine can also charge the battery, so electric driving is always available.

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In China, the Seal U is also available with a choice of two fully-electric powertrains, and these offer ranges of between 323 and 376 miles from its 71kWh and 87kWh batteries respectively. The BEV is expected to be available in the UK later this year.

Seal U measures 4,775mm in length, 1,890mm wide and 1,670mm tall. The rear seats can be split 60:40, allowing the 552-litre boot to be increased to 1,440 litres when both seats are folded.

Standard equipment, including ADAS, intelligent driver assistance with a multitude of features, with active and passive functionality.

It also features 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, vegan leather upholstery, wireless phone charging, an Infinity premium sound system and a 15.6-inch rotating infotainment screen. 

In September, BYD told Fleet News it has an aspiration to capture 6% of the UK EV market over the next few years on the back of an accelerated model launch plan that has seen three cars already unveiled and another three or four expected in 2024.

Although reluctant to provide model-by-model registration targets, BYD’s sales strategy is to be present in every key channel, but over-exposed to none.