The Albany Gazette - The BYD Seal Hybrid U DM-i AWD in a practical test by journalists

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The BYD Seal Hybrid U DM-i AWD in a practical test by journalists

ECONOMY 21.09.2024

The BYD Seal Hybrid U DM-i AWD in a practical test by journalists

With the BYD Seal Hybrid U DM-i AWD, the Chinese car brand BYD is bringing a new competitor to the European hybrid SUV market. The manufacturer BYD has obviously realised very quickly that the enthusiasm for electric cars in Europe has its limits and that our range anxiety is deeply rooted, with Germany's Minister of Economic Affairs Robert Habeck recently announcing new tax benefits for electric cars and saying: "... we are currently preparing further tax relief for electric cars as part of the growth initiative".

Despite everything, BYD is following up the all-electric version of the VW ID.4 competitor as the DM-i with its first plug-in hybrid, the BYD Seal Hybrid U DM-i in the all-wheel drive version, as the "AWD".

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This intelligent dual-mode drive concept not only reduces the price by 3,000 euros to 38,900 euros, but above all increases the range. Where the all-electric drive of the electric version ends after 500 kilometres in the best case scenario, the entry-level version of the part-time electric vehicle with a 60-litre tank and 18.3 kWh buffer battery has a possible range of over 1000 kilometres.

In particular, the vehicle promises to offer a balance of performance, comfort and efficiency. We have tested the Seal in various situations and summarise its strengths and weaknesses in this report.

Design and processing:
The BYD Seal impresses with a dynamic and modern design that emphasises the sporty character of the vehicle. The coupé-like roofline and the clear, powerful lines give the SUV an appealing look. Inside, the vehicle impresses with its high-quality choice of materials and clean workmanship.

Advantages:
- Modern design: The exterior of the Seal has a sporty and modern look, with a streamlined silhouette and striking LED headlights.
- High-quality materials: The interior is designed with high-quality materials and the seats offer good comfort and sufficient lateral support.

Driving behaviour and performance:
- The BYD Seal is powered by a hybrid drive that combines a combustion engine with a powerful electric motor. The electric motor ensures quiet and efficient travelling, especially in city traffic, while the all-wheel drive ensures stability in difficult driving conditions. The Chinese manufacturer BYD has retained one thing: the plug-in hybrid also plays first fiddle to electric power. In the basic model with a 145 kW motor and in the top-of-the-range version with two motors and 270 kW. The comparatively new and modern 1.5-litre four-cylinder direct-injection turbo engine, on the other hand, with its 98 or 130 hp, only makes a modest contribution to the system output of 218 or 324 hp and is therefore rarely noticeable.
This applies above all to the Seal U's sprinting power, as it can go from 0 to 100 in 5.9 seconds at best and to 180 km/h at full throttle with the combined forces of "electric and combustion engine drive".

Advantages Technology:
- Hybrid technology: The combination of electric motor and combustion engine enables an efficient driving style, ideal for city traffic
- Quiet electric operation: In pure electric mode, the Seal runs almost silently
- All-wheel drive (AWD): AWD ensures excellent grip, especially in the rain or on slippery roads

Technology and equipment:
- The central infotainment system in the Seal Hybrid U DM-i AWD is large, clearly laid out and user-friendly. The vehicle is also equipped with numerous driver assistance systems that make driving safer and more comfortable

Advantages BYD Seal:
- User-friendly infotainment: The central display is intuitive to operate and offers functions such as navigation and wireless smartphone integration
- Modern safety functions: The Seal is equipped with a comprehensive set of assistance systems, including Lane Keeping Assist, autonomous braking and adaptive cruise control

Comfort and space:
- Inside, the Seal offers a comfortable and spacious cabin. The seats are ergonomically designed, and comfort remains at a high level even on longer journeys

Advantages Seats:
- Comfortable seats: Both front and rear seats offer good comfort, ideal for longer journeys
- Spacious interior: The front area is generously dimensioned and the legroom in the rear is also sufficient.

Price-performance ratio:
- The BYD Seal Hybrid U DM-i AWD is positioned in the mid-range price segment and offers an appealing combination of technology, comfort and performance. Especially in comparison to European manufacturers, the Seal offers a lot of features at a significantly lower price

Advantages:
- Attractive price: For a hybrid SUV with all-wheel drive and modern technology, the Seal offers a convincing price-performance ratio
- Favourable operating costs: The hybrid drive ensures lower fuel and maintenance costs.

Technical data BYD Seal U DM-i (without AWD):
Length/width/height 4775 mm/1890 mm/1670 mm - Wheelbase 2765 mm - Boot capacity 570 to 1440 litres - Unladen weight 2100 kg - Payload 410 kg. - Engine Dual electric motor + 18.3 kWH battery + 1.5-litre R4 turbo petrol engine - Automatic transmission - All-wheel drive - System output 238 kW (324 hp) - Torque 550 Newton metres - Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds - Top speed 180 km/h - Base price 38,900 euros

Our conclusion:
- The BYD Seal Hybrid U DM-i AWD presents itself as a modern hybrid SUV that scores particularly well with its attractive design, efficient hybrid technology and solid equipment. In city traffic, it impresses with quiet driving in electric mode, while the all-wheel drive offers safety even in difficult conditions. The BYD Seal is an interesting alternative to more expensive models, especially for price-conscious buyers who are looking for a well-equipped and comfortable hybrid SUV.

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The BYD Seal Hybrid U DM-i AWD in a practical test by journalists

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