BYD Auto was founded just over two decades ago. Currently the second largest electric vehicle manufacturer in the world after Tesla, the Chinese juggernaut from Shenzhen has premiered the European specification of the Seal U DM-i at the Geneva Motor Show. Rather than a Tesla Model Y rival, this fellow is a plug-in hybrid with a slightly longer wheelbase than the Honda CR-V e:PHEV.
Known as the BYD Song Plus DM-i Champion Edition in China, with Champion Edition being the automaker's way of saying mid-cycle refresh, the Seal U DM-i is considered a D-segment crossover. A strict five-seat crossover with standard VTOL functionality, the generic-looking model can be charged from 30 to 80 percent in just over half an hour, yet DC fast charging is an optional extra.
It's kind of curious why a plug-in hybrid needs DC fast charging, more so if you remember that most PHEV customers rely on the combustion engine to charge the high-voltage battery on the long haul. The battery in question is LiFePo4, meaning that lithium iron phosphate is used for the cathode.
Going on sale in Europe in the second quarter of the year, the Seal U DM-i sports a four-pot engine and an electric drive unit. BYD hasn't published any output numbers for the European specification, but we do know the Chinese version produces 85 kW and 145 kW, respectively. In old money, those figures convert to 114 and 194 horsepower.
Back home in China, the Song Plus DM-i Champion Edition can be had with either an 18.3- or a 26.6-kWh pack. As per the NEDC test cycle, it's good for 110 or 150 kilometers (68 or 93 miles) in electric mode. It should be mentioned that NEDC is far more optimistic than WLTP, whereas WLTP isn't as close to the EPA's driving range estimates.
Photo: BYD
BYD says the Seal U DM-i uses the brand's so-called Ocean Aesthetics design language, which – allegedly – takes inspiration from the beauty of the ocean. Considering how many tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year, this Chinese crossover and the ocean do have a thing in common.
Measuring 4,775 millimeters (almost 188 inches) in length, the Seal U DM-i further sweetens the deal with a wheelbase of 2,765 millimeters (108.9 inches) and up to 1,440 liters (50.8 cubic feet) of cargo area. Behind the rear seats, make that 552 liters (19.5 cubic feet) as opposed to 635 liters (22.4 cubic feet) for the Honda CR-V in e:PHEV flavor.
A weird mix between Renault and Porsche up front, BYD's new crossover for the European market isn't particularly unique in terms of rear-end styling either. The same can be said about its cabin, where you'll find a plasticky airbag cover on the steering wheel and similarly plasticky door cards.
The interior's highlights come in the form of a rotatable 15.6-inch touchscreen and a crystal-finish gear selector. OTA software updates, an Infinity premium audio system, and wireless charging for two devices are highlights in their own right.
Sadly, pricing information isn't available for the time being. However, we do know that the Chinese version launched in June 2023 with prices ranging from 169,980 to 199,980 yuan (that would be $23,620 to $27,780 at current exchange rates).
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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