At the Paris Motor Show in October 2022, BYD presented a range of three electric models for its arrival in France: the Han, Tang and Atto 3. A few months later, it unveiled the Dolphin and Seal, a compact and a family sedan in marketing course. At the Munich show, the Chinese manufacturer presents the sixth model of its European range, the Seal U. First encounter with the SUV.
The BYD Seal U (“seal” meaning seal and “U” symbolizing “utility” to mark the versatile character of the model) is 4.79 m long, including 2.77 m wheelbase, for 1.89 m wide and 1.68 m high. It incorporates the aesthetic codes of the Seal saloon: very thin headlights at the front, shields simplified to the maximum and rounded, incorporating aerodynamic appendages near the fenders and a shoe at the bottom of the bumper. A light strip takes place over the entire width of the tailgate, with a light signature in the shape of small drops of water. Note that the design is signed Wolfgang Egger, a former Audi who has worked at BYD since 2017.
On board, the cabin is almost identical to the rest of the range. A central 15.6-inch rotating screen takes place on the dashboard. The system may seem like a gadget but sometimes proves useful, for example when the navigation is activated. The rest of the dashboard is more classic, with stitching, leather and inserts that can be illuminated. On the center console is a small selector with a crystal finish, reminiscent of those of BMW and Volvo. The habitability is generous in the rear, whether at the level of the legs or the head. The absence of a central tunnel also contributes to this beautiful feeling of space. Finally, the trunk volume is announced at 570 liters in 5-seater configuration.
In France, the Seal U is only offered with a 218 hp electric motor at launch. On the other hand, the SUV leaves the choice between two battery capacities: 71.8 or 87 kWh. The first offers 420 km of autonomy, while the second offers a range of 500 km. For recharging, the Seal U has a power of 140 kW, against 88 kW For the moment, BYD does not specify whether an all-wheel drive version as on the Seal sedan will eventually join the catalog.
The SUV will be officially marketed in France from the first quarter of 2024. For the moment, the number of concessions is limited, with two ByMyCar garages located in Paris. The brand intends to take advantage of these distribution networks to establish itself more sustainably in the rest of France. For the moment, we do not yet know the price of the SUV.
Photos : DR.
Also read on Auto-Moto.com:
BYD Atto 3 test: conquering the West
BYD Dolphin test: what is this Chinese electric rival of the Renault Mégane E-Tech worth?
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To sum up
BYD unveils a sixth model for the European market: the Seal U. Meeting on the occasion of its first release at the Munich show.
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